May 23, 2012

Delicious Digs

Gingerbread houses hail from the Victorian era, and not only do they ooze Toronto history, they look almost good enough to eat. Read on as one couple shares their story. Plus, three more gingerbread homes on the market to sink your teeth into.

by Sabrina Nanji

For Alan Gold, buying a house on Belmont Street was the easy part. The tricky part was convincing his wife, Ruth, to live in it.

Originally, Gold bought the Rosedale home with the intention of renting out the apartment to boarders. All it took was one look and a little bit of persuasion and they were ready to make the move from idyllic Bayview to the fast-paced energy of North Toronto.

“I bought the house originally as an investment opportunity, to rent it out,” Gold says. Instead, the house was perfect for the pair. “The tricky part was convincing [Ruth] because she’s a gardener and has been for some time.”

Granted, the garden at 74 Belmont St. is a downsize from their previous space, but Ruth says that “de-cluttering” convinced her to make the move. Not to mention six offers for their previous house sweetened the deal. Following a family brunch in Yorkville: “We were walking along. [Alan] was ahead, and we all thought, ‘Where is he leading us?’” says Ruth. “He opened the gate and walked up, opened the door and said, ‘This is our house.... Surprise!’ ” After their three children had flown the coop, the Golds dabbled in downsizing, but soon came to realize that they weren’t “condo people.”

The solution meant a bidding war and $1.575 million, but alongside their agent, Aaron Gonsenhauser from Harvey Kalles Real Estate, they pushed the asking price down by $20,000. According to the Golds, they were able to lock down the house because they gave the sellers a firm offer.

“The first thing our son said after he saw it was, ‘This place is too cool for you two,’” Alan says and laughs. “Too cool” or not, the Golds’ new digs are unexpectedly modern — reminding onlookers not to judge a house by its facade.

The house was extended and boasts a two-car garage, a rarityinthecity.The walled garden requires some tender loving care, but with two basements, modern fixtures and a great location, it’s hard to see a downside. “I love the location,” Ruth adds. “There is so much walking to do here ... and everyone says hello on the streets.”

Sweet Victorian in the Annex

 This heritage home brings history to the modern age: known as the Todd House, it was updated by the current owner, who happens to be a designer

LISTING PRICE $2,800,000  
ADDRESS 16 Admiral Road INTERSECTION Avenue and Lowther
SIZE 25 x 142 feet AGENCY Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage
SPECIAL FEATURES New renovations by designer, chef ’s kitchen, private garden, walk-in pantry, heated roof cables, master bedroom has ensuites and separate dressing room.

 

Delectable York Mills designer

 This private pad combines sophisticated living with an intimate getaway. With a secluded ravine, cedar deck and pool, it exudes cottage vibes

LISTING PRICE $3,199,000  
ADDRESS 122 Forest Heights Blvd INTERSECTION York Mills and Bayview
SIZE 72 x 196 feet AGENCY Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage
SPECIAL FEATURES Backs onto private ravine, oversized rooms, pool with cedar deck, elevator shaft, renovated kitchen, designed by Toronto architect Richard Wengle.

 

Richmond Hill’s prestigious ‘pie’

 This dwelling’s separate entrance provides serious earning potential, not to mention the grand foyer’s high ceilings are oh-so-inviting

LISTING PRICE $1,159,800  
ADDRESS 8 Yellow Birch Cres. INTERSECTION Bayview and 16th Avenue
SIZE 54 x 117 feeet AGENCY Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc.
SPECIAL FEATURES Pie- shaped lot, huge circular patio, oak spiral staircase, professionally landscaped front and back yards, California shutters, French doors, open concept layout.

 

This article appears in the December 2011 issue of Post City Magazines

Comments to the Post City Magazines website do not reflect the opinions of the company or the author of the article in question. We do not edit comments for grammar, length or clarity. Offensive comments will be removed at the discretion of Post City Magazines. To read all of our website policies, click here.

Add your comment:
Verification Question. (This is so we know you are a human and not a spam robot.)

What is 8 + 7 ?