House of the Week: $1 million for a six-bedroom on the short strip of King West that overlooks the lake
ADDRESS: 1584 King St. W.
NEIGHBOURHOOD: South Parkdale
AGENT: Mike Donia, Re/Max Realty
PRICE: $1,079,000
THE PLACE: This red-brick behemoth sits on the gorgeous-but-forgotten strip of King West that peers over Lake Ontario (between Beaty and Queen West). The once-regal pocket of old Toronto is somewhat shabby, but with trendy Roncesvalles and Queen West intersecting nearby, the slow magic of gentrification has renewed interest in the large homes of the area. The decor here may be out of date, but unlike its neighbours, 1584 King has not been divided into flats. It’s been kept in great condition, capturing some of the tony magic of Toronto of yore with an expansive kitchen, six bedrooms and stunning arched windows. The interior is replete with wood: floors, staircases, mouldings and door trims.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: In the west end, houses of this size don’t get much closer to Lake Ontario (a pedestrian bridge to the shore is just steps away). The views are spectacular and give the lucky residents an opportunity afforded to few Torontonians—a chance to look down on the Boulevard Club.
BIG SELLING POINT: Being ahead of the curve in the housing market. Very close to Roncey and a glut of new upmarket hangouts (Cowbell, Parts and Labour, Bar Salumi, Local Kitchen), this neighbourhood is hot but hasn’t experienced the price spike of West Queen West—yet.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: The house sits beside the ever-busy Gardiner Expressway and uncomfortably close to the seemingly never-ending Roncesvalles streetcar construction; peaceful Saturday mornings might be a thing of the past.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $4,825 in annual taxes • 10-foot ceilings • 6 bedrooms • 5 parking spaces • 5 bathrooms • 3 storeys • 1 cliff • 1 games room • 1 den
