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Real Estate Guide › East

Playter Estates - Danforth

Median 2007 sale price:

$692,500

Property crime:

low

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

A cross between Rosedale and Riverdale, the well-hidden district east of the Don and north of the Danforth exudes both tradition and a bit of bohemianism. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where people sit on their front porches and cats slink safely across the road (thanks to a complicated network of one-way streets, speed bumps and Do Not Enter signs). The area’s biggest drawback is the lack of street parking, though that’s offset by its extraordinary convenience. Close to the DVP and the Danforth subway line (Broadview, Chester and Pape stations), it’s also near Jackman Avenue Public School and the varied shops and services of the Danforth—pubs, supermarkets, bookstores, doctor’s offices, churches and, of course, restaurants galore. On the eastern side, in just one block you’ll find Thai, Greek, Japanese and Italian food. High-rise development is mostly confined to the western edge, where a handful of condo towers overlook the Don.

HOUSING STOCK: The largest and most beautiful homes (some featuring five bedrooms) are centered around the old Playter family mansion on Playter Crescent, and can easily reach $2 million. (Technically speaking, only the six streets immediately surrounding the mansion compose Playter Estates proper, but the neighbourhood’s boundaries have grown over the years.) Smaller houses, such as a two-storey semi with a gable and a porch, invariably decorated with some odd expression of personality (a neon number sign or Corinthian pillars), might go for around $500,000. The streets west of Broad­view feature a mix of small Ontario cottages, smart 1940s brick homes and modern infill houses—the ones backing onto the Don Valley have unparalleled views of both commuter traffic and sunsets.

BARGAIN ZONES: Small semis on Ferrier and yet-to-be renovated cottages on Cambridge offer more accessible options for first-timers.

THE VERDICT: While it’s hard to call million-dollar-plus homes bargains, Playter Estates offers fantastic value. The stately five-bedroom piles rival those in Rosedale, but at a fraction of the cost. The curving streets around the Playter mansion are quite exclusive yet close to the action. Lillian Adamakis, a real estate agent with Re/Max Hallmark, reports that several clients have moved from Rosedale for “the area’s wonderful blend of cultures and down-to-earth feel.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Dash Kitchen Harried professionals stop by to pick up prepared foods, such as homestyle mac and cheese, and mango-couscous salad. 236 Danforth Ave., 416-463-3274.
Dora Keogh Nurse a pint of Guinness at one of the quaint copper-covered tables. Dora Keogh may not have the covetable back patio of Allen’s (its next-door neighbour), but it does feature an impressive number of Irish ales and whiskeys. 141 Danforth Ave., 416-778-1804.
Globe Bistro The inventive and patriotic Globe is the place to go for a proper sit-down meal of Niagara chorizo or lake-caught pickerel. The interior is opulent, but the rooftop patio can’t be missed in summer. 124 Danforth Ave., 416-466-2000.
La Di Da At this unapologetically girly nail bar–boutique, you can shop for dainty silver earrings or a saucy new top, and get your toes done at the same time. 128 Danforth Ave., 416-849-5388.

Today in Toronto: July 4, 2009

• Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta: The two-day festival includes performances by Brazen Angelz, Josephine Biundo, Dr. Draw, Daniel Panetta and others
• Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade: Harbourfront Centre’s summer season heats up with a not-to-be-missed double bill of Nigerian masters
• Westben: Concerts at the Barn: This countryside festival presents a varied program in the purpose-built barn that serves as its intimate yet impressive performance space
• Great Waterfront Trail Adventure Tour: More than 250 avid cyclists pedal 730 kilometres from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border in celebration of the new and expanded Waterfront Trail
• More things to do tonight
• Something to do this weekend

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