The Bridle Path has become Toronto’s
nouveau riche enclave

Real Estate Guide › Central

Bridle Path - Sunnybrook - York Mills

Average 2008 sale price:

$1,668,365

Property crime:

high

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

There are four different sections to this neighbourhood: Hogg’s Hollow, Lawrence Park, York Mills Road and the Bridle Path. The faux châteaux of the Bridle Path earn their multimillion-dollar price tags thanks to one- to six-acre lot sizes and an easy commute downtown. Houses on this street range from gigantic to massive, and often have backyard tennis courts. Past and present residents of Millionaire’s Row include the famous and infamous—Conrad Black and Prince, for example. In Lawrence Park (on the west side of Bayview), houses are still large, but the lots are smaller than on the east side. Hogg’s Hollow and York Mills are again upscale, but more modest. Parks abound: Glendon Forest, Edwards Gardens and Sunnybrook Park.

HOUSING STOCK: Dwellings tend toward the large and luxurious, but these aren’t McMansions—some majestic abodes date back to the late 19th century. There are a handful of condo-townhomes on York Mills, and a sizable new development of low-rise condo buildings is in the works on Bayview, across from Sunnybrook Hospital.

BARGAIN ZONES: Only in this vaunted neighbourhood would a property that sells for upwards of a million dollars be considered merely entry-level. The best area for finding such a domicile is south of York Mills and west of Bayview.

THE VERDICT: With upscale amenities—Bayview Country Club Golf Course and St. Andrew’s College, one of Toronto’s best private schools—an easy commute downtown, quiet tree-lined streets and large parks, the area has a lot to offer those who can afford the buy-in. On the minus side, after years of rising prices during the real estate boom, the value of many luxury houses in the area took a nose-dive this year when the market slowed down.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Coppi At this slightly pretentious ristorante, locals relax over astutely prepared Italian fare, such as homemade fettuccine in rabbit ragoût. The rich zabaglione could be the best in the city. 3363 Yonge St., 416-484-4464.
The Miller Tavern With its humongous patio and country-club feel, this upscale gastro-pub is popular with the Hogg’s Hollow crowd (think polo shirts and Topsiders). For those who like to slurp their seafood, the fresh oyster bar downstairs is a must. 3885 Yonge St., 416-322-5544.
York Mills Shopping Centre This upscale mall truly is a foodie’s delight, with Swiss-Master Chocolatier (416-444-8802), a truffle shop; Chapman’s Essential Foods (416-444-4477), an epicurean deli; and Nortown Foods (416-447-0310), a gourmet butcher. 2540 Bayview Ave.