Family-Friendly In Bloor West Village
offered at $899,000Imagine, at the end of your day, strolling down a graciously tree-lined street, stepping up to your front door, as you arrive home. If your dream extends to include living in an established urban neighbourhood, where community and family life surround you, while still being able to access all the amenities that life in vibrant Bloor West Village has to offer, then you will find this latest offering immensely appealing. It’s not just location that is alluring; there is the possibility to fuse tradition with the contemporary, while living in a residence that builds on the past, and boasts the gleam and polish of new and extensive renovations.
Welcome to 595 Windermere Avenue, offered at $899,000, where city living meets family life.
The area is about access and amenities, everything you need to make your busy life easier. Nearby in Bloor West Village grocers, markets, restaurants, bars, the LCBO and coffee shops are easily accessible, in case you need to dash out and run a quick errand, or if you are seeking an evening out. Libraries and parks are close by as well, offering solutions to the dreaded “Mom/Dad I’m bored!” Handy to public transit as well, this well-located home is ideal for busy families.
The enclosed front porch that spans the width of the house is finished in slate floors and has a built-in storage bench, serving as the ideal enclave for muddy boots, sandy toys and strollers when returning home from family outings. Crossing the threshold into the main entrance, which presents you with a front hall closet, a tucked away powder room, and a lovely bannister and stair to the second level that gives a vintage nod to yesteryear, you will instantly sense “Home” in a context that supports both comfort and chic.
Extensively renovated in the last few years, the main floor has dark stained hardwood floors throughout. A cozy living area radiates charm, anchored by a gas fireplace with slate surround, flanked by two quality wood consoles. The kitchen is a cook’s delight with stone floors, stainless steel countertops, a marble island (perfect for tackling homework together) and backsplash, and includes a Dacor six burner gas range, broiler, a built in KitchenAid fridge, Miele Hood and Bosch dishwasher. The dining room, that conjures images of gathering and sharing events of the day with each other, boasts double French doors that open to the outside. Step through these doors onto a sun-drenched deck that sets the stage for lazy summer afternoons and precious summer evenings in a seasonal paradise.
Renovated just last year, the second floor has wood floors throughout. Four bedrooms have now been converted to two generously sized bedrooms plus an expansive master bedroom that now includes a walk-in dressing room with custom espresso wood built-ins (including shoe racks and drawers). A pocket frosted glass door slides open to reveal an elegant, well-proportioned 5-piece ensuite with heated marble floors, a marble mosaic feature wall, spa soaking tub/shower with frameless doors, and generous vanity. Additionally, there is a 3-piece family washroom in a clean lined contemporary style with porcelain floors and glass tile shower with rainforest shower and frameless glass enclosure.
The lower level holds great potential, with a separate entrance and space that can be modified and reconfigured to match the needs of your family, as you move from toys to teenagers through the years. Currently it comprises Utility/Laundry Room, Storage Rooms, and an upgraded L-shaped media room with fresh paint and broadloom.
Several reputable schools are nearby, including Runnymede Jr & Sr Public School, which offers dual track education with the option of French Immersion right through. The local Secondary School, HCI (Humberside Collegiate Institute) offers French Immersion and Extended French as well. Incidentally, HCI scores very high on provincial tests (96%), which gives it a lofty academic ranking. Also in Bloor West Village, is Ursula Franklin Academy (UFA), a small, publically funded secondary school that focuses on Liberal Arts programs in preparation for post-secondary education.
This home is surrounded by a sense of community, and young families will find themselves among like company in the neighbourhood, as the area is a hub for growing families with school aged children.
This exceptional property is available for a September occupancy.
Comfort Systems: Gas, Forced Air, Central A/C
2012 Property taxes: $5406.10
Annual Operating Expenses:
Water/sewage/garbage: $405.10
Property insurance: $936.28
Gas: $1110.09
Hydro: Approximately $960
Hot water tank rental: $130
Front pad parking licence: $235
Inclusions: Fridge, gas stove, dishwasher, microwave, exhaust hood, washer/dryer, 2 living room credenzas, gas fireplace, all custom closet shelving and built-ins, all draperies and window coverings, all electrical light fixtures, all washroom fixtures and fittings, gas burner and equipment including humidifier, central air conditioning.
Exclusions: Hot Water Tank