A Sun-Drenched Furnished 2-Bed Apartment With High Park Views In Roncesvalles Village

As with housing, neighbourhoods develop their unique character when the threads of history, time, and place are woven into the rich fabric of a community. In Roncesvalles Village, a pretense-free enclave with deep roots and a storied past that has evolved over decades, this urban village has a distinct cultural patina and charm that vibrates with energy and possibility!

Roncy’s west side comprises a collection of elegant homes, many with architectural provenance and rich character, but none are as prized as those bordering High Park. Offering verdant views of nature yet steps to shopping, entertainment, and public transportation, this quality furnished rental in a dynamic, coveted community is ideal for those seeking accommodation for a few months or a year.

Welcome to 11 Indian Valley Crescent!

Welcome To Roncesvalles Village!

Comprising a collection of predominantly two and 3-storey Victorian and Edwardian wood frame to solid brick residences constructed as early as the 1880s for Toronto’s working and merchant classes, Roncesvalles Village has not changed dramatically from a visual perspective over the past 150 years beyond the addition of a collection of infill townhouses, a smattering of architect-designed dwellings, a handful of mid-rise condominiums and a few select loft conversions (including the Winwell Sporting Goods Factory I helped convert into 10 custom lofts at One Columbus Avenue). The housing stock is predominantly well-built, well-proportioned, and well-preserved. And let’s not forget, welcoming.

The heartbeat that radiates throughout this neighbourhood rests in the rhythmic pulse of  Roncesvalles Avenue – a mixed-use arterial road with a bike lane and public transit. As the area’s predominant retail, cultural and community hub, two major east-west streets framing this quadrant – Queen Street West and Dundas Street West – further anchor this location with its commercial and tertiary services, transportation links, and access to major roads and highways.

Roncesvalles Village is renowned for being the centre of Toronto’s Polish community from the 1940s through the 1990s. It still retains several prominent Polish institutions, including St Casimir’s Catholic Church, and many Polish businesses, including butchers, bakers, and restaurants. You only have to wait until September to see the history of this urban village on display, as it remains the location of the largest Polish Festival in North America, which takes place annually every autumn. The local businesses – which operate as the Roncesvalles Village Business Improvement Area – have evolved since the 1990s to reflect the tastes and preferences of the more recent arrivals and their kids who have made this neighbourhood their home over the past 3 decades. These residents – liberated, progressive, and lean to the left pro-urbanites (NDP candidate Alexa Gilmour was elected the next MPP for Parkdale—High Park in our recent provincial election) – are frequently first-generation Canadians whose parents immigrated from all corners of the globe. The result is a growing number of unique restaurants, entrepreneurial boutiques, and indie coffee houses that are part of the current lifecycle of this urban village.

There is plenty of opportunity for shopping & entertainment in this community. It’s just a 10-minute walk to Roncesvalles Avenue, where you’ll find many interesting shops, cafes, and boutiques. Film buffs will love the historic Revue Cinema, and when you’re craving breathtaking fresh scents you’ll want to check out Willem & Jools for floral artistry. If cool clothes are your jam, check out Frock!

Our go-to for excellent coffee in Roncy is Reunion Coffee – their brew is delicious, and we love that they are a ‘certified B Corporation’ meeting the highest social and environmental performance standards. The Italian & Polish heritage of the area shows in great spots like Alimentari, which is the place to go for any Italian/pasta fixings you need for dinner. Sauces, pasta, cured meats, pre-made meals and much more! Moreover, a community favourite for authentic Polish food is Cafe Polonez. We also love Hot Oven Bakery for fresh bread and The Chocolateria for sweets!

Are you looking to switch it up and explore? This dwelling is also a short stroll to Bloor West Village just west of High Park. With over 400 local shops, restaurants, and services, these merchants – who can also be found at ShopBloorWest.com – comprise Canada’s oldest Business Improvement Association. They organize and sponsor nifty annual community events like the Bloor West Streetfest, Outdoor Movies In The Park, and the Ukrainian Festival. How amazing is that?

If a lush leafy landscape nurtures your health and well-being, you’ll appreciate being literally – a stone’s throw away from the City’s largest and most diverse green spaces! Beloved and expansive High Park is directly across the street (how many people can claim that?!) where the options for outings here are seemingly endless; there are multiple play areas, a zoo, several picnic areas, an off-leash dog park, all-ages outdoor pools, a year-round cafe, plus the Canadian Stage’s annual ‘Dream In High Park’ amphitheatre. Do you love to play tennis? You’re a soft serve away from the Howard Park Tennis Club! Furthermore, a scenic walk can take you to Humber River to the west or the shores of Lake Ontario to the south! We also adore Rennie Park (just on the other side of High Park), arguably the heart of the tight-nit Swansea community – yet another coveted enclave near 11 Indian Valley Crescent!

This residence is close to multiple transit options, including the 80 Queensway bus, which runs right up Parkside Drive to Keele Subway Station (only a 7-minute walk away!) Also, the Roncesvalles bus (a 9-minute walk) can take you north or south, connecting to the Dundas, Queen, and King Streetcar lines and culminating at Dundas West Subway Station. Even better, it’s only a 15-minute walk (or 10-minute Uber!) to the Bloor GO Station, where the UP Express can take you straight to Pearson Airport or Union Station, or you can ride the GO rails right out of the City!

It’s noteworthy how extremely family-friendly this neighbourhood is, with a supportive, connected community. While amenities and services are aplenty, many reputable schools are nearby. Howard Junior Public School and Fern Avenue Junior & Senior are for the elementary and middle school crowd. Parkdale Collegiate is the school of choice for those of high school age.

11 Indian Valley Crescent

Behind an original handsome Edwardian facade surrounded by mature native trees and shrubs, this gracious, beautifully furnished two-bedroom apartment is in a meticulously maintained purpose-built fourplex. Constructed in 1920, but more recently substantially renovated, each of the four units in this residence enjoys its own street address, private front and rear entrance, and a designated parking spot on the paved parking area east of the building.

11 Indian Valley Crescent is a sun-drenched parkside perch with north, south, and west aspects. It includes 1,328 square feet of refined living plus an additional 637 square feet of semi-finished space on a lower level, where an abundance of storage, your exclusive-use laundry, and ample room to indulge your craft of choice or workshop hobby are possible.

The stairs take you to this top-floor aerie from its private entrance. Landing on a gracious centre hall, from which the sleeping and entertaining zones radiate, is a bespoke, renovated washroom and a large closet to hang hats, umbrellas, or other indoor/outdoor gear.

The entertainment zone unfolds as a series of interconnected, visually arresting spaces, each boasting classic proportions, park vistas, and an artful blend of modern and vintage touches. Flooded with natural light, as morning wanes into afternoon, we love watching the sun traverse the gorgeous vintage oak floors that run throughout.

The open-plan kitchen and generous dining room are immaculate in design and execution; the skill and artistry invested in marrying classic architectural details with clean-lined modern touches are top-drawer. The culinary workspace features a deep island with extra storage, a built-in pantry, and open wood shelving. Stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone countertops, dark slate floors, and large-format porcelain tile backsplash provide depth and contrast to the warm white cabinetry, increasing the dimension of the space. Clever design details like the gently arched opening between the kitchen and dining zones and the recessed art niche in the dining space blur the fusion of now with yesteryear. Equally captivating are the large curving bay windows that frame the dining table.

Adjacent to this space is the ample living room, where north and west windows, plaster ceilings and crown mouldings, and a handsome original brick fireplace and vintage insert create a charming focal point that contrasts beautifully with the mid-century modern and contemporary furnishings. Aligned with the centre hall, an open balcony facing west offers a place to sit, enjoy a libation, and admire the verdant views of High Park.

On the east side of the centre hall, two spacious bedrooms boasting large built-in closet systems, oak floors, and large windows offer private sanctuaries for respite and repose. Well-appointed with chic lighting and quality furnishings, these understated yet elegant rooms are calm, restful, and refined.

On the lower level, you’ll find ample storage, a laundry room with a washer, dryer, and sink, and plenty of space to get messy, whether crafting, wine-making, or refinishing vintage furniture. It’s your private Eden.

This bespoke furnished rental includes heating/cooling, hydro, and wi-fi, as well as one surface parking space in the paved parking area on the east side of the building!

Questions or interest in booking a private viewing? Contact James Ormston (james@urbaneer.com) or Steven Fudge (steve@urbaneer.com)