House of the Week: 212 Indian Grove
212 Indian Grove is a well-maintained west end semi that's a five minute walk to High Park. This is a house that wears two hats (roofs?): it's currently set up as two 2-storey units but could be converted back into a single family home without much of a struggle. This might be the ideal opportunity for a couple hoping for an income property right now and planning for kidlets down the road.
At the moment, the owner-occupied second and third storey apartment is mostly move in ready. Refinished hardwood floors, a new kitchen with butcher-block counters and large windows are all standout features. The income property downstairs could use some fix-up before conversion--those turquoise cabinets should probably get out of town--but the unit is rented to a long-term tenant and nets a decent $1400 each month. A message to that tenant: sorry for showing these photos of your space, but your apartment looks very neat and tidy (love that pink table).
This patch of residential streets is known as the West Bend and sits comfortably between the Junction, Roncesvalles and the eastern edge of Bloor West Village. I live in this neighbourhood, and I'm shamelessly biased, but really, it's the best. There's a palpable sense of community pride. The streets may be quiet, but there are plenty of amenities within walking distance--everything from coffee and records at Cabin Fever to a killer karaoke night at Jekyl & Hyde. Just make sure not to mix up your "Indian"-named streets when giving out directions to visitors.
SPECS
NOTABLE FEATURES
GOOD FOR
Making it to the Keele subway station each morning in record time, taking your dog to the off-leash areas of High Park, or rolling balls at the West Toronto Lawn Bowling Club up the street. The High Park North area is extremely popular with renters and finding new tenants for the main/lower floor apartment, if that time should come, won't be a difficult task.
MOVE ON IF
This type of house won't work for everyone right out of the gate. If you're searching for a single family dwelling, consider that the renovations needed to convert this place probably won't be massive but they might be pricey.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
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