A Bespoke Triplex In Dufferin Grove

Neighbourhoods are multi-layered; history, culture, geography and time all play a role in the formation of the layers that combine to promote a distinctive vibe. This describes Dufferin Grove to a “T”, where there is an intermingling of cultural communities, that vary from your vantage point – literally from corner to corner and street to street, within its’ boundaries of Bloor, College, Ossington and Dufferin Streets

There is a certain sense of gratitude and contentment knowing that you don’t have to compromise, especially when it comes to choosing where you live. This is what residents in Dufferin Grove experience. You’re surrounded by cool amenities that promote the pedestrian lifestyle and that certain quality that urban living delivers, but you’re also absolutely enmeshed in green space – with parks and tree lined streets aplenty.

What’s your shopping style? Mall or cute boutique? You’ve not only got ample choice for all of these – but you’ve got convenient access as well. Within a 10-minute walk is Dufferin Mall and Bloor Street. Looking to grab a bite or meet with friends for coffee, drinks or a hang-out? No need to make plans – just wander out your front door south to College Street with its selection of eclectic eateries, not to mention some stellar ‘buy local’ produce and cheese shops.

Another must-have for the urbanite is access to public transit, with the 24 hour 506 Carlton streetcar steps away on College Street or the 6am-1:30am Bloor subway line at Dufferin or Ossington. There’s even a ZipCar location close by as well.

Been a while since you spent an afternoon hanging out in library? This one is well worth your afternoon (and a few more). The Gladstone Library, is not only chock-full of reading and multimedia material, family and community programming, it’s a visual marvel as well, after its recent $119 million renovation. Loads of natural light, free Wi-Fi, comfy chairs and snacks? Throw in a good book, and it sounds heavenly.

In every direction, there are parks big and small nearby. The most notable is Dufferin Grove Park, a vast green space, about a 10-minute walk away from your front door. It’s not just great because of the amount of green space afforded in this decidedly urban location, but there are activities and amenities abounding at this park. Families will be thrilled with the ice skating rink, playgrounds and picnic areas.

You can even stay connected while you’re there (Wi-Fi!). Chefs (amateur and otherwise) will appreciate the quality and selection of goods at the weekly organic market. There’s even a community pizza oven! There are also a number of organized activities that take place throughout the year, organized by the ‘Friends of Dufferin Grove Park’.

Families and fit folk will appreciate the proximity to the YMCA at the corner of College and Dovercourt where there is loads of fitness and recreation programming to choose from, right in your neighbourhood.

Even if you don’t have children or have any immediate need for schools, having access to quality education right in your neighbourhood is a big plus when it comes to boosting your property value over time. There is good representation from different boards and grade levels in this neighbourhood. Dewson Street Junior Public School offers a comprehensive education program from JK to Grade 6, with both regular English and French Immersion Programs. There are 530 students of diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds. The school has specialist teachers for core French, Music, and Physical Education, along with a great Learning Resource Centre. St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School is less than a 10-minute walk away and has programming for children from grades 9-12.

Where you live figures in not only to the value of your life (in terms of quality) but also to the value of the investment in your home. You’ve heard the real estate mantra “location, location, location”? What this drills down to is location supports or detracts from your home’s potential to increase in value – specifically proximity to transit, green space and amenities. 479 Dovercourt’s location in Dufferin Grove ticks all of those boxes.

Main Level – Apartment 1: The ground floor suite comprises the original living, dining, kitchen and pantry of this Edwardian manse. Thoughtfully renovated, the property marries vintage details with modern elements, including smart bamboo floors, exposed brick walls, and a gas fireplace. The original foyer has great proportions, and a large double closet. In the living room, broad pocket doors original the house remain in place – creating a distinct zone yet allows an open concept space plan as an option. A galley eat-in kitchen with a stainless steel fridge and gas cooker is suitably neutral, complementing the character of the house with its butcher block counters and modern backsplash. The upgraded bijou washroom features exposed brick and some smart washroom fixtures and fittings. Rented for $1562 per month inclusive, this tenant would love to stay.

Upper Levels – Apartment 2: The jewel of this property is the visually-arresting and comfort indulgent Upper Suite. Comprising two floors, this two or three bedroom residence has beautiful proportions, an intelligent space plan, and some pretty swish upgrades. On the second level, a formal sitting room with bay window, vintage fireplace mantel and wood floors sets the tone for comfort. A dining room (or optional third bedroom) has connecting sliding pocket doors, wood floors and an over-sized closet. Radiating off the hall is a renovated 4-piece washroom, a good-sized bedroom with big closet, and the charming recently-renovated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, subway tile, and stone / butcherblock counters which connect to an east-facing breakfast room. Up the stairs, an indulgent under-the-eaves master bedroom sanctuary (renovated in 2009) offers a private respite, with ample space, a walk-in closet and an indulgent master ensuite bath. Currently tenanted at $2750 per month (with utility clause), these tenants would love to stay.

Lower Level – Apartment 3: The lower level suite – which enters from the exterior rear and accessed off the common laundry facilities – was thoughtfully renovated in 2006 into a welcoming living space. The well-proportioned living room has wood laminate floors and recessed lighting, which connects to an over-sized white kitchen with tile floors. The bedroom also has wood laminate floors and a walk-in closet, and there’s a stylish renovated 4-piece washroom. Generating $1235 per month inclusive, this long-term tenant would love to stay.

Substantially upgraded since 2004, this property has undergone a number of upgrades and improvements, including lower level kitchen (2004), wiring (2004), hot water gas heating (2005) and individually controlled slim jim air conditioners (2006). The windows on the second floor were replaced in 2006, along with the bamboo floors in the main level suite, and the flooring, walls, ceiling, lighting, washroom and closets in the lower level suite. In 2009, the property had a new roof installed, and the 3rd floor was renovated down to the studs into a master suite with washroom and walk-in closet. In 2014, the second floor kitchen and breakfast room were renovated. Outside, the rear landscaping and patio was installed in 2010, the cedar fence in 2012, and 3 steel doors (exterior front, interior main, interior basement) and a new 60 gallon hot water tank was installed in 2013. A new front porch was constructed in 2014, and the front landscaping completed in 2015.

Want to learn more about this and other Toronto neighbourhoods? Check out our Neighborhood Pages, including our flavour videos, the city census data on the areas, plus several past blogs on area amenities! We love Toronto’s diversity!

Want to know more? Contact Carl at carl@urbaneer.com or Steve at steve@urbaneer.com!