As one of Canada’s earliest cities, Toronto is renowned for its abundance of remarkable heritage homes. While these centuries-old properties span a diverse range of architectural styles, one of the most prominent types of heritage homes found in Toronto is the Victorian home. 

Given the elevated profile of these properties, many homebuyers entering the Toronto market place Victorian qualities at the forefront of their wishlist. 

In this informative article, we will explore the definitive traits of a Victorian home in Toronto, their origins, and more. 

Available Victorian Homes in Toronto

Curious about which Victorian homes in Toronto are currently available for sale or lease? Explore a few of our existing listings – both of which are charming properties reflecting traditional Victorian architecture.

18 Geneva Avenue | $1,599,000 | Cabbagetown

404 Sackville Street | $2,950/Month | Cabbagetown

62 Admiral Road | $17,500/Month | The Annex

Preparing to buy a home in Toronto? Explore these blogs for helpful advice. 

• When a Home Seems Too Good to be True 
• How to Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Incentives
• Why Creativity Matters When Placing an Offer on Toronto Real Estate

The Origin of Victorian Homes in Toronto

Victorian architecture flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), a period marked by industrial advancement and major growth in Toronto’s population. As part of the city’s ongoing development, many homes were constructed during this era, reflecting the preeminent tastes of the time. 

Anatomy of a Victorian Home

Victorian homes typically feature steeply pitched roofs with multiple gables and dormers. These varied rooflines add to the visual complexity and grandeur of the structures.

Unlike the more balanced designs of earlier periods, Victorian homes embrace asymmetry. This can be seen in their irregular floor plans, uneven rooflines, and eclectic mix of window styles and placements.

Large, wrap-around porches are common in larger Victorian homes, providing outdoor living space and adding to the decorative facade.

One of the most defining features of Victorian homes is their elaborate decorative elements. Especially in some of Toronto’s core communities that were developed as upper-middle-class enclaves, you’ll find homes featuring intricate woodwork, patterned brickwork, and accepting on the gables. Along with larger design features like towers and turrets, smaller embellishments such as finials, spindles, and scrollwork are also prevalent. 

The Bay-and-Gable

No article about Victorian homes in Toronto would be complete without mentioning the Bay-and-Gable. The Bay-and-Gable style is a distinctively Toronto architectural form and is arguably the city’s most iconic type of housing. 

Developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, this style was popular among the city’s growing middle class. The proliferation of Bay-and-Gable homes corresponds with Toronto’s rapid urban expansion and the need for efficient yet aesthetically pleasing housing solutions. While a unique style in its own right, Bay-and-Gable homes are heavily inspired by their Victorian predecessors and many civil historians and architects consider them to be a category or sub-classification of Victorian homes. 

What Makes a Bay-and-Gable Home?

The most prominent feature of Bay-and-Gable architecture is the large bay windows in the front of the home. These windows not only add to the exterior charm but also increase the interior light and space – usually being featured across multiple stories of the home. Of course, these homes also have a steep gable roof – often facing the street. Depending on the property, the gable may be decorated with wooden trim or bargeboard, adding a touch of Victorian flair.

While Bay-and-Gable homes can feature some decorative trim, they are generally less ornate than their Victorian counterparts. The emphasis is on clean lines and functional design, with decorative elements serving to highlight architectural features rather than dominate them. Entrances and doorways are recessed or set to one side, sometimes with a small porch. 

Looking for insights on Toronto neighbourhoods that feature great Victorian homes? Read these blogs next.

• 3 Toronto Neighbourhoods For First-Time Homebuyers
• Why Families are Flocking to Riverdale & Leslieville
• Toronto’s Best Neighbourhoods For Cyclists

Where Are Victorian Homes Found?

Victorian homes can be found all over central Toronto and in some communities beyond the downtown core. Areas with lots of Victorian homes, including Bay-and-Gable include The Annex, Parkdale, Riverdale, Summerhill, and Trinity-Bellwoods. However, the highest volume of Victorian homes in Toronto is found in Cabbagetown. In fact, Cabbagetown is home to the most preserved Victorian homes of any neighbourhood in North America. This includes both traditional Victorian properties and Bay-and-Gable style homes. 

Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call to discover your path to success. 

Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.

Do West Festival

Toronto’s start to summer, in the heart of Little Portugal!

This annual celebration of music, arts, food, fun, and community takes place along Dundas Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue, covering 16 blocks of downtown Toronto. Do West Fest brings the neighbourhood together and draws visitors to the area to explore shops, food, and rich cultural diversity.

Presented by Little Portugal Toronto B.I.A and Uma Nota Culture.

WHEN: June 7th-9th

WHERE: Along Dundas Street West

Taste of Little Italy

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across the city. The Festival has become a destination event, not just for music lovers but for some of the greatest jazz celebrities in the world, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.

The festival’s continued success and growth is a testament to strong relationships with stakeholders including patrons, Toronto City Council, Members of Parliament, corporate sponsors, volunteers, private donors and all levels of government. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is endorsed by Toronto City Council, international artists and has been designated as an event of municipal significance that enhances Canada’s international reputation.

WHEN: JUNE 21-30

MORE INFO: www.torontojazz.com

Toronto Pride Parade 2024

The annual Pride Month kicks off with an official flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and runs throughout the month of June, building up to the high-energy festival weekend. This dynamic event includes the Toronto Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

WHEN: Sunday June 30

WHERE: Church Street

MORE INFO: www.pridetoronto.com

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:

New York

Washington DC

Miami

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Santa Barbara

Seattle

Orange County

Chicago

Greenwich

Denver  

Naples

Taho, Reno-NV

Sacramento

The Hamptons, NY

Atlanta

Tampa Bay

Park City

Sarasota

Beginning your home search is undoubtedly exciting. Exploring home listings online or in person, weighing your options, and imagining what your life could look like in each home is a fun experience. However, it’s important not to get lost in the process – especially when you think you’ve found “the one”. 

In real estate, love at first sight comes with a few risks. All too often buyers are so impressed with how a home looks that they rush into the buying process without thinking carefully about their decision or doing their due diligence on the property. 

So how can you ensure that what you see will be what you get? In this blog, we’ll highlight three key considerations to ensure you’re not just impressed by a home but also educated about it. 

Always Be Diligent 

It’s easy to get quickly carried away when you’ve stumbled upon your dream home – or at least, the one you’d like to buy. After spending your time and energy scouring the market, finally finding a home that not just checks all the boxes but also blows you away can feel elating. As real estate agents, we love seeing our clients light up when they discover the perfect home for them and their families. 

At the end of the day, a home is not just where you live but it’s also a major investment. For most people, it’s the single largest purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. So, it’s important to protect yourself as you make such a major investment. 

Buying a home soon? Have a peek at these blog posts for more information and advice. 

• Will I Ever Be Able to Afford a Home in Toronto?
• How to Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Incentives
• Why Creativity Matters When Placing an Offer on Toronto Real Estate

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

As a buyer, one of the most important steps in your buying process should be a home inspection. Regardless of how great a home looks on the surface, it can hide certain flaws. Problems like faulty electrical wiring, plumbing complications, roof leaks, mould infestation, or even issues with the foundation won’t be immediately apparent when you walk through the home. However, a professional home inspection can bring these concerns (among other potential issues) to light. 

A home inspection is usually included as a condition or contingency as part of your buying offer. This means that once your offer is conditionally accepted by the seller, you’ll have a short time period to have the home inspected. 

Depending on the condition or age of the home, the seller may have already had it inspected ahead of time. In an instance like this, your agent will ask for a copy of the inspection report and go through it with you. They’ll help you make sense of any areas of concern or other potential issues. 

Want to find the right Toronto neighbourhood for you? Check out these other posts from our blog for helpful tips. 

• 3 Toronto Neighbourhoods For First-Time Homebuyers
• Is Yonge & Lawrence a Family Neighbourhood?
• What Makes Toronto’s The Beaches Neighbourhood Special?

Zoom Out

In addition to verifying that the home is in good condition and matches your needs in the short and long term, you’ll want to zoom out and consider the area surrounding the home. When it comes to lifestyle and convenience, neighbourhood plays a big role in what makes a house really feel like a home. So, even if the property itself is great, you’ll want to consider if its location and surrounding community will make a good fit for you. 

For instance, a home may look incredible, but if it’s a 90-minute drive from your workplace, it may not be the most practical place to live. While extending your commute may seem like a small sacrifice in theory, it can be exhausting in practice. Another common example is schools. If you’ve found the “perfect” place but it’s a long way from your kids’ school (or where you’d like them to go to school), you may want to rethink how the home will meet your needs long term. 

Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call to discover your path to success. 

Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.

Mother’s Day Succulent Heart Workshop

Good Shepherd Ministries Angels Among Us Fundraising Gala

Let’s Move, Willowdale: Move-a-thon & BBQ

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:

New York

Washington DC

Miami

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Santa Barbara

Seattle

Orange County

Chicago

Greenwich

Denver  

Naples

Taho, Reno-NV

Sacramento

The Hamptons, NY

Atlanta

Tampa Bay

Park City

Sarasota

T.O. Food and Drink Fest

Mental HELLth – Stand-Up Comedy In Support Of CAMH | Rivoli Toronto

Experience an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy at Mental HELLth, a comedy showcase supporting CAMH, Canada’s largest mental health hospital. Witness professional comedians using humor to break mental health stigma and raise funds for vital initiatives. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to CAMH, supporting life-saving research and programs. The event will feature MC Ryan Zeitz, along with comedians Brendan D’Souza and headliner Andrew Barr. Join us at The Rivoli in Toronto on April 10, 2024, for a show that promises to entertain and inspire. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the show starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are priced at CA$27.96 and are non-refundable. The Rivoli offers a 10% discount on dinner for ticketholders, so arrive early to enjoy the savings. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can attend this impactful event. Follow MC Ryan Zeitz on social media for updates on future shows.

WHEN: April 10th 2023 door open at 7:00p.m. show starts at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 334 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A2

Lumière: The Art of Light

Explore Lumière: The Art of Light in its new home in Trillium Park! This free outdoor light exhibition allows visitors to explore the park and experience art developed by Ontario artists. Utilizing innovation, light and discovery, Artists and creators are illuminating the park under a curatorial theme of “renewal”, celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring.

This is a free event, just head over to the park and check it out!

WHEN: Daily from dusk to 11 p.m

WHERE: Trillium Park at 955 Lake Shore Blvd W., Toronto

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:

New York

Washington DC

Miami

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Santa Barbara

Seattle

Orange County

Chicago

Greenwich

Denver  

Naples

Taho, Reno-NV

Sacramento

The Hamptons, NY

Atlanta

Tampa Bay

Park City

Sarasota

In itself, downsizing is a great way to make your life less stressful. As your current family home no longer suits your needs, transitioning to a more practical space can be your ticket to a cleaner, more simplified lifestyle.

While the thought of moving from a big home to something much smaller can be daunting, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. With some careful planning and organization, you can downsize your home with minimal hassle and make the transition to a simpler lifestyle without the added anxiety. 

Downsizing, or as we like to call it – Rightsizing means creating a living space that’s perfect for you, at any stage of life. Click here to download our ultimate rightsizing guide. 

Why Downsize?

Although downsizing your home can seem like a monumental undertaking on paper, the perks are well worth it. For instance, moving to a home with less square footage means less time spent on chores like cleaning and maintenance. This freedom gives you extra time to spend on the activities you enjoy most. 

Not to mention, downsizing can also come with financial advantages too. Larger homes typically go hand in hand with larger costs, this includes not just your mortgage payments but also things like insurance, maintenance, and more. With that in mind, when you downsize to a smaller home, you’re also managing a smaller financial responsibility. On a similar note, downsizing also allows you to unlock the equity built in your current home. You can then use those funds toward enriching your life in other ways.

Want to find the right neighbourhood for your next life chapter? Explore these other blogs from our site. 

• Why You Should Consider Downsizing in Downtown Toronto
• What Are the Best Toronto Neighbourhoods For Cyclists?
• Top 5 Toronto Neighbourhoods For Empty Nesters

Get the Ball Rolling Early

From decluttering and getting your home on the market to figuring out where you’d like to live next and beyond, there’s a lot that goes into downsizing. One of the keys to downsizing your home with minimal stress is to start early. Trying to rush the process at the last minute will only lead to anxiety.

That said, every downsizer will have their own preferred timelines and definition of “early”. Some people may start working towards their move a few years in advance, others may do it in a few months. At the end of the day, ensuring your downsize doesn’t feel rushed is all about taking a proactive approach and not hesitating on getting started.

Have a Decluttering Plan

Decluttering is one of the biggest steps in the downsizing process. Because you’ll be moving to a smaller home, you’ll need to downsize your belongings too. This includes everything from furniture and certain appliances to small items like clothes or holiday decorations. 

Once again, it’s a good idea to start decluttering early. Give yourself plenty of time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Begin by tackling one room at a time, starting with the least used areas of your home. 

If you have a lot of possessions that hold sentimental value, this process can also be an emotional one. However, you should be honest with yourself about what you really need and use on a regular basis. Take a hard look at your belongings and ask yourself if they are a must-keep. If not, it’s time to let them go. 

Looking for outside-of-the-box housing options as a downsizer? Check out these blog posts for unique insights. 

• Not Ready For Condo Life? 3 Alternatives For Downsizers
• Downsizing as a Snowbird
• Your Questions About Garden Suites Answered

Work With a Full-Service Real Estate Team

While there are a number of ways to make things easier, the hands-down best way to take the stress out of your journey is to work with a real estate team that specializes in downsizing – like us, Silver Burtnick & Associates. 

For decades, we’ve helped countless clients discover their best lives by facilitating a smooth and simple downsize. Although making the move to a smaller home a little more complex than your average sale and purchase, we’ve got the process down to science. 

Our approach to rightsizing is end-to-end. We understand both parts of the process – selling and buying inside and out. It’s our goal to not only help you achieve a great result but to also take the weight off your shoulders. We’ll coordinate all the logistics and moving parts on your behalf so you can focus on enjoying your transition. 

As an experienced and collaborative real estate team, we can help you navigate the process of rightsizing. When you’re ready to begin your next chapter, get in touch. Click here to send an email or .