Rosedale Fancy
Rosedale is a privileged neighbourhood located in the city of Toronto, north of the downtown core. Although the eternal hustle and bustle of metropolitan life is mere minutes away, the richness of Rosedale blankets its residents with the hushed silence that only nature can provide. Surrounded by picturesque ravines, scenic parks and lush green space, Rosedale has the amazing ability to appear secluded from the rest of the world. The extensive foliage, combined with the fact that only one main road runs through the area, creates an urban filter. Essentially any noise that is generated by downtown Toronto, along with its high volume traffic is virtually non-existent in Rosedale.
The boundaries of this mature haven lie from the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to the north, Bayview Avenue to the east, Bloor Street to the south and Yonge Street to the west. The Rosedale area is effectively separated into North and South sections by the Park Drive Ravine.
Rosedale Antiquity
During the early 1800's, large country estates were built north of Bloor Street, between Yonge Street and the Don Valley. Most renowned amid the country houses was Rosedale, which was built in 1821 and was sold to William Botsford Jarvis. Jarvis, regarded as a local hero for the integral role he played in defending York during the 1837 Rebellion, and his wife Mary, christened the home as "Rosedale” for the wild roses that flourished on the property. The estate was originally accessed by a road that sloped into the valley near Davenport Road and then ascended up a ravine towards the house. A new road from the south was created by Jarvis to circumvent the steep inclines and is presently known as Park Road.
Most of the sprawling estate was sold to a developer in 1853. A plan was registered to subdivide the estate into 62 lots among four streets; Avondale, Rosedale, Crescent and South Drive. One point of historical interest is that Rosedale was one of the first locations in Canada to have streets that curved. In 1864, subsequent to the death of William Jarvis, the rest of the Rosedale estate was divided and sold. North Rosedale was established soon after a bridge was built spanning the Park Drive Ravine in 1909.
Rosedale Virtue
Rosedale is intersected by a group of gorgeous ravines and the lovely trails in the ravines are a delight for both nature lovers and fitness fanatics. The trails can be easily accessed throughout the neighbourhood at various locations. Recreational activities can be enjoyed in several areas. Rosedale Park and Ramsden Park both have numerous tennis courts, athletics fields, an ice rink and a wading pool. Mooredale House Community Centre offers sports, fitness and artistic programs for area residents.
Shopping amenities can be found nearby in the Summerhill area and several schools serve the community's educational needs. Public transportation is provided on South Drive, Crescent and Glen Roads in addition to Summerhill, Maclennan, Highland and Elm Avenues. The Rosedale buses connect to the Rosedale subway station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line or the Sherbourne station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. For residents who prefer to drive, the Don Valley Parkway is in close proximity.
Rosedale has been celebrated for over a century as being Toronto's most desirable neighbourhood. Aside from its luxurious natural attributes, the area is also renowned for its ‘old money' residents and historic significance. With the majority of the area designated as heritage property, strolling through Rosedale is like strolling through history. The impressive homes have been maintained beautifully and include styles ranging from Edwardian to Tudor. Luxury condominiums are also available in the area along with some newer homes. A homebuyer looking to purchase in this area would be in prestigious company; some of Toronto's most eminent citizens are proud to call Rosedale home.