Family-Friendly Wonderful On Woodmount Near Danforth & Woodbine

Something sublime emerges when you pair function and style with a vibrant location that enhances the overall essence of your everyday life. After all, the joys of domesticity are not limited to the four walls that cocoon you, but are rather wrapped warmly by the neighbourhood fabric that enhances and enriches you, & yours. When we find our place in community, it holds the space from where we find contentment.

If you’re seeking the comforts of domestic bliss – in character and quality both inside and out – then this charming detached Edwardian residence kissed with classic contemporary touches – situated just steps to The Danforth – is most certainly worth your consideration!

Welcome to 161 Woodmount Avenue!

I’ve always adored Toronto’s city neighbourhoods located just east of the Don Valley, with a particular affection for Danforth Avenue – the colourful high street of shops, cafes and services that is essentially the eastern extension of Bloor Street with its subway line. Abutting the section that runs from Broadview Avenue east to Victoria Park Avenue are a collection of century neighbourhoods, including Riverdale and The Pocket to the south, and Danforth Village and East York to the north, amongst others.

A Village In A City

East York Township, where this lovely residence is situated, was developed in the 1920s through 1940s, though it amalgamated with Leaside and incorporated as a borough of the City of Toronto in 1967. Once an early suburb, it is now very much part of the urban fabric, having all of the benefits of being centrally located while retaining all the spirit of a close-knit community. Fun Fact: In 1901 the population of Toronto was 208,000, in 1911 the city’s population had grown to 377,000; and by 1921 Hogtown had 522,000 residents (data from the City of Toronto)! Toronto’s population grew 2.5 times in just 20 years! When 161 Woodmount was built in 1920, it was a time when Toronto started seeing more pioneering property developers – who would purchase several lots in proximity to each other – construct brick and frame family-friendly dwellings to meet the enormous demand to live within commuting distance to downtown. The Danforth was effectively the precursor to the master-planned suburbs we see today, except with none of the architectural banality, big box stores, and gridlock commuting conditions!

Today, the residents of this ‘village in a city’ are demographically mixed, ranging from seniors who have made this neighbourhood their home for decades, urban professionals with kids who – over the past 30 years – have been attracted to the abundance of parks and recreation, the calibre of the public schools, and the easy access to downtown Toronto and, more recently, the next generation of young adults – many who grew up in the area – who are purchasing their first condominium in one of the many new mid-rise condominiums that are being constructed along Danforth Avenue as part of the city’s Smart Growth Plan that intelligently intensifies and densifies main streets to accommodate our growing population.

Given East York was developed over the span of a few decades the housing stock is varied, although it consists primarily of two-storey brick and frame constructed detached, semi-detached and row houses (situated closer to The Danforth) in addition to post-war bungalows (which tend to be located further north of Danforth Avenue. In the 1960s through 1970s, a number of mid and high-rise rental buildings were built in the area, and since the 1980s the neighbourhood has seen both property owners and small developers extend and top up original bungalows to become larger 2-storey single-family homes or, alternatively, replace them entirely with new custom bespoke executive residences.

Shop Til You Drop!

One of our favourite qualities about East York is its flavourful Mom & Pop storefronts dotted throughout the area which sell the necessities of everyday life. Often nestled in little groupings along portions of Pape, Donlands, Coxwell, and Woodbine Avenues, these collections of businesses – and their purveyors – offer all the feel good community spirit more typical of a small Ontario town than a big city neighbourhood. Just a short stroll away (or a quick bike ride by your kid) are all the essentials; butchers, bakers, and pizza makers that make this neighbourhood so convenient! And the options continue just an 8-minute walk south to The Danforth, where grocers, cafes, boutiques and specialty shoppes unfold along the strip!

What Are Our Local Favs? We’re Glad You Asked!

When we want to nosh, we stock up on baked goods at Select Bakery or Celena’s, or Pape Fruit Market when we’re being more conscious about our health, while Poured Coffee offers us a premium brew when we need a little pick-me-up. For those days when no one feels like cooking, a few family-friendly options include Captain John Donlands Fish and Chips, Cumin Kitchen, and The Greek Grill (which proclaims itself as having the most ‘authentic Greek food in Toronto’). And of course, there are loads more destinations – from diner to date night – along The Danforth too.

This property is located a hop, a skip, and a jump away from the Route 62 – Mortimer Avenue bus route, or there’s the 92 – Woodbine Avenue bus that , on days of inclement weather, connects quickly to the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line. Work in health care? This property is a short five-minute stroll to the Michael Garron Hospital at Mortimer and Coxwell, so if shift work is part of your daily life, the proximity offers loads of convenience and extra Zzzzzs! Have kids? This residence is just a short walk away from reputable RH McGregor Elementary School, which offers programming from JK to Grade 5, and Cosburn Middle School, which services Grades 6 through 8. And kids in this area can even finish out high school within walking distance from home at East York Collegiate – just a 15-minute walk, door-to-door! East York is also convenient for downtown commuters, being about a 15-minute drive, subway ride, or even the GoTrain at Main Street connecting you lickety-split to the central business district!

Wonderful Is 161 Woodmount

Built in 1920 and encompassing 1348 square feet (plus 763 square feet below grade) of premium living space, this classic detached Edwardian has a well-proportioned traditional space plan that offers several well-designed ‘zones for living’. Lovingly tended by the current owners since 1991, their pride of ownership is evident throughout the home!

Crossing the threshold from the stone-lined covered front porch through a new glass-panelled front door, you’ll find yourself in a welcoming foyer. This space – with an essential coat closet to store seasonal wears – immediately hints at the classic Edwardian warmth and charm to come. We adore the square post banister, the unadorned panel wood doors with vintage hardware, and the glass french door leading into the entertainment space – all features unique to the Edwardian period!

To the left is the more formal living room, boasting wood floors and trim, a beautiful picture window that floods the space with light, plus a pretty oak Edwardian fireplace mantel flanked by two original stained-glass windows! We love these details which are increasingly rare to find! This entertainment space seamlessly transitions into the formal dining room that offers sun-kissed garden views with dimensions large enough to accommodate your laughing, loving brood at an oversized table during celebrations and holiday feasts.

The galley kitchen is functional and efficient, and features recent stylish upgrades including a new countertop, faucet, and fresh paint. This culinary workspace boasts ample storage and a butcher block desk where the owners’ now adult children once did their school homework. Rare to find, the kitchen connects to a lovely main floor family room that’s flooded with morning light. Having a scale and proportion that complements the original house, it features a side door that connects to a balcony with stairs to the garden, making outdoor entertaining a breeze! We particularly adore the box bay window seat with its verdant garden vista, serving as the ideal spot for your morning cuppa or your kid’s afternoon snacks.

On the upper level, all the rooms radiate from a square plan hallway filled with natural light from a solatube. The primary bedroom – renovated in 2010 – is located facing the front of the house. This sleeping sanctuary features an oversized west-facing window, two custom built-in closets (one of which is a walk-in), and wood floors. Two additional bedrooms span the back of the house, both with lovely proportions, closets, garden views, and the same gleaming wood floors. A luxe renovated 4-piece washroom completes the domestic ensemble, outfitted with a deep soaking tub, quality fixtures and fittings, and a custom built-in cabinet and counter that offers plenty of additional storage.

The lower level, with a separate entrance accessed from the rear side yard, offers great accommodations for a nanny, your moody teen, or even a potential tenant if you’re seeking supplemental income. Fully finished with a waterproof wall membrane, recessed lighting, a good-sized media & games room (the commercial-grade Foosball table is included!), a spacious fourth bedroom, a 3-piece washroom, laundry room / kitchenette, this value-added living space offers both comfort and utility!

Stepping into the garden, it’s clear that pride of ownership extends beyond the walls of this family home. The current owners have optimized this fully-fenced parklike living space, which features a storage shed, raised planting beds, and a dining arbour!

One of the most important qualities of any real estate purchase is the quality and condition of the dwelling itself. The prudent buyer will appreciate and value that all major building components are in proper condition, including a high-efficiency gas water heater (2021), central air conditioner (2015), windows, solatube & storm doors (2009), roof & eavestroughs (2009 – repaired in 2017), 4000V HEPA filter system (2009), second floor washroom (2012), double thermopane double hung windows (2009), wiring (100 amp service), and plumbing (new sewage line – 2018 – all copper plumbing and a 3/4″ water line has been installed to increase water pressure).

For those seeking a stellar convenient location, this well-loved, freshly-painted, solid brick residence nestled on a 28.58 x 100 foot fenced lot with a private gated drive deserves a closer look –> take the virtual tour here!

Have questions or require more information? Interested in booking a private tour? Contact James Ormston at james@urbaneer.com!