A Contemporary Cottage In Playter Estates
offered at $985,000As I embark on my own renovation in ‘the Brooklyn of Toronto’, I’ve come to value how crossing the Bloor Viaduct transports one from a ‘bright lights big city’ intensity down to a more palatable oscillation that changes my everyday from ‘near frantic’ to “I’m on it!”. I’ve discovered the neighbourhoods of Riverdale and Playter Estates have a pace that isn’t wound up, yet accessibility and convenience gently slides in to every available point. For those on the go, the Broadview and Chester subway stations offer easy public transport. For those seeking respite, vast green spaces like Withrow and Riverdale Parks provide nature and recreation. And for those with school-aged children, top-notch Jackman Avenue Junior Public School serving JK to Grade 6 offers a French Immersion program that is so highly coveted only those living in its catchment area can attend.
Welcome to 46 Ellerbeck Street!
If you adore a walking life like I do – the Walk and Transit Scores are 95 – a host of amenities are just steps away on The Danforth ready for your patronage. Boutique shops, cafes and purveyors of fresh produce dot the streets in full support of a pedestrian lifestyle. There is colour and conversation on every corner. Playter Estates is in proximity to a Loblaw’s grocer which is open from 8am-10pm, plus there’s a liquor store, Shoppers Drug Mart and organic Carrot Common at the bottom of the street! Auto free? There’s a Zip Car and AutoShare on Broadview just south of The Danforth. Plus with its origins as a Greek immigrant neighbourhood, there are plenty of amazing culinary destinations with excellent food. Lately I’ve been savoring brunch at Allen’s On The Danforth, getting my eggs cooked perfectly at Mihali’s Place, and enjoying my java fix at Broadview Espresso.
It’s a few blocks from Riverdale Park, a large green space spanning the Lower Don River. This park has recreational fields for soccer, baseball, and Ultimate Frisbee on both sides of the river. There is also a swimming pool, tennis courts and outdoor hockey rink to the northeast, and a running track in the centre. Plus the best tobogganing in the City! A footbridge crosses the Don Valley Parkway and the river to joins the two sides of the valley as well as the Lower Don Recreational Trail (biking anyone?) that follows the river. How perfect to unwind with your family during a particularly hectic day!
An enclave of elegant merchant class residences dating predominantly from the early 1900s – with a smattering of charming cottages like this one – this vintage neighbourhood with mature trees breathes its own distinct charm and character. It’s gracious, understated, yet progressive and forward-thinking. Offering a village-feel where you can genuinely engage your neighbours, this enclave containing a limited number of homes is available to a limited few. And for those with busy lives, finding a turn-key residence that doesn’t require a substantial renovation is far and few between. For those seeking Toronto real estate which doesn’t need a substantial overhaul, this property is worth your consideration.
Nestled on a 28 x 124 foot lot with two car parking, this charming 2+1 bedroom cottage gently nods to its ‘Hansel and Gretel’ history while bursting with a fresh contemporary vibe. I love the well-proportioned living room with its hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, and convenient main-floor powder room. The dreamy expansive kitchen is ideal for the resident chef, where the expansive island allows everyone to gather round. With ample storage, gas cooking, and granite counters, the form and function of this space are elevated with the vintage brick and airy vaulted ceilings. The enchanting dining area is tucked in a long-ago open-concept shed addition with french doors that connect to the west-facing garden. It’s comforting and a compelling place to dine.
Upstairs, two good-sized bedrooms with closets are bright and airy. Their lofty vaulted ceilings soar with all the ‘attic atelier’ charm I love in a house, while a generous walk-in closet and 4-piece washroom in good nick complement this level of domestic bliss. On the lower level, a media room, home office and third bedroom with 2-piece provide additional living space, ideal for a moody teen – or visiting mother-in-law. How perfect is that?
For those who want the ideal marriage of location, space and condition, this stellar opportunity isn’t something that comes to market often. If you’re seeking a property heavy on the charm quotient without any of the hassles of a major renovation, this is worth your consideration.
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 Playter Estates, including our flavour video, the city census data on the area, plus several past blogs on area amenities!
Or check out our other Neighbourhood Pages and see why I love Toronto’s diversity!