Just north of Toronto and 30-45 minutes from Pearson International airport lie the rolling hills and stately mansions and estates of the Town of Caledon, Ontario. For many years those looking for a home away from the hustle and bustle of the big city have opted for property in Caledon. It is home to a large number of spacious, treed lots with streams and horse farms, as a well as friendly neighbours and plenty of fresh air.
Living in Caledon
Although now known as the Town of Caledon, the area was once divided into the townships of Albion, Caledon and Chinguacousy which were opened for settlement in 1820. The townships first began to develop around water-powered mill sites on the Credit and Humber rivers as well as at various cross roads. When the Toronto Grey & Bruce, Hamilton & Northwestern and Credit Valley railways arrived in the 1870s, more settlements were formed.
On January 1st, 1974 the townships of Albion, Caledon and the northern half of Chinguacousy amalgamated to form the Town of Caledon — the northern municipality of the present Region of Peel.
Sandy, who lived in Bolton, the most populated community in the town of Caledon, for over 15 years explains it is “a very basic commuter town with little urban planning, culture [and] restaurant choices. There is basic shopping and ongoing issues with trailer truck transport making its way through the middle of town.” If you’re used to some of the assets of a big city like public transportation and large malls, then living in Caledon may take some getting used to.
However, these negatives aside, there are a lot of wonderful things about living in Caledon. Sandy goes on to discuss how it is “a family oriented community and one cannot say enough about the friendships, and village that is formed here within which to raise a family. Bolton is a sports oriented community with over 3000 children registered in soccer alone, not to mention basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, etc.” Not only are there many activities for your kids to enjoy, but you too will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
At The Badlands by Ian Muttoo
“The larger environs of the Town of Caledon and its hamlets are breathtakingly beautiful and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to live. […] Rolling hills, clean air, gorgeous vistas… literally you leave your work and commute stress behind with every kilometer you cover on the way home,”
says Sandy. Along with the beautiful views there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy: “coyote, red fox, blue heron, wild turkeys, rabbits, beaver, eagles, birds abound,” says Sandy. Many commute to and from downtown Toronto and for Sandy it’s “well worth the commute to work”.
Homes, Architecture and Real Estate
Sandy explains there is “beautiful estate subdivision living (1/2 to 10 acre lots), many with mature oak ridges moraine forests, ponds and streams.” So whether you’re looking for a cozy few bedrooms or a luxurious estate, there are plenty of options for you to consider in the Town of Caledon. Two great properties in Caledon highlight just some of the diversity of the housing that exists there:
Villa Florentine
The Gore Road, Caledon, ON
A formal, iconic, newly constructed custom-built estate that sits atop the sweeping hills of the Caledon countryside: 80 acres of land and your private lake below. This impressive 10,000 sq. ft. home features two luxurious coach houses, 6 garages and a fully outfitted equestrian facility. Exquisitely curated with the finest craftsmanship, both the main house and equestrian facility are built with concrete and steel-frame construction while design details like custom marble, crown mouldings and bamboo floors have been tuned to perfection.
Villa Fiorentine
The property has 4+1 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a library, a wine cellar, 3 fireplaces, an oversized terrace, guest and servant quarters, a 6 car garage, an outdoor infinity pool and pool house, a gazebo, a helicopter pad, access to a private wooded forest and trails, and for the savvy investor; the opportunity to create, build and sell 12 additional estate lots. The asking price is $19,995,000.
Treetops
18696 The Gore Road
A less formal landmark property built as a spa retreat for the family that has everything. It consists of three buildings. The main is a 15,000 square foot West Coast Inspired Hilltop home with views over its rolling property and the City of Toronto. There is a second intimate staff or guest home that was originally attached to horse paddocks, now used as an artist’s studio. The last is a charming historic two-bedroom square cut log cabin at the entry to the estate and close to the swimming pool and pond.
Originally conceived and built by the originator of the board game “Trivial Pursuit”, Treetops has been owned by fitness guru Tosca Reno Kennedy and her family for over 10 years. It is the perfect home for an active large family with a professional gym, private screening room, great room/kitchen for a professional chef, and private pond. There is parking for a fleet of cars and it is priced at $5,250,000.
Who is your neighbour IN CALEDON?
“Ours is a town of friendly, warm and helpful neighbours,” explains Sandy. “It’s quite typical to see gatherings in garages, and backyards, etc. Our children also enjoy close friendships – most remain friends from Kindergarten onwards. The volunteerism is also notably strong – with a large number of stay home moms, there is a strong community of volunteers in the schools and vibrant home and school associations. Many long term friendships formed here,” says Sandy.
