A Sleek Suite On Little Italy’s Markham Street

Markham Street, and its sisters Euclid Avenue and Palmerston Boulevard, are a trilogy of tree-lined avenues that self-assuredly incorporate history and a quiet elegance to create much of the dynamic spirit that encircles this sought-after location. Once considered one of the wealthier pockets of Toronto, and featuring some of the oldest merchant class housing in the city, these grand homes buzz with history and charm, no doubt with stories to tell from their coveted point of view over the generations. Today, these streets radiate intellectual energy, mingling with style and panache, as reflected in its residents, in the evolution of the housing stock, and in the sublime amenities that encircle this location.

Located one block west of Bathurst Street north of College Street in coveted Little Italy, this semi-detached Markham Street dwelling under a canopy of mature trees is primely located south of Harbord Street, placing it within a stone’s throw of the effervescence of urban living, but just far enough removed from the hub-bub to create that sense of peace and calm that a quality residential area provides. Superbly situated, this residence is equidistant to the Bathurst Street subway station or the 506 streetcar serving College Street, and just around the corner from the Harbord Street bicycle lanes that run west to Ossington or east towards the University of Toronto and Queen’s Park. A block northwest is colourful Koreatown, and a short stroll southeast lands you in the culinary coolness of Kensington Market, regarded as Toronto’s most dynamic multicultural fresh food markets. And of course at the bottom of Markham Street is College Street – and to the southwest is Dundas West and the Ossington strips, which are each regaled as some of the City’s Top destinations for food and culture.

Some of Urbaneer’s faves are a pleasant stroll away. Just north on Bloor Street West we love to nosh at Insomnia Café while sampling from their extensive martini menu. We’ve also found solace savouring a solid cup of coffee at the Green Beanery. Just south of this luxe residence on College Street are DaiLo Restaurant, Woodlot Restaurant, and Bar Raval – three destinations for culinary excellence. For something a little different, check out Dish Cooking Studio and their innovative approach to the culinary experience – you can shop, dine, or even cook! Once you’re full of delicious offerings from one of these establishments, you can explore one of the many unique shops and alternative spaces along College Street. Music lovers will revel in the live funk and grooving beats of The Orbit Room or the vintage offerings of June Records, while movie fans will delight in art indie house Royal Cinema, located west of Clinton Street on the north side! Showing a wide range of repertory cinema, the Royal is fully renovated with state-of-the-art technology and boasts an upgraded projection system that’s also used for movie editing purposes during the day. There is a small plaza with a Shoppers Drug Mart and 24-hour Metro Grocer on the south side of College between Shaw and Crawford, and the LCBO is just east of Manning on the South side. Literally, everything you require for a domestic life of bliss is within walking distance of this property. And if you love board games as much as we do, there’s engaging Snakes and Lattes where you can play and dine to your heart’s content, using one of the thousands of games they have in their library.

Speaking of libraries, the Palmerston Branch of the Toronto Public Library is less than a five-minute walk away. When’s the last time you indulged in the guilty pleasure of a Saturday afternoon surrounded with comfy chairs and books? This kind of leisure is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Yearn for green space? Pick a direction, and you’ll find lovely green pockets in this urban landscape. Expansive Christie Pits Park to the west of this dwelling has something for everyone: loads of wide open green space, an artificial ice rink, tobogganing hills, baseball diamonds, children’s playground, splash pad, wading pool and community garden. There is more green space for taking in the great outdoors at Seaton Park. nearby as well.

Are kids coming along for the adventure? About a 10-minute walk away is Clinton Street Junior School, serving JK through Grade Six, and offers gifted as well as special programming to accommodate children with different learning styles. The area Intermediate school, King Edward Junior School, is about a 15-minute walk away. Right around the block is Harbord Collegiate Institute, where they set a framework of “social justice, equity and the environment for a dynamic education.”

444 Markham Street is more than a newly renovated, stunning Edwardian era home on one of the finest streets in the area. It’s also a fully legal duplex meaning the owners conformed to an exacting set of property requirements set by the City’s building code. These include but are not limited to fire protection between the units, separate meters for utilities and fully compliant means of egress and exit. In short, the tenants get the extra level of security and comfort in knowing their home is up to current building code standards.

Guests and residents entering the suite from the front porch will appreciate the home’s exterior charm and quickly note its tech-y, modern door bells. While they note their sleek styling you will appreciate their built-in video capability. The doorbell is app-enabled and provides you with extra peace of mind by allowing you to confirm who is standing on your front step. Visitors continue into the foyer and through the doors to either the main or the upper suite.

The Upper Suite

The upper suite of 444 Markham Street is accessible via the front entrance of the home. The foyer welcomes you and your guests with one of the home’s most charming features – one of the first of many stained glass details original to the home. After entering your exclusive entrance you will head directly up the stairs into your suite.  New stair treads clad in contemporary hardwood ensure pair beautifully with the ornate bannister harkening back to the home’s Edwardian history.  The stairwell opens into the main living space spanning the entire second floor of the home.  The second level is the true showstopper of this wonderful home.  It’s thoughtful layout, chic modern styling and period details will charm even the most discerning visitor.

Immediately to the left of the stairs is the spectacular open concept kitchen and dining room.  This truly is a chef’s kitchen designed for entertaining. It’s hard to miss the dramatic marble backsplash but be sure to make note of the crisp white caesarstone counter tops and impressive stainless steel appliances.  There is an oversize center island (with breakfast bar!) made for the gatherings and dinner parties that inevitably end up in the kitchen.  Double doors lead from the dining room onto your private roof top terrace with room for an outdoor dining set for the warmer months.  There is a gas line out to the deck and the landlord will add a BBQ connection if requested.

As you return from the sunshine on the terrace into the suite make your towards the front of the home towards the living room.  On your right next to the stairwell is a four piece bathroom with modern styling.  Continue to the living room with it’s great bay window waiting for you to add your favourite cozy arm chair.  The first of the suite’s three bedrooms rounds out this level.  This space overlooking the trees of Markham Street is also well suited as on office for those who work from home.

Continue upstairs towards the natural light streaming in from the skylight over the upper stairwell.  The beautiful dark hardwood floors carry through from the main level up to the two well proportioned bedrooms on the third floor.  Each bedroom features a large inset window gazing over the neighbourhood as well as lots of closet space.  The upper floor has its own three piece bathroom with an impressive glass walk-in shower with rainfall shower head. This room doubles as the laundry room with a full-size side-by-side washer and dryer.

The upper suite includes one parking spot accessible via the laneway to the rear of the property.  Motion triggered security lighting will guide you along the house to the front entrance.

Occupancy for this sleek can be available as early as the first week of February. It is available for rent for $4850/ mo + utilities – parking included!

Could this gorgeous suite be the one for you? Contact Kellye@urbaneer.com for more info or to request an appointment!

Want to learn more about Little Italy and its amenities? Here is our neighbourhood page on College Street and Little Italy including our flavour video, the city census data on the area, plus several past blogs on area amenities!