Vintage Charm On The Danforth
offered at $639,000The factors that create that sense of ‘home’ are many. There is the physical home itself – what it looks like and how it supports your self-expression through your personal taste and decor. Then there is its location -the community, the neighbourhood and the opportunity for social and leisure activities. And of course, there is the proximity to amenities, like shopping and transit, which simplify your life and let you spend more time living it, rather than attending to the business behind it. All of these contribute to ‘home’. Does creating this backdrop for your life appeal to you?
Welcome to 46 Westlake Avenue.
The Danforth is a neighbourhood that is tantalizingly on the cusp of the waves of gentrification, which means opportunity abounds. It’s also a great area for families, because of the abundance of parks and family-friendly activities throughout the area. 46 Westlake is nestled on just one of those streets, tree-lined and quiet, but just steps from the action, for when you want to participate and engage with community.
The housing stock on The Danforth is mostly made up of brick detached, semi-detached and row homes, many of which were built in the first half of the 1900s. In fact, it’s one of the earlier suburban developments in Toronto. One of the aspects I love about The Danforth, is how a family-friendly vibe has long endured for generations, just like the housing stock. While neighbourhoods all have their life cycles – just like people – when we fast forward to today the blossoming of a new generation of families are giving The Danforth a resurgence with a new vivacious variety. As entrepreneurs open shop, and even Starbucks opens their doors, this location is fast emerging to a destination with all of life’s necessary amenities at your door.
Even if you don’t have a need for schools, there is no denying the influence that having this particular amenity nearby plays maintaining and improving the asset value of your home. And if you’ve got school-aged children, you know the untold value of having good schools a mere stroll from your front step. Less than a 10-minute walk away is Gledhill Junior Public School, for students in Kindergarten through Grade Six. They also offer a very handy before and after school day care program, which means less travel time and more family time. Also nearby is Earl Beatty Junior and Senior Public School, which is noted not only for it’s education, but for it’s active school community, with many family friendly events. For high school, Monarch Park Collegiate is in the neighbourhood.
Your quality of life has as much to do with your proximity to convenience comforts, like shopping and dining as it does with your home. Convenience contributes heavily to time management and your ability to spend more time doing things that matter most- rather than getting from point A to point B.
Nearby on Danforth Avenue are some of urbaneer’s faves, including the Viking Bakery. Looking for a spot for date night? Live music, cocktails and tapas are at Relish Bar and Grill. Right in the area are a number of character shops, (Pet lovers will love one of our favourite pet-friendly stores Wag on the Danforth) perfect for wandering, as well as bigger name stores, like Shopper’s Drug Mart, and Sobey’s (literally 45 steps from your door) where you can get many of your errands done at once. Public transport is just steps from this property, with the Main Subway Station and Go Train to Union Station just around the corner and down one block (Did you read our recent post called The Value Of Public Transit?).
Another coveted amenity? Proximity to green space. Just kitty corner to this charming home (literally a hop skip and a jump away) is Stephenson Park, with its playground, green space and wading pool, which families will covet on sunny summer afternoons hanging in their hood. And at the hub of the community is East Lynn Park, which is just a stroll west of Woodbine Avenue. This expansive park – with a great playground and weekly organic market – is home to a number of festivals and community celebrations, like the Danforth East Arts Fair. It epitomizes the connected sense of community that permeates through this family-friend borough.
This vintage semi-detached charmer constructed in 1915 has some extra-width and a centre hall layout which is rare to find in our city housing stock. Passing through the red front door into a small vestibule (the mirror and coat rack stays!), one steps into a gracious centre hall from which the space plan radiates. I love the patina of the old wood floors, the contrast between the satin black baseboards and crisp white walls, and how the new skylight over the landing floods the space with light. The living room, with its vintage mantle and lovely proportions lands on one side of the centre hall, while the kitchen and dining room are located on the other. A previous owner switched the location of the kitchen and dining room which complements our desire for open concept living, though I can see the next Buyer may restore the previous layout while opening up the walls between the two. Whatever vision you might have for this Home, the square floor plate creates some interesting opportunities we don’t often see.
On the upper level, from the sun-drenched landing three good-sized bedrooms and a 4-piece washroom radiate. The two children’s bedrooms are situated on the west side, each with newer broadloom and closets. On the east side the master bedroom with dressing area offers plenty of space for a king-size bed. The wall of wardrobes in the bedroom – along with the ones in the dressing room – are included in the purchase! This house does not lack for storage!
The recently completed lower level offers additional living space for a growing family. Featuring a media/play space with recessed lights, a fourth bedroom, an updated 3-piece washroom and a laundry room, this functional floor offers great utility.
Having newer building components, this residence has upgraded windows, 200 amp wiring, copper plumbing, a 2011 forced air gas furnace and central air system, and a new skylight. While the rear portion of the roof may need replacing in about 5 years (please feel free to request the presale home inspection report), this house is turn-key ready to tailor to your own! Having several cosmetic upgrades, including broadloom, fresh paint, and the built-in wardrobes/bookcases, all you need to do is unpack!
Located on a 24×56 foot city lot with laneway access, I love how this house is positioned in the centre of the block, so the rear view is predominantly mature trees. While the detached garage has seen better days, the fact this residence has laneway access boosts its desirability. Featuring a small deck accessed off the dining room, and a landscaped city garden with bamboo privacy fence and recently constructed storage shed, this Home Sweet Home is a great opportunity.
Want to know more? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more information!
Are you familiar with this neighbourhood? Check out our Danforth Neighbourhood Page, including flavour video, the city census data on the areas, plus several past blogs on area amenities! Or view our other Neighbourhood Pages! We love Toronto’s diversity!