A Modern Cube Of Perfection In Roncesvalles Village
offered at $1,599,000Download Feature Sheet
When it comes to housing and neighbourhoods, there is a special kind of visual texture when history marinates its evolution from inception through generational change. This is the case in Roncevalles Village, with extended roots that have evolved over time to develop and be distinct with their own cultural patina and charm.
In Roncesvalles Village, these roots extend back as far as the late 1880s when this now family-friendly borough originally housed the Scottish and Irish merchant class. But during the last century, this neighbourhood evolved into a cultural hotspot for the Polish community, and for the decades to come these residents deepened their roots and their connection within this delightful enclave. As the decades gave way to each other, this population aged and the commercial activity declined. But, as with many things in life – but particularly in housing, this gradual change – which began in the 1990s – set the wheels in motion for a super-charged cycle of revitalization. In more recent years, this area has been characterized by youth and the optimism of entrepreneurship which boasts a decidedly creative vibe. This is displayed in the distinctive storefronts that ring the neighbourhood, as well as the revitalized housing itself. In fact, Roncevalles Village offers the very best elements of a revitalized neighbourhood – a family-friendly community with urban undercurrents, with an ideal location, close to downtown and to lush green space.
Today, you can see elements of this neighbourhood’s history, merged together with its present, as gentrification blooms in full force. Gentrification is truly its coolest when it works in layers, building on the past to create a unique visual now. This is easily seen in the numerous warehouse conversions on Sorauren Avenue, on the lively, funky and functional commercial strip, and the creative revitalization of this neighbourhood’s anchor – Sorauren Park – which is just steps from this enchanting community.
Do you commute by public transport? The Dundas West streetcar line is a mere 10-minute stroll from your front door. Also steps away are the Roncevalles and Queen street car lines, expanding your TTC options, getting you lickety-split to the Financial and Entertainment Districts. Green space? What’s your fancy? There’s Sorauren Park, with its family-friendly vibe and multi-sports fields (which is nice and close by when your junior athlete forgets one of their soccer cleats at home), outdoor rink, field house and awesome Farmer’s Market, which runs year round. Expansive High Park is just west, and still close enough to be counted as a neighbour. Are you a foodie? There’s an abundance of neighbourhood eateries – with some of our faves very close by indeed. Lit Espresso Bar on Roncevalles Ave is less than a 10-minute walk away. It’s just the perfect spot to while away an afternoon or an evening with the company of your friends – and an exceptional cup of coffee. A few steps further is Pizzeria Defina, which we feel is the eatery equivalent of what Roncevalles Village is all about – visually appealing and full of flavour and substance. And of course, we can’t forget La Cubana, which is a perfect pick for a delicious lunch, to be followed by dessert at the incomparable Ed’s Real Scoop!
Another asset-boosting amenity option? Whether you need them or not, being in proximity to reputable schools is an attractive feature to future buyers, which will only preserve and improve your asset value. Reputedly home to the highest concentration of school-aged children in the urban core, there are a number of solid selections for your consideration. Less than a five-minute walk (and this provides untold convenience to families of school-aged children) are Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public Schools, which offers schooling all the way from JK through to Grade 8; still within walking distance (less than 10 minutes) is St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Elementary School, also offers programming all the way through from JK-Grade 8. For those with kids, this is one of the most coveted neighbourhoods for family life, with its engaging community spirit and stellar village life.
Yes, welcome to 44 Fern Avenue.
Recently completed, this 3-level black brick and metal clad executive residence was custom-built to the exacting specifications and high standards of the current owners. Comprising almost 3000 square feet over three levels of pristine living space, this property is best-suited to those who appreciate quality and attention to detail. Without question, this is architecturally-elevated living.
From the moment you cross the threshold, the exterior statement door and well-proportioned entrance hall with generous custom closets set the stage for high calibre finishes. We love the visually-arresting metal and oak picket staircase with LED architectural side-lights, sun-drenched by three expansive skylights, which instantly convey that this modern dwelling is both comfortable and chic.
The entertainment level unfolds in a series of articulated living spaces. The gracious front room with charming streetscape vista is currently set up as a formal sitting room, though it offers versatility to suit. With soaring ceilings, recessed lighting, and expansive walls to accommodate your art collection, along with some bespoke custom shelving perfect for a cocktail bar, this room is ready for you to create your own special paradise.
A discreet corridor, which houses a powder room for guests, connects to an expansive kitchen and family area. Home to more ‘Wow Factor’, this level is unified by satin 4.25” white-oak-plank herringbone floors, 10 foot ceilings, and an expansive wall of glass glazing which connects to the private garden. This ‘heart-of-the-home’ setting has a dreamy cook’s kitchen. With sub-zero refrigerator, Miele induction cooktop and oven (there’s a gas line in the wall behind the cooker if you prefer to switch to gas), Bosch dishwasher, plenty of storage behind custom millwork and a massive island (with built-in wine fridge and the ability to put a microwave inside an island cupboard), this is the perfect place to gather friends round. Better still, this area connects to the sun-drenched fully-fitted family area with custom wall units, a gas fireplace, and above it – a flat-screen television system ready to hook-up – for instant family enjoyment.
For those who covet natural light and privacy, this Great Room – which has sliding doors and a secondary entrance with double closet perfect for kids’ boots and gear – walks out to a generous cedar deck. Its northwest exposure with an expansive fenced rear garden connecs to a generous 2-SUV-sized garage. We love the automatic glass garage door on the garden exposure so this space can double as a secure covered area for children – providing ample play space for family life.
The second level offers a sleeping sanctuary of domestic bliss. At the front, a sun-filled cube with recessed lighting and fitted walk-in closet is a great guest bedroom or home office. Two well-proportioned bedrooms, each with their own closet, also share a skylit family bath (with heated floors), along with a laundry room and spacious linen closet. At the rear of the house overlooking the garden, a generous master bedroom features a custom walk-in closet and a well-proportioned 5-piece ensuite with a spa skylit shower, double sinks and heated floors!
The lower level has all the potential to fit your family’s additional needs, whether that be for a nanny, an in-law, or your own particular hobby indulgences. With generous storage, a private patio entrance with bicycle and bin storage accessible from the street, two washrooms and laundry hook-up, this fully finished level with 9 foot ceilings and radiant water heated floors is configured as a one or two bedroom teen or nanny suite with media room fitted with a supplemental kitchen. Truly versatile and finished with the same attention to detail and quality as the upper levels, these calibre spaces are easily modified to match the needs of your family as you move from toys to teenagers through the years.
Mechanically, this house offers top notch components including 200 amp wiring, an 80,000 BTU American Standard high-efficiency furnace, air exchange ventilation system, Mitsair central air conditioning system, Ecobee Wi-Fi thermostat with remote sensors, a tankless ‘Hot Water On Demand’ boiler split to serve the lower level heated floor system and your personal consumption and, for ease and convenience, a Kenmore central vacumn system with attachments. Plus, note the abundance of over-sized windows with ample openings for excellent air flow and cross-ventilation, the minimal bulkheads which ensure clean lines, soaring ceilings and perfect proportions, and how every room is fitted with CAT 5 RG6 double data cable in every room for your communication needs.
The savvy Buyer knows that when you purchase a home, you shouldn’t be limited to just the property itself; but be lured by an intangible quality of life. And what enhances quality of life? It’s being surrounded by cool, convenient amenities, and neighbours who communally embrace you. This residence delivers on that count in spades.
Check out our fab video tour of this contemporary masterpiece!
Fully detached, with private laneway garage, this executive residence – complete with a two year warranty (speak to listing realtor for specifics) – is available for immediate occupancy.
Want to know more about this unique urban home and one of the most coveted pieces of Toronto real estate? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more info!
Do you much about the neighbourhood and its amenities? Here’s our Neighborhood Page on Roncesvalles Village, including our flavour video, the city census data on the area, plus several past blogs on area amenities!