250 Springdale Boulevard, Toronto

Springdale Blvd rests on one of six parallel streets running North of the Danforth, known for holding the truest character of East York. They share the same DNA: mature, leafy tree canopies, charming early 20th century homes, an under 15 minute walk to the subway, and easy access to excellent schools, parks, farmers markets, hospital, rec centres, city pools, shops, cafés and restaurants. Here you get all the city you need without the noise. On what might be the perfect block of Springdale sits this classic detached front-gable cottage. Generous 20x100 lot size. Legal front pad parking. And a sunny, South-facing exposure. A hand-laid, irregular flagstone walkway curves past drifts of lavender, lilacs and hydrangeas on its way to a covered porch, built for a slow morning coffee. Inside, the front room begs for furniture and Sunday papers. The living and dining space at the core of the home is built for everyday life. Keep it traditional and give it gentle updates, or bring a renovation eye, blow out some walls, and add an addition. The bones are here either way. Upstairs, two bedrooms carry the kind of character angles builders don't make anymore, both finished with new luxury vinyl flooring. One tucks a full wall of built-in wardrobes. The other holds its own with a quiet angle by the window overlooking the backyard. And yes, ah, the yard. Big, deep, and shaded by heart-leafed trees that turn the whole space into a bit of a secret garden. Start planning the garden party before you've even unpacked.