Three storeys in the Beach Triangle
Sunsets over the lake, a stroll along the boardwalk … this neighbourhood has much to offer
“I purchased the home back in 1992. Though it was in rough shape at that time. Its potential was obvious. From its considerable size and very solid structure to the large driveway and ideal location, there was no doubt in my mind that this home could be incredible,” says homeowner and designer Tonia Vuolo.
A block north of the trendy and popular shops and restaurants lining Toronto’s Queen St. E., the three-storey detached home, located in The Beach Triangle, has been renovated under the guidance of Vuolo.
“Although I’ve renovated this home from top to bottom, I’ve managed to keep most of the original charm in place. I was careful to use only the best quality materials such as the solid oak hardwood floors, marble tiles in the foyer, quartz kitchen counters and the Blanco faucets.
“There is nowhere in the city quite like living in this area. Nothing compares to the cool breeze off the lake on hot summer days, watching the sunset over the lake while strolling along the boardwalk, or grabbing a bite to eat from one of the many fabulous restaurants,” Vuolo says.
“What I love most, however, is the incredible sense of community. It’s hard to find that in a city as large as Toronto, but it’s alive and well here. So even though it’s time for me to leave my current home, I plan to remain in the neighbourhood,” she adds.
The home is walking distance to Lake Ontario, public transit, schools, and parks, and has easy access to Kingston Rd.
Says listing agent Anna Kemp: “The house … is very impressive, including the polished concrete floors in the legal basement apartment, and the third-storey balcony amongst the treetops. What makes it really unique, though, is the five bedrooms it offers, a real rarity in the neighbourhood, especially the third-floor bedroom that has a walk-through to a large and private home office.”
The traditional-style red-brick home features a third-floor dormer window, a covered porch, and a wide interlocking brick front yard driveway.
The front door opens to the foyer, which features a marble tile floor, a stained-glass window, and direct access to the upper staircase.
Double French doors from the foyer open to the living room, which is appointed with a hardwood floor, crown moulding, a picture window, pot lights and a gas fireplace with a stone surround.
A large opening with pocket doors from the living room leads to the dining room, which contains a hardwood floor, a large window, crown moulding and pot lights.
The dining room overlooks the kitchen, which showcases an island-breakfast bar with a “waterfall” feature and pendent lights, a hardwood floor, pot lights, two sinks, high-end stainless-steel appliances, access to a two-piece bathroom, and to a door a few steps down that opens to the backyard.
On the second floor is a family room with a hardwood floor, a tall window and an adjoining den, or sunroom, with surrounding windows and pot lights.
The main bedroom overlooks the front yard from a bay window. It features a hardwood floor, a ceiling fan, and a walk-in closet. The other bedroom has a double closet. A four-piece bathroom completes the level.
Highlights of the third-floor bedroom suite include a hardwood floor, a slanted ceiling, a closet, and a walk-through to a home office with a slanted ceiling, and a doubledoor walkout to a private balcony.
The lower level is outfitted with an apartment, which has laminate floors, exposed brick posts, track lights, a kitchen with granite counters overlooking a living-dining room, a bedroom, a four-piece bathroom, and a suite entry door that opens to a shared laundry room, and a shared walkout to outside.