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.
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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.
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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 416-587-3300 to discover your path to success.
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