toronto west, high park, roncesvalles village, parkdale, bloor west village, junction
$2,489,000
Stunning Circa 1886 2.5 Storey Detached Victorian in Roncesvalles. Full Top to Bottom Professional Renovation Offering Grand Proportions Throughout, Bespoke Monochromatic Contemporary Finishes, Massive Open Concept Main Floor w/10’ Ceilings, Oversize Cook’s Kitchen w/Quartz Counters, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Spacious Primary w/Loads of Built-ins & Spa-Like 4pc. Ensuite. 2nd Bedroom w/Cathedral Ceilings, Spectacular 3rd Floor Bedroom Retreat with Unobstructed CN Tower Views, Finished Lower Level w/8’+ Ceilings & Polished Concrete Floors... Heated! 23.6’ x 124’ Landscaped Lot w/Mutual Drive & 2 Car Garage. Roncesvalles Shopping & High Park, TTC.
$2,199,000
$2,189,000
49 Evelyn Avenue Renovated & Redesigned Mid-Century High Park Home. Traditional 2-Storey Brick Detached on a Rare 49’ X 78’ Pie-Shaped Lot. Remarkable Private Backyard Oasis w/Manicured Tiered Gardens, Decks & Hot Tub. Both the Interior & Exterior of the Home Have Been Thoughtfully Designed w/ Top-Drawer Finishes & Craftsmanship. Approx. 2,000sq.ft Finished w/4+1 Bedrooms, 3 Renovated Bathrooms, Hardwood Floors, Two Gas Fireplaces, Massive Pella Windows. Renovated ‘Garden’ Suite Offers Potential Multi-Gen, Nanny Suite or Rental. Prof. Landscaped Front to Back. High Park & Bloor West Village Shopping/Entertainment, Runnymede JR/SR & Humberside Collegiate, Bloor Subway.
278 St Clarens Avenue
Dufferin Grove
307 Pacific Avenue
Impressive Custom Contemporary
90 Humberview Road, Toronto
An impressive, custom 3+1 contemporary home located in a prime Old Mill/Baby Point enclave, offering 2,880 square feet of living space across three well-designed levels. Set in a peaceful, wooded ravine, this exceptional residence provides a serene, Muskoka-like retreat on a quiet, family-friendly cul-de-sac, just moments from the scenic Humber River trails.
The super spacious main floor offers ample room for family and friends, featuring an open-plan living and dining room, an excellent kitchen with a walkout to the garden patio, and a family room highlighted by a charming fieldstone fireplace. A main floor office/ den and powder room add to the functionality and flow of the space.
Upstairs, the primary suite includes a two-piece ensuite, and balcony walk-out, while the lower level boasts a generous rec room with a front entry at grade, a laundry area, roughed-in three-piece bath, and a cold room.
Lovingly maintained by the original owners, this home also includes a double private drive and a spacious double built-in garage [20’ x 18.5’]. All within walking distance to Old Mill and Jane subway stations, and just a short stroll to the shops, services, cafés, and restaurants of Bloor West Village and Baby Point Gates. With its cottage-like setting in the heart of the city, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy a wonderful family home in a very special community.
PERGOLAS: SUMMER’S
ULTIMATE OUTDOOR UPGRADE
By Designer Evelyn Eshun | evelyneshun.com
AS SUMMER APPROACHES AND CANADIANS BEGIN TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS, ONE DESIGN FEATURE IS STANDING OUT AS BOTH STYLISH AND ESSENTIAL: THE PERGOLA . NO LONGER JUST A DECORATIVE ADD-ON, PERGOLAS HAVE BECOME A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN OUTDOOR LIVING— GRACING EVERYTHING FROM COMPACT CITY YARDS TO SPRAWLING COTTAGE RETREATS.
This rise in popularity isn’t just a seasonal trend—it reflects a broader lifestyle shift. Since the pandemic, outdoor spaces have evolved into meaningful extensions of our homes, offering comfort, connection, and versatility. In this transformation, pergolas have emerged as a key element, seamlessly blending structure and openness to create beautiful, functional spaces that invite people to live outside more fully.
THE ALL-IN-ONE OUTDOOR FEATURE
A pergola is, at its essence, a straightforward structure—vertical supports topped with horizontal beams—that provides both partial shelter while maintaining a breezy, open feel. But its apparent simplicity hides its potential. Whether you’re shading an alfresco dining area, framing a garden lounge, or enhancing an outdoor kitchen, pergolas help define outdoor “rooms” without the heaviness of walls or roofs.
The true appeal of pergolas today lies in their versatility. Available in a wide array of materials—from classic cedar to sleek aluminum and even vinyl or fiberglass—they can be tailored to suit everything from rustic retreats to ultra-modern architecture. Motorized options now offer retractable canopies or adjustable louvers, giving you total control over sunlight and airflow with just a tap.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERGOLA FOR YOUR SPACE
As more homeowners look to add pergolas to their properties, the question of material has never been more relevant. While wood
remains a go-to for traditional charm, it demands ongoing maintenance—regular staining, sealing, and inspection for weathering.
Aluminum, by contrast, is fast becoming the top choice for modern builds. Lightweight, rustproof, and maintenance-free, aluminum pergolas are perfect for Canada’s climate swings. Powder-coated finishes offer a polished look in multiple colours, and the material integrates effortlessly with high-tech features like built-in LED lighting, smart sensors, and motorized louver systems.
As a designer, I personally recommend aluminum pergolas for clients who want a sleek, contemporary look with minimal upkeep—especially in areas with harsh seasonal changes. It’s this balance of style and substance that makes aluminum a leading option for homeowners looking for longevity and low stress.
Vinyl is another popular alternative for those seeking a clean aesthetic with minimal upkeep. While it’s available in fewer colour options, it’s a practical choice for simpler, budget-conscious designs. Fiberglass, though on the higher end, offers unbeatable strength and customizability, making it ideal for expansive or unique layouts.
For those seeking Canadian-made excellence, Suncoast Enclosures offers state-
AS A DESIGNER, I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND ALUMINUM PERGOLAS FOR CLIENTS WHO WANT A SLEEK, CONTEMPORARY LOOK WITH MINIMAL UPKEEP—
of-the-art aluminum louvered roof systems built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Their pergolas feature wide, adjustable slats, integrated drainage, and full smart-home compatibility—providing premium comfort and sleek design all year round.
WHERE SMART TECH MEETS OUTDOOR SERENITY
Today’s pergolas do more than offer shade. Thanks to smart innovations, they can now adapt to your lifestyle—and the weather. Many modern systems come with features like LED lighting, automated roof panels, and rain sensors that close louvers automatically at the first drop. These enhancements turn a basic shelter into a fully functional outdoor room that supports everything from mid-morning work-from-home calls to latenight dinner parties.
From a wellness perspective, pergolas are also ideal. They encourage more time spent outdoors by offering gentle protection from UV rays while maintaining light and ventilation. When paired with climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or grapevines, they also bring an added layer of beauty and biophilic connection, blurring the line between built and natural environments.
A SMART INVESTMENT WITH LASTING IMPACT
Aside from aesthetics and lifestyle perks, a well-built pergola can significantly increase a property’s value. Real estate experts often cite outdoor living enhancements as top contributors to curb appeal. Permanent features like pergolas add an element of luxury and extend the perceived livable space, which can boost buyer interest and final selling price.
PLANNING FOR SUCCESS: THINK AHEAD
One often overlooked tip? Pay close attention to placement. Consider the arc of the sun, wind patterns, and the proximity to other features like fire pits, hot tubs, or outdoor kitchens. A pergola that provides afternoon shade or bridges indoor and outdoor areas will get more use and enhance daily living.
As Canadians continue investing in their outdoor environments, pergolas have become more than just architectural add-ons— they represent a new era of outdoor living. With options to suit any style, features to match modern tech, and the ability to elevate both comfort and property value, the pergola is 2025’s ultimate backyard essential.
More than a seasonal trend, it’s a lasting lifestyle upgrade. This summer, the message is clear: pergolas aren’t just in—they’re indispensable. •
PALACE PLACE
Palace Place is Toronto’s most luxurious waterfront condominium residence, featuring every conceivable 5-star amenity.
Situated on 5-acres of lush, landscaped grounds at the mouth of the Humber River, Palace Place offers the most enchanting forever views of the lake and city skyline from sunrise to sunset.
Palace Place defines luxury from offering high-end finishes and appointments to a full spectrum of allinclusive services that include a private shuttle service, valet parking, and one of the only condominiums in Toronto to offer Les Clefs d’Or concierge services, the same service that you would find on a visit to the Four Seasons.
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED GRILLING STRAWBERRIES?
THIS HEARTY, HEALTHY SALAD FEATURES THE RICH FLAVOURS OF GRILLED STRAWBERRIES AND ASPARAGUS. A BASE OF FREEKEH GRAINS (A TYPE OF WHEAT HARVESTED WHILE THE GRAIN IS STILL YOUNG AND GREEN) ADDS NUTTY TASTE AND TEXTURE, THOUGH YOU CAN USE QUINOA, FARRO OR BULGUR WHEAT INSTEAD.
GRILLED STRAWBERRY AND ASPARAGUS FREEKEH SALAD
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Serves: 3
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup (200 g) California strawberries
• 6-8 stalks of asparagus
• ¾ cup (255 g) cooked freekeh (½ cup or 100 g dry)
• 1 tbsp (20 g) walnuts, toasted (optional) and chopped
• ½ tbsp (7½ ml) olive oil plus ½ tbsp (7½ ml) for drizzle
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 skewers, soaked in cold water if wooden
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 Turn on the grill and set it to medium heat.
STEP 2 While the grill is preheating, cook freekeh according to package directions.
STEP 3 Clean, wash and dry asparagus stems. Place asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Place asparagus on grill and cook for 15 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved.
STEP 4 While asparagus is cooking, clean and dry whole strawberries (leaving stems intact) and thread onto skewers. Place on grill for 2-3 minutes or until the strawberries are just soft. Remove from skewers; remove the stems and cut into halves or quarters.
STEP 5 When asparagus is cooked, remove from grill and allow to cool. Chop into 1-inch pieces.
STEP 6 In a large bowl, gently toss cooked freekeh, plus the strawberries, asparagus and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan. ◆ newscanada.com
