Homes
Lawrence Park Toronto’s real estate consists of whimsical houses comprised of a variety of architectural styles including English Cottage, Tudor Revival, Georgian and Colonial style designs. Most of these grand homes for sale were built between 1910 and the late 1940’s and renovations to these homes have been sensitive to preserve their old-world charm.
Certain pockets of Lawrence Park real estate have been redeveloped with newer magnificent homes outside of the brick-and-stone-cladding look of the neighbourhood. However, whether newly constructed or renovated classic, leaded glass windows, high ceilings and substantial wood mouldings along with rich hardwood floors, front lawn landscaping and addresses spelt out on porticos are common in Lawrence Park Toronto’s real estate.
The Huntington luxury condos at 1900 Bayview Avenue are inspired by their natural surroundings, with exquisite greenery, formal gardens and views overlooking the Sherwood Park Ravine. Touted as an ‘exceptional community’, the elegant units boast a classic architectural style and design, a French Beaux Arts-style façade, and common areas reminiscent of the amenities found in opulent English hotels.
Demonstrating the commitment of locals to their community, the Lawrence Park Ratepayers Association has been active for several decades. Its mandate is to promote all matters regarding the welfare of Lawrence Park Toronto real estate and its preservation as a residential park. The LPRA sends out an annual newsletter and runs a website providing information about activities and issues in this exclusive neighbourhood.
Schools
Lawrence Park is home to many well-known public and private schools including Havergal College, Toronto French School, Allenby Primary School, Loretto Abbey, Bedford Park Public School, and Lawrence Park Collegiate. York University’s Glendon Campus is nearby on Bayview Avenue and the School of Liberal Arts is also a popular educational institution.
Recreation
Lawrence Park is home to many upscale clubs including The Rosedale Golf Club and The Granite Club, a sports and recreation centre that offers many social and athletic activities for the entire family. These activities range from five-pin bowling to computer classes, ballet and dance classes and even art and wine societies.
Lawrence Park and trails of the Blythwood Ravine boast a wide variety of native trees that shade the picnic areas and footpaths and also feature 3 clay tennis courts. The award-winning Alexander Muir Memorial Garden is just next door, its interior hidden from view of the street.
Adding to the sense of areas old-fashioned family values are its many churches, including the Lawrence Park Community Church which offers a variety of spiritual programs.
Transportation
It is possible to walk to bus routes that run along Mount Pleasant Road, Bayview Avenue, Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue–but a pleasant walk in summer could turn into quite a trek in winter, with these main arteries being well spaced out.
The Lawrence subway station, located at the intersection of Yonge and Lawrence, has entrances on Ranleigh Avenue and Bedford Park Road and frequent bus service running both east and west. Motorists will appreciate both Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street connecting to Highway 401 within a five to ten-minute drive from Lawrence Park.
Shopping
The closest grocery stores are near Yonge and Lawrence, which keeps traffic on the residential streets to a minimum and makes owning a vehicle a must in this neighbourhood. High-profile shops and restaurants in both the Yonge and Lawrence and Bayview and Mount Pleasant areas are frequented by Lawrence Park residents.
Boutique style establishments include everything from antique and art galleries to European bistros, while the 3080 Yonge Street shopping plaza at the corner of Lawrence and Yonge is much more casual.
Away from Yonge Street, it becomes apparent that this is not a highly walkable neighbourhood. Hot destinations on Avenue Road, such as Pusateri’s Fine Foods and Royal Lighting, have large parking lots to accommodate the cars pulling in and out.
Yonge Street, with The Friendly Butcher, and high-end boutiques like Melmira Bra & Swimsuits, is a much better bet for strolling. There are even spas such as Civello that are suggestive of mid-town rather than North Toronto.
Local Gems
When it comes to living in Lawrence Park, you will find some of the very best restaurants and bars in Toronto. For melt in your mouth BBQ, two-handed burgers, and craft beer, head over to Stack—be sure to leave some space for their homemade doughnuts. Award-winning steak and seafood grilled over maple charcoal make Wildfire one of Toronto’s most popular steakhouses.
North 44 is where you will find innovative continental fare and a global wine list in a comfortable ambience. The classic trattoria Parmigiana serves authentic Northern and Southern Italian fare made with local ingredients and organic herbs grown right on the premises. And for traditional Amalfi coast cuisine, Positano makes pizza and pasta with recipes that have been passed down for generations.
