A Charming Detached Edwardian Residence In The Pocket
offered at $1,039,000Featured in the Globe and Mail’s Home Of The Week!
Have you ever felt that unique pride of homeownership, where you’re connected to your residence in a meaningful way? What about when that pride spills beyond the physical property, to include a coveted neighbourhood that fuses a convenient location with an engaged urban lifestyle? It’s great to own your own slice of the city, but it’s even more rewarding when that slice is connected to a community that will enrich your everyday life. Situated in a beloved private enclave called ‘The Pocket’, this elegant detached two-storey two-bed home – bursting with character and vintage details – will do just that!
Welcome to 28 Condor Avenue!
When you hear the term “pocket” – as it relates to real estate – what do you envision? Perhaps a small, connected area that is part of the greater whole, but has special attributes that uniquely set up a framework for a community? That is – in part – why this unique neighbourhood earned its name.
Like a few other Toronto neighbourhoods (think The Junction Triangle), the Pocket is named after its geographic shape, but being a more recent addiiton to the the city’s maps, it’s make-up and history make it extremely unique. The Pocket is contained on three sides, creating the atmosphere of an -in-the-know enclave – private, slightly tucked away, but still completely joined to the larger area south of the Danforth and all of its amenities. You get the benefit of the tight-knight community (picture BBQs, block parties, street events and art shows in Phin Park) that comes with village living, coupled with the lifestyle benefits of urban living, all at the same time.
Bordered by the Greenwood TTC yard and the CN rail corridor on the south east, this neighbourhood enclave is only accessible from Jones Avenue on the west. While surrounding neighbourhoods like Riverdale and Danforth Village may be more reknown, this resident-driven community has surged in popularity and desirablity over the past two decades as young families and professionals coveting the intimacy of this bijou collection of twelve streets have snapped up the housing, literally redefining the area. The end result is a charming, cohesive community that offers a distinct pretense-free lifestyle for its lucky residents. What’s more, the area is particularly supportive to a rich urban lifestyle, with many amenities within walking distance or a short drive away.
28 Condor Avenue is well-situated just south of Danforth Avenue, with a variety of shops, restaurants and bars within easy access. Want to head out for drinks on date night? The Only Café with a wide selection of microbrews is a 10-minute walk away. Morgan’s On The Danforth, promotes itself as a “neighbourhood bar and kitchen”, is only a 15-minute walk away. Il Fornello On The Danforth with Italian fare, vegan options and a kid’s menu is a mere 5-minute drive away. Bake shops aren’t as plentiful in this city as they should be (we think!) but a favourite is located on the Danforth just a block east of Greenwood: Patisserie La Cigogne! Conversely, pizza places are a dime a dozen, which is why the stellar ones, like Pizza Libretto at Danforth and Jones, are so appreciated!
Public transport is easily accessible, with the TTC subway stops Pape Station and Donlands just a hop, skip and a jump away. Necessity amenities for running errands are right here in the ‘hood (less than a 5-minute drive away). You’ve got big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot at Gerrard Square Shopping Centre along with the LCBO, Shoppers Drug Mart and No Frills right nearby as well. The Pape/Danforth Branch of the library is close; the perfect place to go on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
As for the important urban amenity of nearby green space, where do you begin with this particular location? The centre of the neighbourhood has to be Phin Avenue Parkette – just the right size to allow some outdoor recreation and to host neighbourhood events and gatherings. Then, less than a 10-minute walk from your front door, you’ve got Kempton Howard Park, with a baseball ball diamond, wading pool and playground. Just over a 15-minute walk away is 8.5 hectare Withrow Park, with a playground, volleyball courts, multipurpose sports fields, and off-leash park for dogs. There is also an artificial ice rink, perfect for outdoor family outings in the winter. About a 5-minute drive away is expansive Riverdale Park East, with a host of outdoor amenities, like tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, a hockey rink, playground and tobogganing area. And I can’t help but mention one of my favourites – Monarch Park – which offers a thick canopy of trees, swimming pool, and plenty of space to play and picnic!
Of neighbourhood amenities, the one that will add convenience and quality to your life, as well as go far to preserve and boost the asset value of your home is the proximity of good schools. 28 Condor is well-located to a quality selection of schools. Less than a 10-minute stroll away are Blake St. Junior Public School for JK-6 ( which promotes small size and multicultural inclusiveness) and Earl Grey Senior Public School for Grades 7-8 ( focusing on athletics, academics and leadership opportunities). For High School, there is Holy Name Catholic High School (about a 5-minute drive away) and Riverdale Collegiate Institute.
This offering is special. Solid, well-maintained, and in excellent condition this two-bed detached two-storey residence has all the comforts of a modern dwell, but with the historic character details of a vintage 1912 Edwardian home. Having a pretty facade with its bay window and gabled roof, it’s beautifully presented by a lush front garden with its stone retaining walls, meandering path and mature plantings. Yup, call this a heart-grabber!
The quality front door opens into a gracious living room, with a sun-splashed leaded window, gas fireplace, wood floors and a pair of vintage sconce lights. Passing the staircase to the upper level – which is open to the living room – is a well-proportioned formal dining room. Featuring wood floors, I love the exposed wood ceiling timbers which add visual interest, and the plaster walls which elevate the character of this space. This elevated room connects to the kitchen, which was completely renovated in a classic contemporary style. A stone-topped over-sized island takes centre stage in this room, providing a wealth of prep space and bar stool seating. Here you’ll find quality features like built-in stainless steel appliances (including gas cooking!), a beverage centre with wine fridge. and custom shaker-style cabinetry. Like to shake and shimmy a bit when you’re cooking? You’ll love the in-ceiling speakers – perfect for those who can shuffle and stir at the same time!
From the kitchen, a pair of French doors open onto a rear deck (built with permit) which offers a sweet perch for an evening cocktail, that descends into a fully-fenced mature garden perfect for summer barbecues (which, incidentally, the barbecue is included in the purchase!). Having a generous flagstone and paver patio (the table and chairs are included too!), the L-shaped garden culminates in a Hansel & Gretel storage shed at the very back! This uncharacteristically generous space isn’t just a yard – it’s a private outdoor refuge!
On the upper level, a small landing connects to two well-proportioned bedrooms and a gorgeous renovated spa shower room. These sanctuaries of domestic bliss are drenched in natural light and, located on opposite sides of the landing, offer some separation and privacy. You’ll love the feel of rustic plank wood floors under your feet in the master, the medallion ceiling detail, as well as the bright bay window with California shutters! The second bedroom – currently used as an office – has a charming built-in wardrobe with mirror door detail! This room also holds the gateway to the attic, up a set of folding stairs that descend with the pull of a string. The attic is currently unfinished, but I believe offers tremendous future upside and potential. In fact, when the Seller renovated the washroom, she proactively had her plumber add both cold and hot water lines up the plumbing stack to this space (a T can easily be added for a sink, toilet, etc.), as well as roughed in electrical lines.
One of the surprise features of this home is the second floor sundeck, located off the second bedroom. Drenched in the afternoon sun (but often shaded by the mature trees), it’s a treetop aerie perfect for reclining on a lounger, admiring the view of the rear garden while sipping your morning coffee or reading a book. Can I claim amazing? Better still, for the buyer who is purchasing for the long term, there’s the future potential of extending onto this area to create additional living space (the Seller has proposed drawings available) pending city approvals (which I believe would be granted based on the neighbouring additions).
The unfinished lower level accommodates laundry, utility and storage needs but, with its above grade windows, decent ceiling height, and recently oil-painted (after repairing some minor brick mortar deficiencies) walls is ready to tailor to suit! In the interim, take a look at all the mechanicals, plumbing and wiring so you can appreciate how well this home has been maintained, offering you turn-key move-in living.
Does living well within your walls and in your neighbourhood figure high on your wish-list? This bespoke home – which is perfect as-is but with tremendous upside for expansion down, up or out – may be the ideal domicile for you!
Have Questions? Want to learn more, or book a private viewing? Contact Steve@urbaneer.com!
Are you familiar with The Pocket and other nearby ‘hoods? Check out our Danforth Neighbourhood Page – which includes flavour videos, the city census data on the areas, plus several past blogs on area amenities – or peruse any of our other Neighbourhood Pages! We love Toronto’s diversity!