JANUARY 28, 2025

Dear reader,

For some reason, High Park always finds itself in the headlines for the wrong reasons: police feuding with cyclists, anti-car protests and counter-protests, proposed fishing bans and a vandalized speed enforcement camera that, today, remains floating in a duck pond. 

My grand theory behind the fracases? People fight over High Park because High Park is worth fighting over. It’s a treasure, full of chubby capybaras, ponds loaded with beavers, gorgeous indigenous gardens, fairy tale trails and Toronto’s most stunning amphitheatre, all of it accessible by subway. It’s so special, in fact, that I’m willing to endure the exhausting NIMBY fighting—and this is coming from someone who reads local news for a living.

It’s High Park that drew me to Curb Appeal’s top post this week: a $3.8-million A-frame with a cauldron-like firepit in the backyard. Sure, its Italian granite feature wall and trendy basement bar are nice. But living steps from Toronto’s greatest green space? Now that’s special. 

Also in today’s newsletter: $4.1 million for a neoclassical oddity in suburban North York. Plus, a chalet sitting in the middle of a private ski club. For all of our real estate coverage and more, visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition.

—Barry Jordan Chong, city and real estate editor

A four-plus-one-bedroom, five-bathroom A-frame home near High Park. Recently built, it comes with Scandinavian-inspired design, imported Italian granite and a main suite that spans the entire third floor. Residents are within walking distance of Dundas West station as well as the 506 and 504 streetcars. And motorists are a short drive from Lake Shore, the Gardiner and Keele.

What neoclassical oddity off Bayview would be complete without Doric columns, limestone all over, eight parking spots, a pyramidal skylight, a closet as big as a condo and a large, fenced-in backyard?

This 1,700-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom escape at the foot of a ski hill comes with storage for gear, cedar all over, a hot tub and a wood-burning fireplace with a towering chimney. Check it out. 

In the latest issue: Scottie Barnes is the new face of the Raptors—and the team’s best chance of salvation. Plus, a ranking of the city’s best new pastas, an equestrian scandal for the ages, and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.

Follow us for the latest from Toronto Life

Copyright ©2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. Toronto Life is a registered trademark of SJC Media

15 Benton Rd.
Toronto, M6M 3G2

You're receiving this email because you signed up for a Toronto Life newsletter.

Unsubscribe