Property for sale in Rosedale always sparks interest; Rosedale is the most sought-after address in Toronto. Dozens of Canadian luminaries have lived and still live in the exclusive downtown Toronto area, and Rosedale has a cachet that no other area of the city – or the country – comes close to equaling.
The natural beauty of Rosedale's signature ravines provides the neighbourhood with a quiet country feel. Stately homes on tree-lined avenues, large and gorgeous gardens, meandering streets and footpaths … While experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of Rosedale, it's nearly impossible to believe that this exclusive neighbourhood is only a heartbeat away from the centre of Canada's largest city.
Rosedale was settled in the 1820s by early Toronto sheriff William Jarvis. His wife Mary named the area after the profusion of wild roses that grew on their estate, and the neighbourhood's winding main thoroughfares began as Mary Jarvis's horseback riding trails.
The houses in Rosedale were mainly built between 1860 and 1930, and sport gracious stone and brick facades with beautiful architectural detail. They include styles such as Victorian, neo-Georgian, Stockbroker's Tudor and Edwardian Classical. The majority of these are beautifully preserved estates, or high-quality renovations, although there are some luxury condominiums available. The condominiums can run as high as $2 million dollars, and the heritage homes range from $1 million to $15 million.
Who lives in the beautiful homes of Rosedale? Historically, some of Canada's best-known citizens have made the area their home. Ken Thomson, 2nd Baron of Fleet and often listed as one of the world's wealthiest men, lived on Castle Frank Road in Rosedale until his death in 2006. Highly regarded artist Tom Thomson, lived at the famous Studio Building on Severn Creek, which Group of Seven artists used as a headquarters for over forty years. Indigo founders Heather Reisman and Jerry Schwartz currently own several properties on two streets in Rosedale.
Data from the most recent census reveals that the population of the area is only around 8,000 residents, and that the average annual income is well over $200,000. While the percentage of children and teens in Rosedale is lower than the city average, the area is home to several of Toronto's finest schools, including the highly regarded all-girls private school Branksome Hall, Rosedale Junior Public School, and the arts high school Rosedale Heights. Upper Canada College is nearby.
A glance at one Rosedale property currently for sale may provide a concrete example of the type of magnificent homes available in the neighbourhood. The house listed is 5,000+ square feet, and asking price is $6,495,000. Three stories, seven bedrooms, seven baths, and featuring, among other things, a wine cellar, a fully equipped coach house studio, an exceptional playroom, a circular driveway, and "meticulously-landscaped courtyard gardens.” Photos reveal a fully modernized kitchen and a splendid central staircase.
If Rosedale is your perfect neighbourhood, contact a real estate broker specializing in luxury properties. Someone who knows the area well can help you locate that rare and beautiful dream home in the gorgeous heart of Toronto.