A four-bedroom with its own nature preserve

Dear reader,

Toronto’s schools are housed in some of the city’s most beautiful structures—a buffet of architectural styles that, today, are in danger of tumbling into a black hole of backlog disrepair.

Consider Western Tech, the gothic gem towering over High Park that’s starred in everything from Billy Madison to The Queen’s Gambit. There’s also the futurist marvel Lord Landsdowne at Spadina Crescent, equipped with sky-high buttresses that stand like concrete spider legs. Then there are the modernist buildings of my suburban youth: understated two-storey masterpieces with giant windows, terrazzo floors and everyone’s favourite orange plastic bucket chairs. Toronto’s schools aren’t simply nostalgic: they’re beautiful, functional and often the heart of a neighbourhood.

So I was thrilled to come upon Curb Appeal’s top post this week: a $1.4-million, two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit housed in the former Aurora High School. Neoclassical on the outside and contemporary chic on the inside, it’s a relic that’s been graciously given a second life. Sure, its developers could have made more money by tearing down and building up. Thankfully, what they’ve delivered is something invaluable instead.

Also in today’s newsletter: a Bracebridge bungalow with twin bunkies and a big boathouse. Plus, a standout Georgian in Millbrook with its own nature preserve. Visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition for all of our real estate coverage and more.

What condo in a 130-year-old school would be complete without an antique barn door, industrial accents, a three-sided fireplace, a 1,000-square-foot garden terrace and a carport with a green roof? Take the tour now.

Here’s a Muskoka escape currently going for $6.7 million. It comes with three-plus-three bedrooms, two bunkies, five bathrooms, soaring ceilings, multiple decks and 70 metres of waterfront.

This $3.2-million, 4,500-square-foot Millbrook Georgian surrounded by nature has a circular driveway, a wood-burning fireplace, multiple ponds, a giant barn and a bee habitat.

In the latest issue: our city-wide survey of who earns what. Plus, the shooting that ruptured Leslieville, why everybody suddenly has adult ADHD, the best new patios for summer sipping, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.