Ravishing Roncesvalles!
If you've been looking for a place to call Home, you know how challenging it is to find a character property in a dynamite family-friendly location. You'd like the space a century home offers, but who has the time to gut it to the studs? Finding a place that doesn't need a contracting crew seems like a tall order, but look no further! Welcome to 109 Sorauren Avenue.
Centrally located, 109 Sorauren Avenue is a short drive to the QEW highway and just north of the Queen Street West streetcar that whisks you east directly into the central core. It's a short stroll to magnificent High Park and just south from Sorauren Park. It's also a block east of vibrant Roncesvalles Avenue with its charming mix of grocers, butchers and bakers, cafes, gift shops, and the much-loved revue cinema.
Roncesvalles Village is a wonderful amenity-laden neighbourhood. Originally developed in the late 1880's for the Scottish and Irish merchant class, the neighbourhood transitioned into the cultural centre for the Polish community through the 1940's. By the 1990's, the aging population resulted in the decline of commercial activity catering to this particular community, which in turn created the opportunity for a new cycle of revitalization in the neighbourhood.
As the long-time residents sold their homes, a younger creative community moved in. Attracted to the well-constructed, well-proportioned, good-value-for-dollar housing stock; a downtown location that wasn't 'too urban'; and proximity to the lake and green space, the rapid influx of new homeowners fueled gentrification. Such synergy created the impetus for a residential rebirth, including the conversion of the warehouses and factories that line Sorauren Avenue, the transition of the brownfield site that would become Sorauren Park and an entrepreneurial spirit that revived the commercial strip.
Today, Roncesvalles Village has blossomed into a liberal progressive family-friendly neighbourhood. It's evolution is a testament to how neighbourhoods can retain their roots while enjoying a renewed celebration for urban life.
Sorauren Park was created after the local community objected to City of Toronto plans to convert a former bus garage into a facility for storing City vehicles. The park, which opened in 1995, now hosts several sporting fields, a farmer's market on Mondays, and contains a fieldhouse for community gatherings. There are two mini-soccer fields for youth soccer, two tennis courts and one baseball diamond. Open space is set aside for a dogs 'off-leash' area. After Halloween the park becomes a festival of lit pumpkins and in the wintertime ice rinks are set up on the field. How remarkable is that?
This merchant-class two-and-a-half storey solid brick Victorian is great value! Constructed in the late 1800s, this well-proportioned residence was formally a two-unit luxury rental property. Now lovingly occupied top to bottom by a growing family, this spacious character home offers flexibility and oodles of space depending on your particular needs.
From the moment you enter the front door, you know you're somewhere special! Beyond the gracious foyer, the property unfolds with an elegant drawing room with century details including wood floors, decorative moldings and a woodburning fireplace. The unusually generous dining room with crown moldings, fretwork and wainscotting connects to an oversized family kitchen that features gas cooking, ample cabinetry with breakfast bar and glass doors walking out to a large deck and landscaped garden, perfect for summertime barbecues. This floor also contains the laundry area and a two-piece powder room that once contained a shower.
On the second level are three rooms plus a 4-piece washroom. Formally the living, dining and kitchen of the upper duplex, the former kitchen is now used as a study, the dining room with pocket doors is set up as a charming childrens' bedroom, and the front room is used as a family room. Sun-drenched with character windows, soaring ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, this is a heart-grabber.
Up the stairs to the third floor, this sunny atelier contains the master bedroom sitting and sleeping areas. With lots of storage, vintage plank floors and a new deck, this romantic airie could alternatively become two private rooms.
Having the grand proportions of yesteryear with loads of charm, the special property has been upgraded with loving care. Recent improvements include many new windows, some brick restoration, basement concrete and new steel columns, new eavestroughs, exterior and interior paint, recent appliances including washer/dryer, the upgraded 2-piece, third floor renovations and a new back yard fence with sliding gate which could accommodate parking if you wish. About seven years ago the cooling system was added. Furthermore, when the sellers originally took possession of the house just over 9 years ago they confirmed all knob and tube wiring was no longer functioning. Your home inspection should confirm the same.
Gracious and well-loved, this magical Roncesvalles residence is ready for occupancy at the end of July.
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