Etobicoke is one of the six boroughs of Toronto and was amalgamated into the city in 1984. Located in the west, it offers some of the most upscale neighbourhoods in the GTA. Humber Valley, the Kingsway, Princess Anne Manor and Princess Gardens are among the most exclusive and beautiful places to own a luxury property. Though relatively secluded and very private, the high-end neighbourhoods of Etobicoke still provide easy access to the excitement and convenience that Toronto has to offer.
It’s easy to see why Etobicoke is quickly becoming the go-to place for affluent buyers looking for luxury homes and estates. Now that housing prices are dropping in Toronto, you couldn’t ask for a better time to upgrade to a larger, more luxurious home. But what should you be looking for? Here are some of the must-have features that people love in Etobicoke’s high-end market.
Beautiful Architecture
Whether your taste runs old school or modern or a combination of both, beautiful architecture is a must when purchasing a luxury home. In Etobicoke, you’ll find it all. Here are just a few architectural styles you’ll discover.
- Georgian: This classic style is marked by perfect symmetry and elaborate entranceways. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, decorative mouldings, and first-floor rooms designed for grand parties and entertaining. History buffs may find something familiar about the architecture, as it takes its inspiration from Greece and Rome in Renaissance times.
- Colonial: Like Georgian styles, Colonial homes are characterized by geometrical architecture and symmetry. Uniformly sized windows and doors with decorative shutters create a grand and imposing appearance from the outside. Spacious interiors and cozy fireplaces help make the Colonial a welcoming and comfortable family home.
- Tudor: Tudor-style homes became increasingly popular in the 1920s and 1930s for wealthy stockbrokers and financiers. Unlike the Colonial and Georgian styles, Tudor homes are identifiable by asymmetry, with steeply pitched roofs, elaborate brick designs, and impressive stonework.
- Victorian: The Victorian aesthetic came to prominence during the reign of Queen Victoria, and its majestic beauty and quality of materials have helped make this style a popular choice for affluent buyers to this day. The design is more flexible than Colonials and Georgians, but you can recognize them by their elaborate multi-storey designs, steep gabled roofs, and stunning wrap-around porches.
- Modern contemporary: Modern homes can be challenging to define because they can encompass so many different styles and are often custom designed. However, simple, clean lines and oversized windows can be a giveaway. Inside, contemporary homes are all about natural light and often feature floor-to-ceiling windows.
Premium Location
Location is everything when buying a home, and this is especially true when looking for a more luxurious lifestyle. Etobicoke is becoming increasingly popular because of its perfect balance of convenience and peacefulness. World-class shopping and dining options are located just minutes away. Families flock to Etobicoke for its access to high-quality education, and you’ll discover some of Toronto’s best public and private schools here, including:
- Etobicoke Collegiate Institute
- Kingsway College School
- Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School
- Richview Collegiate Institute
As part of the city of Toronto, Etobicoke is served by the TTC, and you can easily reach downtown by bus, Go Train, or even the subway. For commuters, you’ll have easy access to major highways, notably the QEW, 403, and 427.
Toronto has much to offer when looking for an upscale home. Some of our neighbourhood posts may lead you in the right direction:
- 5 Reasons to Love Living Near Humber Valley
- Our Quick Guide to New Toronto
- Your Guide to Living in the Kingsway
- Your Guide to Princess Anne Manor & Princess Gardens
Stunning Green Spaces and Spectacular Views
Supersized lots are one of the most coveted features you’ll find in Etobicoke’s exclusive neighbourhoods. That, combined with quiet streets, tall trees, and beautiful parks, makes the area one of the best places in Toronto to raise a family.
The Humber River Recreational Trail is less than five minutes away from Humber Valley Village, providing outstanding nature paths for hiking and cycling. The James Gardens are another highlight of the area, a botanical paradise open year round. In the summer, you’ll discover thousands of flowers blooming along the garden paths.
Etobicoke is highly regarded as a golf-lovers paradise, with 100 golf courses within 20 miles and three right in the city, including St George Golf and Country Club, Royal Woodbine, and Markland Wood Golf Course.
No matter what kind of house you choose to buy, a heritage home or a brand new custom build, you will undoubtedly want to add your own flair and design. Here are some other posts that will help unleash your creativity:
- Lighting Techniques That Give Your Home an Instant Facelift
- Our Favourite Holiday Decor Themes
- 5 Luxury Upgrades That Can Add Value to Your Home
Transforming an Old House Into a Luxury Dream Home
Even with an unlimited budget, you may not find a home with every feature you have in mind. However, what you can’t find may be possible to create. Many neighbourhoods in Etobicoke are undergoing gentrification, where buyers teardown old, rundown bungalows to build beautiful custom homes in their place. A complete teardown isn’t always necessary to create the home of your dreams. With a few well-planned renovations, you can transform even older residences into luxurious estates.
Both of these options take time but are excellent ways to get everything you’ve ever wanted in your new home. Before taking the leap, we recommend talking to a local real estate agent familiar with the zoning laws and restrictions in the neighbourhood.
Teardown, renovate, or lease? Thinking out of the box can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. Read more in our posts below:
- Should You Buy a Teardown House in Etobicoke
- Finding Your Diamond in the Rough: A Guide to Full Renovations in Etobicoke
- Should You Lease a Luxury Home in Toronto?
Whether you want to find, build, or even lease your luxury dream home, we can help! It all starts with a simple conversation about your vision. Reach out to us today or call 647.232.7317 and we will be happy to guide you through every step in the process.