toronto west, high park, roncesvalles village, parkdale, bloor west village, junction
$1,499,000
$2,199,000
99 Constance Street
Regal 2 Storey Century Home in Prime High Park, Spectacular Curb Appeal, Exceptional Interior & Exterior Mill Work Showcases the Craftsmanship of Times Past, Wonderful Marriage of Pristine Original Character & Modern Convenience. Renovated Open Concept ‘Cook’s’ Kitchen w/Walk-out, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Tastefully Renovated Bathrooms. Hardwood Floors, Sparkling Leaded Glass Windows, Plate Rail, Pocket Doors, Wood Burning Fireplace & Extensive Wainscoting. Professionally Finished Basement w/High Ceilings & Heated Floors. Expansive 32’ x 120’ Landscaped Lot w/Brick Garage & Private Backyard Oasis. A Rare Offering Mere Steps to High Park!!!
HIGH PARK
44 Symington Avenue Professionally Renovated 2 Storey Victorian Century Home w/2 Wonderful Bi-Level Suites. Coveted Junction Triangle Location. Upper 3 Bdrm Bi-Level Suite Plus Lower Bi-Level 2 Bdrm Suite. Spacious Open Concept Living/Dining/Kitchen Areas. Locally Recognized Chef Designed Kitchens, Approx 10’ Ceilings on the Main. Full 2023 Reno/Re-Build w/Addition, 2,000sq.ft+ Finished, Uber Quiet Private Backyard w/Garage, Tremendous Owner/User Or Investor Application. Steps to Local Shopping & Entertainment, TTC & UP Express.
junction triangle
307 Pacific avenue
Grand 2.5 Storey Victorian Multiplex On Historic Pacific Avenue, Circa 1888 Detached w/Period Brick Facade, Spacious Front Porch, 6 Well Designed Suites, Interior & Mechanical Renovation In 2006, Over 3,500Sq.Ft Finished On 4 Levels, 6 Hydro Meters, 5 Gas Meters, Coin Op Laundry, Multiple Decks & Outdoor Space For Tenants, Property Fully Tenanted: $115K Net Income. Low Maintenance 25’ X 78’ Lot; Tenants Manage Refuse & Snow, Short Stroll To The Junction And Bloor West Village Shopping And Entertainment, High Park, TTC.
JUNCTION
303 Quebec Avenue, Toronto
Beautiful spacious 4 bedroom home in prime High Park north on rare lot. Welcoming large porch invites into grand foyer with leaded/stained glass windows. Hardwood floor & wood trim throughout. Spacious bright living room with fireplace & custom built-in shelves. Formal dining room with beamed ceiling, plate railing, leaded/stained glass windows & gleaming hardwood floors. Updated eat in kitchen has granite counters, pot lights & w/o to large deck & private oasis - fully fenced perennial garden & garage with extra parking. Second floor has spacious 4 bedrooms + office and walk out to the terrace with panoramic sunset views. A partially finished basement with family room, 2pc bathroom & laundr y room. House is freshly painted in neutral decor. Located in a very desirable neighbourhood near Humberside CI & Annette PS; easy stroll to majestic High Park, subway & trendy Bloor West Village!
Visit my website for more information about this listing.
Dear Nutan:
TESTIMONIAL
We wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your hard work and unwavering patience throughout the past year. Your commitment and expertise was so valuable in helping us on this long, long journey. We appreciated your willingness to explore ALL options across many different neighbourhoods and you always came with a smile or laugh when we dragged you to the true “fixer-uppers”. We’re so happy with where we’ve landed but will miss the weekly visits and catch-ups. We’re thrilled you are nearby and hope that there are lots of run-ins in the future!
~ Jess, Jason, Coralie, Rooney and Georgia
A Twist
ON A CLASSIC SPANISH SAUCE FORPASTA DISHES
THIS TAKE ON ROMESCO,
THE A SPANISH SAUCE MADE WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS AND FINELY CHOPPED NUTS, IS ULTRA-SMOOTH AND CREAMY THANKS TO THE PLANT-BASED ROASTED RED PEPPER CASHEW DIP.
“Don’t add oil to pasta water to prevent clumping or boiling over,” says Michelle Pennock, executive chef for the President’s Choice test kitchen. “Instead, add salt to your water for flavour, rather than having the pasta become slippery and making the sauce run off.”
Freeze the leftover canned tomatoes in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months and use later in soups, pasta dishes or sauces.
Toast whole almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring or shaking often, until light golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
DIRECTIONS
STEP ONE: Bring 4 litres (16 cups) water to a rapid boil. Add pasta. Stir occasionally until water returns to a boil. Cook until al dente or tender but firm, about 8 to 9 minutes, adding frozen peas during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time. Reserving 1-cup cooking liquid, drain.
STEP TWO: Meanwhile, pulse 1/4 cup toasted almonds in a blender on high speed until finely ground. Add cashew dip, tomatoes with juices, oil, salt and paprika. Blend, scraping down the side, until smooth sauce forms. Set aside. Chop remaining 2 tbsp toasted almonds for garnish; set aside.
STEP THREE: Return pasta mixture to saucepan off heat. Stir in sauce and 1/2cup pasta cooking liquid, adding more if necessary to coat pasta and reach desired sauce consistency.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle pasta with chopped almonds and parsley. ◆
Nestled on one of Swansea’s most coveted streets, 19 The Palisades offers luxury living with breathtaking views of High Park, the Toronto skyline, and Lake Ontario. This custom-built, three-storey detached home features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a private drive, seamlessly blending nature, city views, and exceptional design.
The main floor is a showpiece, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that frame serene ravine and High Park views, creating the feel of a forest retreat. Designer-engineered hardwood floors add warmth and elegance, while morning light fills the east-facing living spaces. A gas fireplace enhances the cozy ambiance, and the open-concept designer kitchen is equipped with high-end built-in appliances, quartz countertops, and patio doors leading to a covered deck overlooking the lush backyard. A pantry, servery, formal dining room, and dedicated office or sitting area round out the versatile main level.
The primary suite is a private sanctuary, featuring stunning High Park views, a spa-like ensuite with a freestanding tub and walk-in shower, and a generous walk-in closet. The third floor offers an expansive bedroom with direct access to a terrace, where panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline provide the perfect spot to unwind.
The fully finished basement boasts 10’6” ceilings, a recreation room, a full bathroom, a versatile bedroom or gym, and a mudroom with direct access to the attached garage. The backyard is a true oasis with mature trees, lush landscaping, and incredible views, offering a secluded retreat in the heart of the city.
Situated steps from High Park’s trails, Bloor West Village, and excellent schools, this home is a rare opportunity to enjoy luxury, tranquility, and urban convenience.
For more details and photos, please visit www.sidorovainwood.com
HOMAGE TO HERITAGE Paying
In the chaos of life today a home needs to be a place of refuge, a solitude for the homeowners to retreat to. Built for an Italian couple, the design pays homage both to the clients’ Italian heritage and that of the Toronto residential building fabric, while ensuring a sensitivity towards wellbeing, mobility, and convenience.
The design of the Pacific project is born from the homeowners’ values and traditions where the comforts of their past are now viscerally felt within their presentday lives. The vault, in its many permutations, is one of the most common archetypes of ancient Roman architecture, characterized
by its powerful modulation of light and its sense of lightness.
In adopting this typology into a domestic space, the architects evolved the vault from its primary form, puncturing, cutting, and peeling it into new geometries that help to distribute light and air into key locations, respond to program organization, demarcating each with a different atmosphere, and create a sectional continuity throughout the house. In carrying sacred content from the homeowner’s past into the present they are transported into another time and place, full of stories, meaning, and memories that become their refuge.
Photography by Doublespace Photography Inc. | Source: v2com
The vault geometry extends the length of the lot, informing a relationship between the façade and the interior. From the exterior, the brick vault is a subtraction from the otherwise monolithic brick frontage. This monolithic façade is created through a focus on the rich materiality of the brick coursing, and the isolated dormer which mirrors the proportions of the neighbouring house. The brickwork that covers the façade and wraps the ceiling and walls of the carport plays into Toronto’s history
of masonry detailing. The tradition of brick in Toronto’s residential fabric dates back to the 19th century when Toronto’s stock of Victorian houses was built. In these houses, ornamental detail presents itself in single isolated moments of brick coursing located above apertures, along with corners, and at cornices.
The architects took this singular moment of ornamentation and blew it up. The front of the home is reduced
to a monolithic façade – where single repetitive material ornamentation, an adaptation of the Flemish-bond, becomes an even but textured brickfield placing emphasis on the vaulted profile. This field of patterning emphasizes a play of light and shadow and picks up on seasonal changes. In the summer, the protrusions texture the façade with stark shadows, and in the winter the texture transforms through bricks creating shelves for the snow to fall on.
As a retired couple intending to age in place, it was essential that they had access to parking on site. Wanting to refrain from the suburban folly of a garagefronted street, the decision to create a carport shaped the formal organization of the entire project. The integrated carport carves the front façade, creating a processional entryway reminiscent of the portico; an architectural feature found in roman architecture which covers and extends from the entrance often as a vault or colonnade. ▹
PROJECT DETAILS
TEAM: Batay-Csorba Architects
SIZE: 3,500 Square Feet
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
STATUS: Completed, 2020
Vaulted porches are also a prevalent form in Toronto’s Victorian housing stock. Toronto’s residential streets are often punctuated by front porches (rather than garages) to create a transitional space between the street and the home. In the case of Pacific Residence, the carved carport creates an inverted porch, which creates an introverted presence on the street. A lightwell that cuts through the height of the building is placed at the depth of the carport, washing the deep space with light, pulling visitors towards the entry. This armoured space is turned inward and perceived as private, creating an intimate entry procession.
To emphasize the project’s geometric simplicity, all circulation, services, and entry conditions are tucked into a linear bar that runs adjacent to the vault. Upon entering the house, visitors begin in a compressed service ‘bar’, which then opens into the ground floor’s expansive and airy living spaces. Throughout the length of the ground floor, the barrel vault’s persistent geometry connects these living spaces, accentuating the client’s desire for connectivity in food preparation, eating, and socializing.
While the barrel vault brings these spaces together, moments of articulation and relief are found through tangential peels and cuts in the vaulted ceiling. The vault remains intact in the dining room, is cut at the length of the kitchen, becomes intact again in the living room, and then unfolds and peels into the backyard. This spatially delineates connected spaces, while also providing natural light to flood into the deep and narrow lot. Situated in the middle of a long floorplan, the kitchen opens and is flooded with natural light from a skylight above.
While the ground floor remains unimpeded and connected, the second floor is sliced into rooms connected by bridges. This allows for rooms to be stacked in a narrow lot with natural daylight reaching each room and the ground floor below. On this floor, the services of the laundry room, bathroom, and stairs are also tucked into the ‘bar’, while the bedroom, study, and
master suite are stacked from the front to the back of the house. The slice between the bedroom and study allows both rooms to share natural daylight brought in from the lightwell and the façade’s dormer window. The master suite is lit from both the house’s back façade and the skylight above the kitchen. ◆
BATAY-CSORBA ARCHITECTS
(B-CA) is an architecture and interior design studio that combines research and practice to create progressive projects. Committed to architecture as a place where ideas find expression, we use spatial massing, natural light, and tactile materials to translate buildings into aspirational forms and experiences.
batay-csorba.com
The Art FUNCTIONAL DESIGN of
By Evelyn Eshun Design | Photography by Larry Arnal
Creating a home that balances beauty and practicality lies at the heart of functional design. This approach blends style with purpose, ensuring every space not only looks stunning but also works seamlessly for the people who live there. Functional design is more than just choosing the right furniture or colours—it’s about crafting a home that feels intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.
THIS CONCEPT STARTS WITH INTENTION. EVERY ELEMENT IN A ROOM, FROM LAYOUT TO MATERIALS, SHOULD SUPPORT THE WAY THE SPACE IS USED. A HOME OFFICE MAY NEED FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION, WHILE A KITCHEN SHOULD INVITE CONNECTION AND EFFICIENCY. FUNCTIONAL DESIGN ADDRESSES THESE NEEDS WHILE ENSURING THE SPACE RETAINS ITS CHARM AND PERSONALITY.
A strong layout is the foundation of functional design. A well-planned room enhances flow and accessibility, making even small or oddly shaped spaces feel purposeful. Open-concept living areas can foster connection, but thoughtful zoning is essential to avoid a chaotic feel. Rugs, furniture placement, and lighting can help create defined areas for dining, working, or relaxing while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.
Spaces designed for adaptability offer even greater functionality. Multifunctional rooms can evolve with changing needs by incorporating flexible furnishings like modular sofas or fold-out tables. A living room might double as a home office, or a guest room could transition into a playroom. This flexibility ensures every inch of a home serves its purpose.
Storage is another cornerstone of functional design. A space can quickly feel cluttered without proper organization, so incorporating smart storage solutions is key. Built-in shelving, custom cabinetry, and hidden compartments make it easy to stay organized without sacrificing style.
Durable and purposeful materials play a vital role in functional design. The materials you choose should not only look good but also stand up to daily wear and tear. In family homes or high-use areas, scratch-resistant surfaces, washable fabrics, and lowmaintenance finishes are invaluable. Practical materials don’t have to mean sacrificing elegance. Many modern options today, like engineered stone or stain-resistant fabrics, combine beauty with functionality. These materials offer longevity while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a well-designed home.
Lighting is equally essential to functional design. A well-lit room not only enhances practicality but also sets the mood. A layered lighting approach, combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, ensures the space is adaptable for different uses. In a kitchen, under-cabinet lights brighten prep areas, while decorative pendants over an island add character. In living rooms, dimmable lighting transitions easily from lively gatherings to quiet evenings.
Maximizing natural light is another way to enhance functionality. Large windows, mirrors, and light-coloured walls reflect and amplify sunlight, creating a sense of openness.
Comfort is another important layer of functional design. Soft rugs, cozy throws, and inviting furniture make spaces feel warm and livable. Seating should encourage relaxation while still being stylish.
Even the most overlooked spaces can shine when designed with function in mind. A mudroom, for example, can become a highly practical hub with thoughtful details. Hooks for coats, cubbies for shoes, and a durable floor for muddy days make it a hardworking space. Adding a bench for putting on shoes, with storage beneath, makes it even more efficient while maintaining a polished look.
Kitchens are another area where functional design thrives. A well-organized kitchen focuses on efficiency, placing key elements like the sink, stove, and refrigerator within easy reach. Islands with storage and seating add versatility, while durable countertops and ample cabinetry ensure the space stays practical. Thoughtful design transforms this hardworking room into a welcoming centrepiece of the home.
Functional design isn’t about choosing between style and practicality—it’s about finding the balance where they coexist. Thoughtful layouts, smart storage, durable materials, and personalized touches all come together to create spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable.
When done well, functional design enhances both the home and the lifestyle of those who inhabit it. It allows spaces to work harder while still being a source of joy and comfort. By focusing on purpose and beauty in equal measure, functional design ensures that every room in your home feels as good as it looks. ◆
EVELYN ESHUN is the founder of Torontobased award-winning design firm Evelyn Eshun Design, renowned and respected for her thoughtfully designed projects.
@evelyndesigner • evelyneshun.com
WELCOME TO 299 INDIAN ROAD
Listed at $4,350,000
High Park | 7 + 1 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 4 Parking
This stunning, fully renovated home in High Park blends timeless elegance with modern functionality. Situated at the corner of Indian Road and Radford Avenue, this 3-storey masterpiece offers historic character paired with contemporary upgrades. With 7+1 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a double private drive, and two garages, this residence is a rare gem in one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The grand centre hall design welcomes you into a spacious foyer, setting the stage for the home’s impeccable craftsmanship. Hardwood floors, French and pocket doors, and intricate wood detailing flow throughout the main floor, including a library with custom built-ins, a formal living room with a fireplace, and an elegant dining room with a beamed ceiling and walkout to the deck. The eat-in designer kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring marble counters, a Sub-Zero fridge, a Wolf gas stove, and a walkout to a beautifully landscaped perennial garden.
The second-floor primary suite is a tranquil retreat, complete with a walk-in closet, a serene sitting room, and a luxurious 5-piece ensuite. Two additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. On the third floor, four large bedrooms and a 6-piece bathroom provide ample space for family or guests. The newly refinished basement, with 9-ft ceilings and a separate entrance, offers versatility as a family room, gym, or nanny suite, complete with an additional bedroom and a 4-piece bathroom.
Steps from Bloor Street, High Park, the subway, and Roncesvalles Village, this home offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and serene living. From lush green spaces to trendy cafes, this property is ideally located for an unparalleled lifestyle.
For more details and photos, please visit www.sidorovainwood.com
