Grace & Co. Magazine Spring/Summer 2022

ONTARIO’S CRAFT BEER REVOLUTION:

NEXT LEVEL BREWING FEATURE LISTING: 26 WOODLAND PARK RD | THE HUNT CLUB

CUSTOM HOMES RENOVATIONS ADDITIONS

1997 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario stratasdesign.com @stratasdesignbuild

For the big day and beyond, diamond bands designed with you in mind.

OAKVILLE

•

GUELPH

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KNAR.COM

TORONTO

editor's note

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Albeit a late start, gorgeous Spring weather has arrived! Gardens up and down your favourite Beach streets are looking amazing, CaféTO patios are set up and ready for you to enjoy while the beach itself is beginning to fill with guests from near and far!

In this year’s Spring/Summer edition of Grace & Co. Homes and Lifestyle, we are highlighting a number of amazing local businesses who we love and think warrant your patronage, sharing some of our favourite HGTV real estate-related series that are worth a binge, showcasing a number of phenomenal breweries from near to far, providing tips on how to decorate your home with nature in mind, serving up some Summer mocktails and cocktails that you may want to give a shot and going through a list of smart home accessories that will make anyone’s life easier!

We take you through a behind the scenes of our staging of a condo we recently sold – explaining the two key reasons staging is so important and how we achieved our goals. You also get a beforeand-after look into a local Beach home that went under the knife prior to listing. Through a list of strategic updates that we identified, a little went a long way and resulted in a phenomenal sale. Then, Chelsea sits down to discuss growing up in a real estate family and the parts of the job she loves the most!

If you are in the market for a stunning new home, flip to page 30 for a tour of this edition’s Feature Home – a stunner at 26 Woodland Park Rd – or browse all of our active and recently sold properties.

As a Realtor, the most common question I receive on a daily basis is “How’s the market?” While much has been made of the recent changes to interest rates and the inevitable impact those adjustments will have on Toronto’s housing market, the truth is that we are coming out of a highly unusual 2 years built upon historically scarce levels of inventory coupled with all-time low lending rates. The shift in the market that we are inevitably going to experience, therefore, is likely to be much more of a return to normal than a traditional market slow-down.

Market conditions aside, determining what real estate move is best for you requires a tailored approach. One where we listen to your story, evaluate your goals and help you put together a real estate plan that fits you.

Our family has lived in the Beach since 1986, and we have been selling homes here since 1989. So, if you are looking to buy, sell or invest, are just curious what your home is worth or simply want to chat real estate, we’re here to help!

Geoffrey Grace, Sales Representative & Editor @Grace_Homes @GraceHomesToronto

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CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

OUTPERFORM THE COMPETITION

We understand selling your home for the highest value includes capturing the best market timing, implementing the right pricing strategy, and maximizing your return on investment. With in-house staging and strategic improvement services, our proven methods allow us to outperform our competition leading to the best return on investment for our valued clients.

(416) 699-9295 | GRACEHOMES.COM

@GRACEHOMESTORONTO

@GRACE_HOMES

over 15 years' experience!

Your local mortgage broker was in the Top 75 brokers in Canada again this past year!

Jason Georgopoulos Phone: Fax: Email: Web: Address:

MORTGAGE BROKER

416.690.1502 | Toll Free: 1.866.690.8631 416.690.1164 Jason@betterborrower.ca www.betterborrower.ca 2301 Queen St E, Toronto ON M4E 1G7

Dominion Lending Centres Estate Mortgages Inc. | FSRA Lic #11363 Each Franchise is Independently Owned & Operated

in this issue

30

14 REAL ESTATE 17

Staging Homes to their Full Potential

38 Market-Ready

Strategic Improvements for Selling Your Home

42 Home Expansions are in Full Bloom

Garden and Laneway Suites Have Arrived

48 Chelsea Grace

Matchmaker in Real Estate

42 53 Grace & Co. Listings

35 How to Live in Harmony With Nature

78 Making Sense of the Market

46 Mocktails & Cocktails

Real Estate Refined

A Snapshot of the City

LIFESTYLE 10 Support Local in the Beach 14 HGTV New Series Spring 2022

22 Next Level Brewing

Ontario's Craft Beer Revolution

with Lyre's and Fever-Tree

72 The Smartest of Smart Home Devices Our Top Five Must-Haves

ON THE COVER 30 Feature Listing

26 Woodland Park Rd, The Hunt Club

Next Level Brewing

G R ACE & C O. H O MES AN D L I F E S T YLE S PRI N G / S U MME R 2 0 2 2 V O L U ME 3 EDITORS Geoffrey Grace Lauren Lowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelsey Addison GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cat Haynes CONTRIBUTORS Geoffrey Grace Tammy Leigh Tara MacIntosh Desta Ostapyk Adrienne Roman DC Rutherford Mike Spry PHOTOGRAPHERS Birdhouse Media ADVERTISING admin@gracehomes.com PUBLISHER

PREFERRED PUBLISHING PreferredPublishing.ca Published in Canada

gracehomesandlifestyle.com Information is subject to errors and omissions.

Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.

DOSSO

Custom Carpentry & Construction

Specializing in Quality Renovations and Custom Carpentry for Over 20 Years JONATHAN DOSSO | 416.888.9780 | JONATHANDOSSO@HOTMAIL.COM

T R O P P U S

H C A E B E IN TH BEACHES SANDBOX Welcome to Your New Community Centre in the Heart of the Toronto Beaches!

Motivated by the desire to give back, the fully accessible centre offers a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The Queen and Lee building has been fully renovated from top to bottom and includes vibrant, modern studio spaces and a state-of-the-art culinary school within it’s 13,000 square feet.

Beaches Sandbox will host up to 40 weekly classes with programs in music, cooking, photography, yoga, dance and more!

Equipment will be provided for most sessions, so families need not worry about investing in costly instruments or art materials.

2181 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO BEACHESSANDBOX.COM

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BEACHES HEALTH GROUP Beaches Health Group is a multidisciplinary wellness clinic that has recently taken the ownership of Dr. Shanna Sullivan. The clinic strives to provide exceptional care in physiotherapy, chiropractic, and registered massage therapy.

Their treatments are scientifically based, and they use a variety of techniques including but not limited to myofascial release technique, manipulation, acupuncture and exercise prescription. Their practitioners have experience treating babies, athletes, seniors, pregnancy and everything in between! The Beaches Health Group mantra is to “prevent injury, optimize function and reduce pain.”

2212 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO BEACHESHEALTHGROUP.COM

TRAINING PAD Welcome to the Training Pad! Located in the heart of Toronto's beautiful Beaches neighbourhood, they have a fun approach to customized fitness designed to help you thrive.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, tone your body, gain some muscle, rehab for function, condition your heart or improve your overall health and wellbeing, Training Pad invites you to join.

Their vision is to help people find the path to healthier, happier lives and motivate them to run it.

2489 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO TRAININGPAD.CA

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YOGATHLETIX YOGAthletix was founded on the belief that practicing yoga and fitness concurrently is the best way to achieve a happy and healthy life.

They offer active and restorative styles of yoga, high-energy fitness programs and therapeutic workshops.

YOGAthletix classes are designed to offer a balanced fitness regime, an engaging and challenging workout and to be accessible to every body.

Every class and instructor helps to foster a positive, encouraging and fun atmosphere. YOGAthletix provides a space where you can grow and be challenged without feeling intimidated.

2243 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO YOGATHLETIX.COM

QUEEN LEE STUDIO Queen Lee Studio is a natural light photography and creative space located in the heart of The Beach neighbourhood and is available for hourly, half- and full-day rentals.

With south and west facing windows, there is an abundance of natural light to be found within its nearly 800 sq. feet.

Adorned with vintage furniture and upcycled pieces in neutral tones, there is plenty of character in which to create.

The space also works well for small meetings, events, classes and popups. Queen Lee Studio is owned and operated by photographer Veronica Logue of Captured Kindred.

2171 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO QUEENLEESTUDIO.COM

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FLUFF DOG WELLNESS SPA Fluff Dog Wellness Spa, in The Beaches, offers all of the pampering spa services your dog needs. From quick nail trims to full groom service, their experienced dog groomers will help keep your dog clean, comfortable, healthy and looking their absolute best!

They value: • Ensuring your pet receives the proper care and attention they deserve • Holding ourselves accountable to the environment and the pets that play in them • Nurturing a culture of warmth and excellence in care • Striving to create an effortless experience for you and a rejuvenating experience for your pet 1741 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO FLUFFSPA.CA

LITTLE KITCHEN ACADEMY Little Kitchen Academy is the key ingredient for an independent child.

The first-of-its-kind, Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages three through teen is focused on providing a safe, inspiring, and empowering space for children to identify, develop, and refine their senses.

LKA lives to create a more educated, able, and healthy society through mindful, healthy eating choices, and is committed to changing lives, from scratch to consumption.

Little Kitchen Academy announced it will welcome the first students to its newest location, LKA The Beach, on June 18th. This much-anticipated location is the company’s first in the City of Toronto.

2052 QUEEN ST E, TORONTO LITTLEKITCHENACADEMY.COM

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STYLED

New

Season 1 premieres Tuesday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Styled follows the renovation and staging adventures of Nicole Babb and Caffery Vanhorne, best friends and design experts working together in Nicole’s successful family-run staging and interior design business. Whether a space is “Styled to Stay” or “Styled to Sell,” Nicole and Caffery’s personal style and flair shine through every new project.

GUT JOB

Season 1 premieres Wednesday, April 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

When seasoned builder Sebastian Clovis discovered the “dream home” he had just purchased required a nightmare total gut job, he tackled it all in! Stripping his house back to the studs to rebuild it safer and more stunning than ever, Seb knows how overwhelming the process can be.

For less prepared homeowners, a paralyzing barrage of decisions and surprises can put them months behind and wildly over budget.

Whether it’s a one room reno or an entire house gut, HGTV Canada’s most trusted coach is on a mission to guide homeowners through the biggest renovation of their lives. Bringing creativity, support and his talented team to each project, together they design, demolish, rebuild and beautify nightmare properties into jaw-dropping dream homes.

C AT C H U P O N P R E V I O U S E P I S O D E S O F T H E S E S E R I E S O N S TA C K T V

TRADING UP WITH MANDY RENNEHAN

Season 1 premieres Thursday, April 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Trading Up with Mandy Rennehan follows Blue Collar CEO™ and multi-million dollar designer and construction mogul Mandy Rennehan as she overhauls three unique properties in her beloved hometown of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, taking three deserving apprentices along for a bumpy but rewarding ride.

Series Spring 2022

HOARDER HOUSE FLIPPERS Season 1 premieres Thursday, May 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

In a red-hot housing market smart flippers know the lengths they have to go to in order to make the highest profit, and sometimes that means taking on a dingy “hoarder house.”

Buried under years of clutter, trash and neglect, these neighbourhood eyesores are typically a homebuyer’s worst nightmare, but for these three entrepreneurial teams of flippers, hoarder houses offer a unique opportunity.

In each episode of Hoarder House Flippers, one renovation team digs deep, rolling up their sleeves to take on the full transformation of a dilapidated house. They work day and night to clear out the junk and breathe new life into these challenging properties, turning them into gorgeous desirable homes, all in the hopes of turning a major profit.

V I S I T H G T V. C A F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N T H E S P R I N G S C H E D U L E

Getting into the real estate game is a big deal, whether you are buying or selling. You need someone to guide you through the legalities and logistics, making the process painless and easy.

That’s where we come in. We provide personalized, remote real estate closings and we can help you from the comfort of your own home. Leave the work to us, so you can focus on packing, moving and the (socially distanced) housewarming party!

Please contact us at info@wearelaw.ca for more info

Staging HOMES TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

In this world of instant gratification, buyers want to walk into a home or condo and feel like they can return with their suitcases, simply unpack and enjoy their new space from day 1.

At Grace & Co., we understand that.

So when we assist our sellers by providing their potential buyers with that experience, we sell their home or condo for more money, quickly – just want most sellers want!

Our lead listing agent and staging team put together a tailored staging plan for every one of our clients’ homes. Sometimes the only requirement is a thorough declutter. Other times, we are replacing some of the client's art and furniture with our inventory. Sometimes, like in the condo in this article, our clients are giving us their property vacant and we are staging it from top to bottom.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN GOALS WHEN STAGING YOUR PROPERTY: FIRSTLY, our team wants to ensure every room in your home is utilized to its full potential. Often, a bedroom is used as a den or home office, but to maximize saleability we always prefer to transform that space back to a bedroom. During COVID, for example, we looked at how people’s interaction with their homes were forced to change.

So we began looking for ways to showcase an area in the home to workout, as well as a convenient space to work from home.

SECONDLY, we want to ensure that a buyer falls in love within the first 7 seconds of opening the door.

Real estate purchases are often lead by the heart, not the head, so we want the furnishings to compliment or elevate your space.

When looking for top dollar for your home, you need to provide an experience similar to a new home sales centre – a clean, well lit space with furnishings, art and accessories that could be from your buyer’s favourite shop and even some subtle music playing in the background! It’s not enough for a buyer to like your home, they have to fall in love with it.

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When a past client, whose house we staged & sold to make his move to Nova Scotia a reality, needed help with the sale of his mother’s condo – we were honoured to be tasked with the responsibility!

She lived in St Lawrence on the Park an older condo, steps to the St Lawrence Market, that boasted 9-foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace – two rare features.

For this client, the thought of leaving multiple times a day to accommodate showings was daunting. When we discussed all the possible ways we could approach the sale of her home, it was decided that rather than staying in Toronto for the sale of her suite and then moving to be with her son in the East Coast, she would pack up and make the move first. This would make the showing process stress free for her and give us the opportunity to dress her condo from head to toe.

With this unit, we were able to convert the open den from a TV room to a work-fromhome space. Because the den was open to the living area, the glare from the windows would disrupt watching television. The wall above the fireplace was perfect for a wall mounted television and turned into the best use of space. That then allowed us to convert the second bedroom from an office to a bedroom – showcasing that it was enough space for a single bed. In the living area, where the seller had placed her furniture on an angle (to align with the fireplace), we placed our furniture in a more linear setup which

Furniture, like clothing, can dip in and out of style every few years. opened up the space and made the room feel much larger. In the dining room, the foyer closet jutted out into the room so a round dining table centred under a new statement light fixture (a strategic improvement we helped our client with) made best use of space. In the primary bedroom, we upsized the bed from her Queen to a King as the size of the room easily accommodated one. In addition, we had the carpet tiles removed to showcase the light flooring that flowed in from the rest of the suite.

brings new styles and trends. And furniture, like clothing, can dip in and out of style every few years. Homeowners cannot be expected to keep up with popular colours and the latest design innovations. But, with the help of our staging team, you can update the style in your homes with ease and at no cost! We provide the furniture, art and accessories found on the pages of your favourite interior design magazines making each one of our clients’ homes magazine worthy!

Our client (and her son) were extremely happy with the transformation but, more importantly, the sale – which resulted in two buyers bidding and our client selling for over our list price (a price that was not set under market value)!

At times, our clients don’t need, or want, staging and that’s totally fine with us.

Staging isn’t a requirement for us to sell your home. But, if you would like to explore how our team can transform your home to help you achieve top dollar in as short a time period as possible, give us a call at (416) 699-9295 or email admin@gracehomes.com.

At Grace & Co., we realize that home décor is akin to fashion. Each season

To v iew more of ou r b efore/af te r galleries , vis it www.gracehomes .com/s tag i ng

CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

At Elite Construction and Renovations, our clients’ needs come first. Upon your initial meeting, you’ll know you’re working with a company that cares about your project as much as you do.

We promise to work with our clients to help them fulfill their vision of their dream home.

INFILLS | ADDITIONS | RENOVATIONS | UNDERPINS | INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

If you love your neighbourhood, but find the layout of your home is too small or just isn’t working for you, Elite Construction and Renovations can help.

ELITE-CONSTRUCTION.CA 416-888-8417 | info@elite-construction.ca

ONTARIO’S CRAFT BEER REVOLUTION:

NEXT LEVEL

BREWING

BY ADRIENNE ROMAN

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t’s a favourite Canadian tradition, coming together on bustling patios to listen to live music and enjoy delicious food and drinks. With no shortage of interesting locations popping up across Ontario, today’s Craft Brewers are passionate people, dedicated to working closely with their communities to produce drinks that are inspired by a love of the land and the many elements that work together to ensure world class quality. With a strong commitment to the history of different brewing styles, they’re dedicated to upholding the highest standards when it comes to sustainability and the consistency of their small batch operations.

Individual creativity is exploding.

Brewsters and Brewmasters across the Province are enthusiastically experimenting with vibrant new ingredients to push flavour

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boundaries and appeal to a wider range of beverage consumers.

Shining a light on the importance of recognizing their diverse clientele, Craft Brewers today have transformed the craft beer industry into a truly welcoming space, one filled with action, variety, and greater ingenuity.

Beers, ciders, and cocktails are bursting with innovation, created by the artisans who take pride in their unique recipes, fresh malts and grains, and authenticity with traditional production methods.

Soak in the local community pride and enjoy the many beautiful destinations waiting to be explored.

With sharply-designed patios, live entertainment, music, and rotating interactive events, Ontario breweries provide the perfect summer recipe for touring, tasting, and living.

BREWERY TOUR

WEST AVENUE CIDER HOUSE westavenue.ca (289) 324-0312 84 Concession Rd 8 E Freelton, ON

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edication, innovation, and quality ciders prevail at this awardwinning 75-acre farm in Freelton.

You wouldn’t know that their smallbatch ciders are double gold award-winners at the Canadian Wine Championships, because the unpretentious atmosphere at West Avenue Cider House is a friendly one where, “dogs can play and kids can roam,” said owner Amy Robson.

Husband Chris Haworth’s culinary expertise as a chef is a definite advantage as Cider Maker, he’s always enjoyed the art of experimenting with a wide array of interesting wines, fruits, hops, and even grape skins. With a rotation of 15 choices available daily, you’re sure to find a favourite (or three!). It’s a short drive from Toronto, and the perfect spot for a day trip or overnight escape.

Enjoy their on-site bakery to sample a variety of local Ontario cheeses, pickles, and preserves.

DON’T MISS: booking a stay at “Somerset Cottage,” West Ave’s peaceful 3-bedroom Airbnb, nestled on their picturesque property for that relaxing getaway. Sit back and enjoy a decadently balanced Digestif of their award-winner, “Northern Lights” Cognac barrel-aged ice cider, 10.8% made from 2015 heritage apples with notes of baked apple pie and caramel.

LCBO SEASONAL RELEASE THIS SUMMER: Gem: 5.3%. West Ave’s 0% sugar gluten-free cider, a perfectly crafted creation of bartlett pear and cabernet sauvignon.

Divercity: 5.0% Stone Road White Ale: 4.1% A dry finish with aromas of orange zest.

A medium bodied Helles Lager, with its one-of-a-kind black and gold CN Tower design, inspired by the top 15 languages of the city displayed on Toronto’s most famous landmark.

Cosmic Cream Ale: 5% An ale that’s fermented warm and then laid to rest cold for a crisp and balanced result, and winner of Best Cream Ale at the 2019 World Beer Awards.

BEACHES BREWING COMPANY

DON’T MISS: The grilled Cypriot cheese, with honeyed Greek yogurt, pistachios, and mint.

beachesbrewing.com (647) 492-3224 1953 Queen St E Toronto, ON

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wner, chief brewer, and BIA board member Carl Pratt is working towards enlivening the community he loves by running a beach-inspired restaurant and brewhouse that welcomes everyone, serves quality upscale pub fare at a reasonable price, and strives to deliver a variety of eclectic options to suit all kinds of palettes. “I want to introduce my beer drinkers to a wider selection of options” Pratt said. Take the “Heart of Te-Fiti Coconut Lime Smoothie IPA,” 6.2% a full-bodied, smooth and creamy hazy IPA, dry-hopped with Sabro and Motueka hops and conditioned with coconut and lime.

If you’re looking for something a little less heavy, Beaches Brewing is featuring a line of lighter beers this summer, 3.5-5%, with a rotating selection of IPA’s and lagers on tap, and they’ll also be making in-house kombucha weekly over the summer.

The Audio-Visual Lager: 4.9% Cold aged for 4 weeks and made with Wai-iti hops, a crisp and refreshing lager brewed with brown rice and pilsner malt.

NIAGARA CIDER COMPANY niagaracidercompany.com

(905) 302-0270

8001 Blackburn Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON

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ith orchards nestled in the heart of Niagara country, where climate and soil are optimal for growing some of the world’s finest fruit, it’s easy to see why the Niagara Cider Company has found a dedicated following. Sourcing apples, strawberries, peaches, and raspberries from local farms in Fenwick, two friends with a mutual love of cider decided they were disappointed with the lack of dry ciders available on the market and set out to help solve the problem. A rainbow

Berry Fields: 5.4% A lightly dry-hopped juicy sour ale with aromas of raspberry and red currant, complemented by subtle strawberry and other red fruits.

Invisible Friend APA: 5.1 % Brewed with Citra, dry-hopped with Simcoe, Mosaic, Galaxy and Centennial hops.

BREWERY TOUR

of fresh Niagara fruits provided the genuine taste they wanted to achieve without the need for additional sugar. Result: their No1 Dry Apple Cider 6% wins gold at the 2019 Great Lakes International Cider Competition. It’s made with a blend of heirloom apples, and cold fermented with a white wine yeast in stainless steel tanks.

DON’T MISS: Niagara Ciders at the Craft Beer Festival in Toronto June 24th-26th at Ontario Place.

JUST LAUNCHED: Peach Chardonnay Infused Apple Cider, 6% made with Niagara peaches now available at the LCBO.

GRAIN & GRIT BEER CO. grainandgritbeer.com

(905) 769-1320

11 Ewen Rd, Hamilton, ON

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ighlighting local collaborations, fundraising events, and inclusivity, Grain and Grit in Hamilton has established themselves as a positive space where anyone is free to be. Owners Lindsey and Joe Mrav have been serving exciting small batch beer since 2017,

Boardwalk Vanilla Cream Ale: 5.5% Available in the spring and fall, one of the very first beers created at Beaches Brewing, a smooth ale with hints of corn and malt finished with real vanilla seed.

Cherriosity: 6.5% Medium dry and made with the sweeter flavour of Montmorency cherries.

Blacksmith Smoked Porter: 6.5% A smooth dark beer with hints of chocolate, caramel, and coffee, but without the bitterness that’s often associated with darker malts.

complemented by a wide selection of mouth-watering food choices from a rotation of local vendors like The Flyin’ G’nosh (try the Tandoori tacos) and Smithers homemade sausages, which will be available this summer every Thursday 5-9pm from May 5th-October 27nd.

NEW RELEASE: Pale ale “Fruit Salad” beer will be released on June 13th for Pride month (made with tangerines, cherries and peaches) in partnership with Fruit Salad: Hamilton Edition. Grain and Grit will be donating 50 cents from the sale of each can to Speqtrum Hamilton, a youth-founded and youth-focused program for the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth community in Hamilton.

DON’T MISS: Grain and Grit’s popular German pils, “Little Thrills German Pils” 4.8% available all summer, a creamy, grain-forward beer with a spicy bite that finishes dry.

LOST CRAFT lostcraft.ca

(416) 587-6753

837 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON

DON’T MISS: Their Kimchi Smash Burger: on a Potato Roll with American cheese, garlic AioliMalt and Crispy Fried Scallions and Kimchi.

Lost Craft also has an apparel line of Torontoinspired hats, tank tops, hoodies, and jackets.

JUST LAUNCHED: “Coastal Wave” 6.0 % Lost Craft’s hybrid IPA, a fresh favourite and available at the LCBO.

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ith a philosophy of “We think global and drink local”, Lost Craft Beer is serious about creating “sessionable” world class beer influenced by European tradition and infused with fresh ingredients, carefully crafted and available for everyone. They’re also dedicated to supporting ongoing initiatives that positively impact the residents and businesses of their Scarborough community, donating proceeds from their, “Love ScarboroughDivercity Helles Lager” to local charities including the SHN Foundation (Scarborough Health Network) and the CCDI (Canadian Centre of Diversity and Inclusion).

Revivale: 4.8% Heritage Dry: 6.5% A dryfinishing cider with notes of passionfruit and green apple.

Botany Collective Arts refreshing line of non-alcoholic botanical sparkling waters.

Try the coconut lime or black cherry vanilla.

Premium, all natural golden lagered ale, inspired by a specialty beer style from Germany. Revivale is top fermented using a rare yeast and cold aged to produce a smooth, balanced flavour profile with refined hop, malt, and fruit notes.

BREWERY TOUR

COLLECTIVE ARTS BREWING collectiveartsbrewing.com (289) 426-2374 777 Dundas St. West, Toronto, ON 207 Burlington St E, Hamilton, ON

FOR THE BRUNCH LOVER: Collective’s Daily Forecast: Mimosa beer made with 30% unfermented freshly-pressed orange juice. 4.5%

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ollective Arts’ artist-first mantra is just as refreshing as their beverages, a colourful assortment of beers, ciders, spirits, and cocktails that showcase Ontario’s craft industry and highlight the creative talents of artists from around the world. Walk into their spaces and entire buildings are bursting with vibrant murals, “celebrating the intersection of art, music, and beer,” and offering local and international artists the opportunity to apply and exhibit their art on gallery walls, beverage cans, and by way of Collective’s online print shop.

Collective Arts also collaborates with musicians and highlights up-and-coming playlists created by the Collective Arts staff (who are an exceptionally helpful and friendly bunch). The Toronto location is known as “the big ideas lab,” a hub of activity where Brewmasters Ryan Morrow and Geoff Kurkowski work to create magic.

This summer they’re collaborating with Vert Casse-Croûte Catering for a delicious food and drink partnership you don’t want to miss.

Pinky Swear IPA: 5.8% With aromas of apricot, white grape, dragon fruit and passion fruit, and paired with the creamy rich flavours of Asian pear, cantaloupe, and papaya. Brewed with Hallertau Blanc, Strata and El Dorado hops.

Flanders Red Sour Ale: 7.6% Bench’s Flemish style sour, aged for three years in barrels that previously held Cabernet Franc from Thirty Bench Winemakers.

Beekeeper’s Botanical Steeped Apple Cider: 6% This cider was a collaboration between Brewmaster Rich Houghton and a nutritionist who planned its careful infusion of seven curated botanicals, and completed the recipe with local Niagara wildflower honey.

SOUTH RIVER BREWERY

DON’T MISS: July 9th: Ashley Woodruff with Rob Murphy performing at South River Brewery. August 5th: Rock and Country collide with Redhill Valleys' concert at South River Brewery. August 6th: Visit their beer tent at the Sunflower Festival in Sundridge!

southriverbrewing.ca (705) 792-0808 309 B HWY 124 South River, ON

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ocated in the picturesque Almaguin Highlands just North of Muskoka, South River is currently busy planning an exciting summer at the Brewery. Founded in 2009, their very first beer was a traditional Scottish Ale, a pale ale favourite that’s endured the test of time, created with an Edinburgh Ale yeast strain imported directly from the United Kingdom.

Today, South River Brewing’s management team is primarily all female, with Australian Brewster (a female brewer) Kaity Niedeck churning out a lineup of incredible choices, like the new “Hop-A-Roo,” a single dry hopped IPA, 5% South River’s homage to Down Under blended with three different Aussie hops and bursting with citrus and fruit.

LOOK FOR: South River’s new release of low ABV beers, 2.5% ABV and under 85 calories, “A Light Paddle” brown ale and “Joey” IPA, both in 355ml sleek cans.

Coast to Coast Dry Hopped Lager: 5.2% A new seasonal release! Coast to Coast is the perfect companion for that road trip across the country. Bursting with ripe tropical flavours such as orange zest, passion fruit and mango.

BENCH BREWING benchbrewing.com

(905) 562-3991

3991 King St, Beamsville, ON

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ith a steadfast dedication to their zero-waste brewing platform (water is reused for both irrigation and fertilizer), and distribution of their spent grains to feed livestock at local farms, Bench Brewing means business when it comes to environmental sustainability and upholding the important title of “stewards of the land.” Bench is also innovative; they released their first coolship beer last December. (Anglicized version of the Dutch/Flemish koelschip).

Vibe Out: 5.5% Joey & A Light Paddle: 2.5% South River's new release of low ABV beers, under 85 calories! Both come in 355ml sleek cans.

Beaches Brewing's super, exceptionally hazy double dry hopped IPA but this time with Passionfruit and Guava Puree! With a ton of flaked wheat and oat for great mouthfeel and head retention.

BREWERY TOUR “It’s a lambic style of beer that’s made onsite using our coolship open vat and estate grown hops. Lambic beers are fermented through exposure to wild airborne yeasts as opposed to cultivated strains of brewer’s yeasts, a distinct brewing style that originated in Belgium in the 13th century. We love it as it brings terroir to our beer. These airborne yeast strains that ferment our beer are unique to our location and give them a real sense of place. It has a beautiful distinctive flavour that we are really proud of,” said Matt Giffen, Founder and President.

Whether it’s the ales from Belgium, Vanilla Cinnamon Porter, or lighter lagers brewed with Noble German hops, there’s a little of everything for everyone at Bench.

DON’T MISS: The Bench barrel room and taproom inside the historic Maple Grove Public School and stunning outdoor beer garden patio for a bite.

Visit the “Little Fieldstone Church” on the property, built in 1938, which can also be booked for events.

CAMERON’S BREWING cameronsbrewing.com

(905) 849-8282

1165 Invicta Dr, Oakville, ON

W

hen your hazy IPA, “Cruising Through The Galaxy” wins The World’s Best IPA at the 2021 World Beer Awards, there’s definitely reason to celebrate. Cameron’s Brewing is proud to be one of the true originals in the craft beer industry in Ontario. President Clint Israel is thrilled with their newest release, “Coast to Coast” dry hopped lager, 5.2% made with tropical orange, passion fruit, and mango.

When the pandemic closed LCBO trade in 2020, Cameron’s decided to take matters into their own hands and quickly moved to transform their entire sales team into an army of dedicated door-to-door drivers, providing the public a free home delivery service and generating a stream of revenue which allowed them to continue operating.

This, in turn, forged stronger connections with their existing consumers and built a bridge for new customers to find them during the shutdowns.

DON’T MISS: Jungle of Love tropical sour, 4.8%, made with real papaya, mango, and German Magnum hops.

Focused on reducing their footprint, their new brew house recycles heat from the kettle to heat their water, and they’ve installed a PVC white roof to conserve energy. They’re currently busy expanding their brewery space to 9000 sq feet, their dog-friendly patio is buzzing with the anticipation of summer, and it’s full steam ahead in Oakville.

Cameron’s premium, all natural, preservative-free beverages are enjoyed in bars and restaurants all across the Province and available at The L.C.B.O, The Beer Store, Loblaws, and Sobeys.

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WOODLAND PARK RD T H E

H U N T

C L U B

T

he team at Grace & Co. is honoured to be representing the sale of 26 Woodland Park Road – a stunning home in the Hunt Club that was just introduced to the market!

Striking the perfect balance between modern and traditional, all four sides of the home are clad in Hardie siding – which pays homage to the much-loved traditional Beach homes that were clad in wood siding. As does the 20ft long covered front porch – an amenity rarely offered on newly built homes. Yet, even from the street, this home teases of its modern edge. From the black windows and front door to the glass railings, composite stairs and porch, light fixtures and house number – the finishes at 26 Woodland Park are straight from your favourite designer’s Instagram feed.

Before you step inside, it must be shared that the interlock driveway and garage floor (as well as the entire basement slab) is heated. Add to that, the lack of

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sidewalk, and you soon realize your days of shovelling snow have ended!

And when you enter your car in the morning, the snow from last night has melted away and evaporated and your car is pre-heated for a comfortable start to your day.

Inside, the sunken foyer features a herringbone tile floor which, like the side foyer and all 5 bathroom floors, is heated. The wide plank white oak floors, soaring 9ft ceiling and nearly 12ft West facing sliding doors all work together to drench the main floor in natural light.

Love to cook? You are about to fall in love with this home! Anchored by a 10ft island that seats 5, this kitchen is truly the heart of the home. A 30” Franke sink overlooks the backyard while a secondary prep sink means there is plenty of room for your souschef! Appliances are all top of the line with double Wolf wall ovens, a 36” 6-burner Wolf cooktop, a side-by-side Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, under counter Wolf microwave drawer and Miele dishwasher. Don’t miss the walk-in pantry hiding behind the barn doors!

The main floor family room features a dramatic wall of high-quality millwork that flanks a 50” linear gas fireplace clad in stone from floor to ceiling. And those

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nearly 12ft sliding doors walk out to a two-tiered composite deck and a sunny West facing yard with enough room for a pool!

On your way upstairs, don’t forget to look at the hidden play space off the landing – a magical space for the little ones or great for additional storage! Once upstairs, the skylight floods the space with more light while a set of double doors lead you to the owners’ suite. A tranquil room with sunset views, a large walk-in closet kitted out with kitchen-grade built-ins and an ensuite with large freestanding tub, a 6ft glass shower with floating bench and another oversized skylight. The two kids’ rooms at the front feature ceilings that vault to over 10ft and they share a beautiful bathroom with separate tub and glass shower. The 4th bedroom, like the owners’ room, features sunset views and its own ensuite bathroom. Laundry is no longer a chore with your second floor laundry room featuring a steam washer and dryer, wash sink and lots of storage – and, yet again, another skylight!

The lower level doesn’t feel like one at all. With nearly 8ft ceilings, wide plank flooring, a second 50” fireplace clad in

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STRIKING THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN

MODERN AND TRADITIONAL gorgeous stone from floor to ceiling, a stunning wet bar with undercounter drink fridge, the 5th bedroom, a second laundry room, a mudroom with hooks and built-in storage, and a 5th bathroom which features a steam shower with floating bench! And as we mentioned earlier, that entire basement slab is heated for warm and cozy toes, as well as less work required by your furnace.

We would be remiss not to mention some of the technology built into this home. From the Nest front doorbell and thermostat to the Brilliant automated lighting and pre-wired security camera points, so much of your day-to-day living can be controlled from your pocket!

All this on Woodland Park – a street desired for its low traffic and mature canopy. Drive the street and you will notice that newer two-storey homes like this now outnumber the original wartime bungalows that were built shortly after the Toronto Hunt Club sold its land on the North side of Kingston Road. The community is built around Blantyre Park which offers an outdoor pool, children’s playground and baseball diamond. In the Winter, the hill on the North side of the park becomes a community hub for tobogganing and 2 outdoor rinks are maintained by locals for pleasure skating and shinny. Feeding to two popular schools (Blantyre for JK-8 and Malvern for 9-12), this is a highly desirable location for young families looking for new homes on large lots in an area with a real sense of community.

Built with no expense spared, for a discerning homeowner, it’s time for this home to find its new family. If you would like a private tour of 26 Woodland Park Rd, please contact Chelsea Grace at chelsea@gracehomes.com or through the office at (416) 699-9295.

BEDROOMS: 4+1

BATHROOMS: 5

VIEW THIS LISTING ON PAGE 54 gracehomesandlifestyle.ca

33

STRESS-FREE SELLING EXPERIENCE

By carefully listening to the wishes of our sellers, we implement the perfect sales strategy targeting the ideal buyer. Our tested and proven strategies allow our sellers to experience minimal interruption to daily life with less time on the market. With years of experience on our side, we are pleased to make your selling experience as quick and stress-free as possible.

(416) 699-9295 | GRACEHOMES.COM

@GRACEHOMESTORONTO

@GRACE_HOMES

HOW TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

By Desta Ostapyk, Principal Designer, Design by Desta and National Home Show Design Ambassador

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A

fter months of being indoors, Spring reminds us how much we need a clutter-free space that is calming and grounding.

Taking centre stage and sitting at the top of Desta Ostapyk’s list of 2022 Spring home trends, are spaces inspired by nature.

As we start to consider refreshing our homes, looking for ways to make our spaces more serene and soothing, incorporating natural elements

helps us connect with nature.

Starting with colours, earth tones have been making a strong comeback for the past couple of years. One of the key colours of this trend and the breakout star of 2022 is green in every shade.

Did you know that the colour green has the most variation of tones than any other colour? If you didn’t, now you do.

Other key colours for the

next year are earth tones like cognac, tobacco, mustard, charcoal, warm/creamy whites, deep marine blue etc.

Using colours like the ones mentioned above and bringing natural elements through décor, fabrics and furniture is key. Desta feels “a home should always have hints of nature & natural elements and even more so going into 2022. As a designer, I’m excited that colour is finally making a comeback.”

a home should always have hints of nature & natural elements 36

spring/summer 2022

HERE ARE SOME OF

DESTA OSTAPYK’S TOP

WAYS TO INCORPORATE NATURAL ELEMENTS INTO YOUR HOME:

Use natural fabrics throughout your home like 100% wool rugs (which help purify the air) natural fabric cushions, curtains & table linens. Bedding especially should be 100% cotton which allows your skin to breathe (helps you to sleep better) and should be machine washable/easy to maintain.

Decorate with nature’s treasures like stones, crystals, plants, flowers, beeswax candles, branches like cherry blooms, pussy willow, curly willow, eucalyptus, pine, dogwood and driftwood.

Mix woods and wood tones in your home through your furniture, picture frames and cabinetry. Not all woods have to match.

Bring in those earthy tones through paint on the walls, trim, doors, ceiling or all of the above or through area rugs, fabrics, pictures, art and decor.

Natural light and fresh air! Open up those windows and let in that natural light. Nothing lights a space better than Mother Nature so draw back those curtains and pull up those blinds and let that light in.

If it’s not too cold, open up those windows and allow some fresh air to circulate throughout your home/ spaces or use a diffuser with a drop or two of your favourite natural essential oil (I like peppermint).

This will also help with a good flow of energy in your home as well.

Tips provided by Desta Ostapyk, who is fresh from her appearance at the National Home Show at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. gracehomesandlifestyle.ca

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Market-Ready: Strategic Improvements for Selling Your Home

Do you have a favourite home renovation show?

Do you have Realtor.ca bookmarked? Do you find yourself browsing home design ideas on Instagram?

If so, you are not alone. So do the potential buyers of your home!

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Today's homebuyer is more discerning, more informed, and busier than buyers in the past.

And your house, once on the market, is no longer simply competing with other listings in the neighbourhood, but rather the idea of the perfect home fostered and perpetuated by media, social and traditional. Sellers must meet aesthetic and design expectations if they want to meet or exceed their asking price.

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Grace & Co. is part of your community, and as such has a unique understanding of the market.

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Knowing exactly what features and finishes buyers are willing to pay a premium for is a hallmark of Grace & Co.'s success, a knowledge they imbue in each of their sellers. If the homeowner is interested, the Grace & Co. team will identify what strategic improvements can be made to their home that will sell for more money, faster. Clients are presented with a personalized report, custom-fitted to their home and focusing on items that will at least double a client's returnalthough the real goal is a 3-4 times tax-free return on investment.

Wait-tax-free return? T hat's right: When you sell your primary residence in Canada, the gains you realize are completely tax-free.

This is likely the largest tax loophole most Canadians will ever benefit from. So then, when the time comes to sell your home, you should be looking to maximize your returns. Investing in Grace & Co.'s tailored and customized holistic approach is the first step in ensuring the wealth of your investment.

Upon collaborating with their experts on the perfect pre-market plan, Sheila Shabsove, Design Manager at Grace & Co., obtains quotes for all the parts and labour. Then the budget is presented to the clients for their approval. If they sign off, Sheila and the team manages every aspect through to completion.

It's a truly turn-key sales experience.

Often these strategic improvements can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint, replacing brass door knobs from the 90s, or adding a tile backsplash in a kitchen. But some homeowners want to see larger returns, so they tackle larger high-value items such as updates to their kitchens and bathrooms.

In one recent listing on Elmer Ave, the home was only 10 years old but the kitchen and bathrooms were looking dated. Our clients had just undergone a full high-end kitchen remodel which then made the bathrooms appear even older! So, attention was paid to updating the bathrooms – the second most important rooms for resale, besides the kitchen!

In the main floor powder room, the walls were lightened up, the vanity painted and new pulls, faucet, counter, mirror and light fixture all installed.

In the primary ensuite, it was just new pulls, faucet, mirror and light.

Throughout the house, we focussed on brightening the home up to feel more spacious and airy, with a new coat of paint. With light fixtures, inspiration was taken from the gorgeous kitchen pendants, and many lights throughout the home were updated making the 10-year-old home feel like a new build.

This was most evident in the primary suite, but the same went for many rooms in the home.

The result? We sold their home for $200,000 more than it was valued at the time we first met the homeowners and in only 2 days!

While Grace & Co.’s design services are not for every home seller, it is a complimentary service that is a unique offering for anyone interested in squeezing every dollar from the sale of their home. And, as a bonus, when you buy a home with a Grace & Co. Realtor, you have access to our Design Team to help you carry out similar improvements to your new home – so you can enjoy them for years, instead of doing all the work right before you sell!

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HOME EXPANSIONS ARE IN FULL BLOOM:

LANEWAY & GARDEN SUITES HAVE ARRIVED

By Tara MacIntosh

Exquisite Garden and Laneway Suites, designed and built in your backyard, are transforming homes and lives all over Toronto. This increasingly popular building trend, now accessible to many Toronto homeowners, provides a stylish space to live, work, or play – and who doesn’t want that!

Not too long ago, the City of Toronto approved a bylaw for residents to build Laneway Suites and, only a few months ago, Garden Suites, on their property to be used for a variety of purposes.

This has proven instrumental in adding much-needed living space for Toronto residents, where privacy can become an issue as families grow and change their lifestyle needs.

For the residents of the Beach, this new bylaw is an exciting development and opportunity to add value to your property. Garden Suites are more

applicable to the Beach due to the limited number of laneways in the area.

Lanescape, a Toronto-based group of planning, design, and development professionals is passionate about helping homeowners thoughtfully improve housing options in existing residential neighbourhoods. In operation since 2014, the team tirelessly advocated with communities, planning professionals, city staff, and municipal leaders resulting in the City of Toronto approving and implementing a laneway housing bylaw in 2018. Craig Race, Lanescape Co-Founder and Architect, remarks, “We advocated for Laneway and Garden Suites because we could see that homeowners were victims of the City of Toronto’s growth. Lanescape has helped Torontonians own and grow their property. We are currently designing approximately 100 suites a

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year, and we see this as an exciting social shift. Homeowners can host their family, create investment opportunities, or build quiet workspaces in their backyard.”

When working with the professionals at Lanescape, clients have a hand in the design based on the intended use of the Garden or Laneway Suites. Craig comments, “In the Beach, the average size Garden Suite is 700900 square feet, but the Suites can range from 400-1900 square feet depending on the size of the lot. The process is standardized; however, the design is customized to incorporate the intended use and vision for the space.” Each Suite is carefully crafted to ensure it perfectly fits the area where it will be built. When working with

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Lanescape, they take care of zoning approval and customized building permits. Once the design is complete, the construction documents are prepared for any builder or contractor to complete the project.

With the rising cost of living, many homeowners turn to Laneway and Garden Suites as a second income stream. In the Beach, Garden Suites have become popular based on lot size and function. If the space permits, the units can be built with a basement and fully functioning plumbing.

They can also be outfitted with solar panels and smart home functions. Garden Suites work well for long-term rentals and family members, such as aging parents or university students, who seek

privacy yet want to remain close to home. They are also a creative way to work from home!

As we emerge from the pandemic, homeowners are getting creative with their spaces. The downtime we experienced allowed us all to take a breath and focus on what is important to our lifestyle going forward. Adding functional areas to properties continues to grow in popularity as it increases the utility and value of the property.

Lanescape currently has over 50 Laneway Suites approved and 50 more in the works. They are the biggest architecture firm in Toronto doing this important work.

Craig says with a smile, “We built our team around the psychology of helping homeowners get the maximum value out of their

With the rising cost of living, many homeowners turn to Laneway and Garden Suites as a second income stream.

space. We are proud of what we have accomplished. There is legislation under review that will effectively allow homeowners to be building charge free, meaning the build cannot be opposed as long as it stays within the limits.

This is exciting! There are also financial incentives to make suites accessible to an increased number of residential areas. We are thrilled to see the progress.”

Innovation is always initially met with resistance; however, now that homeowners see the ease of building Laneway and Garden Suites and the value the Suites add to their property and quality of life, demand is at an all-time high. Toronto is pacing at 200 Laneway Suites in 2022, primarily located in established Toronto locations with easy access to transit. Garden Suites will likely be even higher as they can be accommodated on a greater number of properties extending outside city limits to cottages and rental properties. The versatility of a Garden Suite allows the homeowner to be flexible with the use of the space based on current needs and stage of life.

Because of his love of older cars, Grace & Co.’s Geoffrey Grace has been following the development of Laneway Suite by-laws since Lanescape’s initial public consultation on the topic. When the by-law was passed, he was quick to have full architectural plans drawn for a Laneway Suite at one of his rental properties on the Danforth. It will allow for a 2-car garage at grade with a spacious 720ft 1+1 bed suite on the second floor. The cost to build that laneway suite can be pulled from equity in the existing rental property and the cost of servicing the debt will be paid by the rent from the second-floor suite! And at another rental property, there is an existing 3-car garage that sprawls the entire 32ft width of the lot and is fed by a private drive – the perfect candidate for a Garden Suite!

With this growing Toronto trend, the ability for a property to accommodate a Suite can be part of the conversation when purchasing or selling a home. If you are selling and your property can accommodate either, it should definitely be included in the marketing of your home and if you are looking to purchase a property with the ideal of building either, having a Realtor knowledgeable on the process is vital. There is no one better to speak with about your options than the Grace & Co. Real Estate Team!

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Mocktails & Cocktails WITH LYRE’S AND FEVERTREE

Alcoholic

Paloma > ¾ Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit > ¼ Reposado Tequila > Garnish: pink grapefruit wedge

non-Alcoholic

Bianco Spritz > 30mL Lyre’s Orange Sec > 30mL Lyre’s Apéritif Dry > 90mL premium bottled Mediterranean tonic water > Thin cucumber slice > 2 lemon slices

Cucumber Wine Spritz > ¾ Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic Water > ¼ Sauvignon Blanc > Garnish: Lemon wedge and cucumber slice

Amalfi Spritz > 60mL Lyre’s Italian Spritz > 60mL premium alcohol-free prosecco > 30mL soda water

Alcoholic

non-Alcoholic

non-Alcoholic

Gin & Tonic Alcoholic

Cherry Blossom > ¾ Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water > ¼ Orange Flavoured Gin > 1 Cherry from a jar > 1 Teaspoon Kirsch > Garnish: Orange Peel

> 45 ml Lyre’s London Dry Spirit > 120 ml Premium Bottled Tonic Water > 1 Pink Grapefruit Slice

Cheers to

Summer!

Chelsea GRACE: M AT C H M A K E R I N R E A L E S TAT E

By Mike Spry

“I remember my mom picking me up from Williamson Rd, and touring houses with her on our way home after school,” recalls Chelsea of an aftercare program that provided Chelsea with a keen insight into the industry at a young age, and tendencies that have stayed with her to this day. She is part of the family of real estate agents at Grace & Co., whose local real estate market acumen has led to record-breaking sales both here in the Beach and across Toronto’s most desired neighbourhoods.

“My eye immediately goes to the features of a home that can't be changed or improved (exposure, location, natural light, ceiling height, above-grade basement windows, lot size, parking). Even with the plethora of HGTV home improvement shows out there, most of my buyers are captivated by the finishes (wide plank oak floors, stone countertops, pot lights, heated bathroom floors). While all those improvements are great to have (especially without having to live through the reno yourself), those can be done over time. I point out what can't be changed or replicated - that's where the true value lies in a home you want to live in.”

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"I'She msays.a matchmaker," “Every neighbourhood in Toronto is different—they each have their own unique flair and history, which is my favourite thing about Toronto. There is a community for everyone. I also like to experience and watch neighbourhoods as they change and grow—most are ever-evolving, but usually with their core personality still at the heart of it.”

While Chelsea has lived in the Beach since she was three years old, and currently resides here, she also spent a decade living across the street from Trinity Bellwoods, so her intimate knowledge of each neighbourhood spreads across the city from East to West!

The 2022 market is unique in a way we could never have possibly imagined just a few short years ago. The early days of the COVID pandemic sent worry of economic collapse. But, what we have seen instead, is a nearly unfathomable and unpredictable evolution of markets and industry, and real estate is no different. What has truly been inspiring, across numerous communities, is how businesses and organizations have changed seamlessly, creatively, and on-the-fly to a new reality.

“One of the biggest challenges was having to adapt and change quickly,” says Chelsea. “At the start of the pandemic, no one knew what to expect. There was a brief pause in the market where little happened, and then the market took off for various reasons; largely work from home, requiring more space (home office(s) and/or outdoor space), as well as remote working or relocation.

This required quick action on both the purchase and sale sides.”

Chelsea and the team at Grace & Co. adapted with grace (naturally) and aplomb, and yet realize the work and adaptation of the inherent challenges of a global crisis are not over, though she doesn’t quite view it as a “challenge” pejoratively. “I don't see the post-pandemic market that we're entering as a challenge, I see it as a time to shine. This is where the seasoned agent's experience will prove to be even more valuable!”

“Now that we are emerging from the pandemic market and the significant gains and frenzy that accompanied it, it is extremely important to be able to guide both buyers and sellers accordingly in a market that can shift from one week to the next. During the pandemic, the price low and hold-off-for-offer night to try to drum up

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spring/summer 2022

as much bidding and interest as possible was commonplace— almost a given strategy. However, we are starting to see the beginnings of a more level market (though still a Seller's market in hot areas like the Beach), and it is important to educate both Buyers and Seller's that there isn't a onesize-fits all approach to buying homes.”

beside the Glen Manor Bridge, shopping at Midnight Madness, attending the Christmas and Easter parades, many late nights at Jazz Fest... These and more are some of the events that help form our community, and events that we as a family and local business continue to support.”

With each client, Chelsea ensures she learns as much about them That’s where a family organization as possible – their lifestyle, their like Grace & Co. relies on its plans and their dreams – before close-knit operation. “Having ever showing them a home. And an agent and team behind you when she takes them to see their that has worked in all first few homes, she is types of markets, and paying great attention is very active in the to what they are current market, saying (and just as C H E L S E A’ S allows us to much attention to notice the signs what they aren’t AFFECTION faster, guide saying) about FOR HER clients with the each one. With COMMUNITY confidence to this level of adjust strategy attention, she I S PA L PA B L E . quickly and can quickly IF YOU stay ahead of understand COULD the curves.” which homes will be a perfect B O T T L E I T, “Our family has fit. This allows YOU COULD been helping her to filter families buy, through properties S E L L I T. sell and invest in that won’t work and Toronto's favourite only take her clients neighbourhoods since to the ones that will – a 1989. Being Toronto born, skill that her clients with young and raised in the Beach, we children and/or demanding know what makes this community professional lives quickly come to special—it's not the houses, appreciate. it's the people in them. It's the neighbours. Our family is Chelsea’s affection for her invested in the communities we community is palpable. If you serve because we are part of the could bottle it, you could sell it. community. Growing up playing And Grace & Co. comes as close lacrosse in Kew Gardens, running to that bottled formula as you’ll in the Spring Sprint, tobogganing find in Toronto real estate.

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MAXIMUM RETURN ON INVESTMENT Our staging and strategic improvements services modernize our sellers’ homes by showcasing the functionality and high-fashionable aesthetic each room offers. Our experienced team of professionals transform a home, leading to fewer days on the market and maximum return on investment.

To view more before and afters, visit gracehomes.com/staging

(416) 699-9295

@GRACEHOMESTORONTO

@GRACE_HOMES

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CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

3 BEDS, 3 BATHS, ENQUIRE FOR PRICE

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1 RAINSFORD RD #401 | THE BEACH

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CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

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26 WOODLAND PARK RD | THE HUNT CLUB CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

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READ MORE ABOUT THIS LISTING ON PAGE 30

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CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

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4+1 BEDS, 4 BATHS, LISTED AT $2,879,900

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60 KIMBOURNE AVE | EAST YORK

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55 BURGESS AVE | UPPER BEACH

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90 WRIGHT AVE | RONCESVALLES

3+1 BEDS, 4 BATHS

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116 GEORGE ST TH128 | ST LAWRENCE MARKET

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466 KINGSWOOD RD | UPPER BEACH

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CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

real estate refined

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3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, LISTED AT $1,399,900

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93 GLENMOUNT PARK RD | UPPER BEACH

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519 WELLER ST | PETERBOROUGH

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3 BEDS, 1 BATH

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185 GAINSBOROUGH RD | UPPER BEACH

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3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, LISTED AT $1,099,900

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2446 GERRARD ST E | UPPER BEACH

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25 MAITLAND ST #405 | YONGE CORRIDOR

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65 SCADDING AVE #909 | ST LAWRENCE MARKET

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90 MARLOW AVE | THE DANFORTH

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22 EAST HAVEN DR #507 | CLIFFCREST VILLAGE

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, LISTED AT $699,900 CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

real estate refined

285 MUTUAL ST #1102 | THE VILLAGE

CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

4+1 BEDS, 4 BATHS

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17 WOODLAND PARK RD | THE HUNT CLUB

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS

69

real estate refined gracehomes.com

23 BECK AVE | THE DANFORTH

70

35 BENLAMOND AVE | UPPER BEACH

4 BEDS, 2 BATHS

2+1 BEDS, 2 BATHS CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

real estate refined

100 WESTERN BATTERY RD #216 | LIBERTY VILLAGE

CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

1 BED, 1 BATH

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33 HELENDALE AVE #2102 | YONGE & EGLINTON

1 BED, 2 BATHS

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THE SMARTEST OF

Smart Home Devices

By DC Rutherford

You’ve invested in your home—its aesthetic, its furnishings, even the car in the driveway—but have you brought it into the future?

Smart homes allow us to control our households from anywhere, giving us a sense of comfort and security that is inherently priceless. Smart home technology allows access to your home’s efficiencies and devices so you can exploit its every ounce of enjoyment and peace of mind.

These Smart Home devices aren’t simply about adding more apps to your phone, or more tech to your life. They’re about controlling your life from anywhere so that you can enjoy it everywhere.

Below you’ll find the essential Smart Home devices that you need to install yesterday. (Sorry, there is no Smart Time Machine with Device Installer currently available.)

HUBS Your first step in making your home smarter is a Smart Home Hub from which to centralize your digitized household. Much of this decision will depend on which operating system you prefer or already use (Apple, Amazon, or Google). The Amazon Echo (4th generation) can connect to a number of devices using Bluetooth and WiFi, and integrates seamlessly with your Amazon’s Alexa voice-control, as well as Alexa Guard, which will listen for signs of a break-in or danger in your home and will turn on lights and notify homeowners in the event of an emergency.

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HUBS

The Apple HomePod Mini integrates with iOS devices and Apple’s HomeKit controls via Siri, which is compatible with many Smart Home devices like locks, security, lights, thermostats, and more. It’s also a smart speaker with a surprising range and connects to Apple TV 4K, to be used as an audio output for your TV. Add hubs and speakers as you need them throughout the home to provide access to your hub's applications with ease.

Google’s Nest Home Max has a 10-inch screen where you may watch YouTube and Netflix, check out recipes and news, and enjoy its dual speakers plus a 6.5MP camera for video calls.

Google’s extensive list of Smart Home devices synch up easily and provides great appeal for Android aficionados.

APPLE HOMEPOD MINI

GOOGLE NEST HOME MAX

AMAZON ECHO

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Smart homes allow us to control our households from anywhere, giving us a sense of comfort and security that is inherently priceless.

OUR TOP FIVE MUST-HAVE SMART HOME DEVICES:

1|

Doorbells & Locks

A great upgrade for home security, and peace of mind, is the Smart Doorbell which allows homeowners the comfort of a video camera and two-way communication so that they can be sure of who’s coming to the door, whether you’re home or not. There are countless options available, but we lean towards Google Nest’s options, the line of Ring products, and Arlo as well.

2|

Smart Vacuum

Not all Smart Home devices are about safety, security, and speaker. The Smart Vacuum is fast becoming a ubiquitous home appendage.

Dyson has become synonymous with top-of-theline vacuums and nothing beats the Dyson 360 Heurist. Run it from Dyson’s app and control it from anywhere; you can clean the house even when you’re not there.

RING VIDEO DOORBELL 3 PLUS

It’s best to pair your Smart Doorbell with a Smart Lock to fully integrate your Smart Home security.

Google Nest’s Yale Smart Lock and the line of August and Schlage offerings allow for safe keyless entry and Smart Home integration.

GOOGLE NEST YALE SMART LOCK

DYSON 360 HEURIST gracehomesandlifestyle.ca

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3|

ECOBEE SMART THERMOSTAT

Smart Lighting

Energy, ecology, and environment are infinitely more important to homeowners in 2022 than ever before, and the ability to control your home’s lights remotely provides savings for you and the planet. Phillips’ Hue White and Color Ambiance smart lightbulbs are compatible with all three of our favorite OS hubs and provide 25,000 hours of light at 800 lumens.

4|

Smart Thermostat

PHILLIPS’ HUE WHITE AND COLOR AMBIANCE SMART LIGHTBULBS

CHAMBERLAIN MYQ APP

Smart Home devices are about controlling your life from anywhere so that you can enjoy it everywhere.

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A Smart Thermostat saves money, energy, and anxiety. No more of those, Whoops I left the AC on while we went to Europe for the week moments. Run the A/C before you get home or crank up the heat to come in from the cold. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control (Alexa enabled), the Honeywell Lyric T5 Smart Thermostat, and the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation top our list. Energy Star certified and compatible with multiple devices, these are sure to keep your house at the perfect temperature no matter where you are.

5|

Garage Door Openers

Many of us use our garages as the portal to the home, especially in the midst of a Canadian winter, so a Smart Garage Door opener is a necessity for any Smart home. The Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub is our pick. Monitor and control who opens your garage door from anywhere with a cellphone signal and receive realtime notifications through the myQ app. No more dead batteries or garage door opener remotes lost somewhere in the backseat, just tap your phone and slide into your heated garage (also controlled with your Smart Thermostat) to avoid winter (or summer) altogether.

a modern arti s t PENNY LAM ORIGINALS

pennylamoriginals.com @pennylamoriginals

MAKING SENSE OF THE MARKET A SNAPSHOT OF THE CITY

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spring/summer 2022

TORONTO SALES

APRIL 2021 APRIL 2022

PRICES 1,322

$1,699,756

-34%

868

DETACHED

$1,947,975

$1,308,799

487 SEMIDETACHED

-36%

311

$1,494,640

-42%

335

$727,137

-35%

1,488

CONDO

SALES

+13%

$820,835

THE BEACH

APRIL 2021 APRIL 2022

PRICES 31

$1,656,829

-10%

28

DETACHED

24

SEMIDETACHED

$2,073,227

+25%

$1,466,351

48

-50%

$1,511,502

+3%

$1,349,600

5

0%

5

$1,325,000

-2%

$905,927

12 CONDO

+15%

$1,086,986

2,277

TOWNHOUSE

+14%

$942,371

578 TOWNHOUSE

+15%

18

+50%

$1,040,278

+15%

When reviewing the Toronto real estate market as of April 2022, the real story is the marked decrease in volume of properties sold when compared with April 2021. And, while month-over-month sales price figures show a calming of the market, the year-over-year numbers still show a historically healthy market. The big standout in Beach real estate is the detached home - outperforming all other housing types in the area, as well as detached homes across the city!

QUALITY From the quality of our staging inventory to the architectural photography of our listings, we put quality above all else.

Because you wouldn’t expect less.

EXPERIENCE Having lived in the Beach for 35 years, and selling local homes for the last 32 of those years, our knowledge of the neighbourhood and its homes is an asset for both our buyers & sellers.

RESULTS Year in, year out. In buyer’s markets, seller’s markets and every market in between. We create value for our clients. Selling their homes for more and helping them buy for less.

(416) 699-9295 gracehomes.com

YOUR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

GEOFFREY GRACE

GAIL GRACE

GEOFF GRACE

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Having grown up in the Beach, Geoffrey knows every street in the neighbourhood like the back of his hand. His prior career in marketing for a luxury car manufacturer positioned him well to market his clients’ homes. Geoffrey has earned designations as a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Negotiation Expert, and brings those tools to the table for all his clients.

The one who started it all! Only 3 years after moving to the Beach, Gail began her career in real estate. Entering the market in 1989 meant she cut her teeth selling homes through the 90s recession. That experience, along with her strong interpersonal skills, desire to work a deal for her clients and intimate knowledge of the Beach and its homes, all make her an exceptional Realtor.

As a veteran of the Beach real estate market, Geoff is respected and admired by his peers. Geoff is an Ottawa native who has lived in Toronto for over forty years and, together with Gail, live in the first house they purchased 35 years ago – right here in the Beach. Ask anyone who has worked with Geoff and they will tell you his calm demeanor and rational approach is a true asset to his clients.

IAN BLAKEY

CHELSEA GRACE

SHEILA SHABSOVE

SARAH GRACE

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Design Manager

Business Development Manager

An East Ender through and through, Ian was raised in East York and now resides in Leslieville. Ian’s clients always comment on his attention to detail, level headedness and consultative approach.

Ian has strong relationships amongst his peers and works collaboratively with other agents to get great deals done for his clients.

When your parents have been selling real estate since you were 6 years old, it’s in your blood.

Chelsea has lived nearly her entire life in the Beach. That knowledge of the area is a valuable asset for clients looking to purchase a home or condo in the neighbourhood.

Chelsea cares deeply for each one of her clients and enjoys educating them so that they can make wellinformed decisions.

Sheila is a skilled interior designer with 20 years of experience not only managing design and renovation projects for her clients, but also renovating and building new homes for herself and her family. These experiences allow Sheila to help our clients manage strategic improvement to their homes to realize the most profit in their sale, with her taking care of all the details.

With a strong history in businessto-business sales, Sarah manages relationships with our suppliers and partners and works on strategic planning to ensure our team is running smoothly and efficiently.

Having worked in many roles on the team, she is able to have a birds-eye view and is constantly striving to develop the team with the #1 goal of continually improving the client experience.

CONTACT US TODAY! • (416) 699-9295 • gracehomes.com Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.,Brokerage independently owned & operated.

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