1597-1599 Bathurst Street

While 1597-1599 Bathurst Street boasts the luminary literary giant Ernest Hemingway as a former resident, one doesn’t need to love literature to appreciate these homes. While the building’s history does lend well to a remarkable name, the Hemingway Condos, their charm comes courtesy of Bathurst Forest Hill Apartments Limited’s careful conversion of the site, formerly the Cedarvale Mansions.

Originally built after the First World War, 1597-1599 Bathurst has been handled by various caring hands before being converted into the Hemingway Condos in 2002. In fact, it was co-op in 1985, which is when the author’s relationship with the building was memorialized by a plaque at its front door.

Over the years, this well-preserved 6-storey structure’s beautiful brickwork has grown even more distinguished. The brick portion frames the building's stucco section well — although this section stands out on its own, as it features large bay windows, adorned by a charming cornice topped with Spanish style tiles. Altogether, 1597-1599 Bathurst’s refined mix of styles creates quite a cultivated aesthetic.

Those attracted to the Hemingway may be happy to hear about the fitness facilities available to its residents. There’s all the equipment one needs in the weights and cardio room, as well as an indoor pool, and even a putting green.

Finally, for friends and family curious to explore the building, residents can graciously host them in a versatile meeting room, a party room, or a rooftop deck with a gorgeously groomed garden.

Any Hemingway fans attracted to his former home should act quickly whenever Toronto condos for sale in this building are available: this boutique condo contains just 20 midtown Toronto condos. This includes one and two bedroom layouts, some of which have dens as well. Their sizes span around 1,100 to 1,350 square feet, but those aren’t the numbers that really stand out. More impressive is that there are just 4 suites per floor –making for quiet halls for any bookworms living in the building.

Courtesy of the building's careful conversion, all the suites feel fresh: hardwood floors spread throughout their open-concept, light filled suites, stylish custom cabinetry is generously sized, and there are resolute granite countertops in the kitchens – crafting a classic aesthetic perfect for the building's literary ambience.

Situated over the Cedarvale Ravine, the Forest Hill South neighbourhood naturally feels warm and welcoming. One can easily imagine a relaxing day spent in the area: after visiting the Wychwood Library down the street from St. Clair Avenue West, residents can find the perfect tree to read a book under in the ravine’s lush natural landscape.

Nonetheless, the Hemingway Condos’ neighbourhood attracts residents regardless of how one feels about literature. The newly renovated fields of St. Michael’s College School at Bathurst and St. Clair West host many friendly and competitive adult sports programs. Moreover, there’s even a vibrant cultural scene courtesy of Artscape Wychwood Barns along Benson Avenue, about a fifteen-minute walk from the building.

While Ernest Hemingway famously had a tenuous relationship with public transportation, those living in his namesake condos are fortunately well-served by the TTC. When they need to get to destinations around the city, passengers’ trips often start with taking the 7 Bathurst Bus. It stops at the footstep of the Hemingway Condos at Heathdale Avenue, as it heads south toward Bathurst Station.

At Bathurst Station, riders on the 7 Bus can transfer onto the subway system’s Bloor-Danforth line, running east and west across the city. Alternatively, the 7 bus makes a stop close to St. Clair West station, a block south of the building, where riders can connect to the north and south running Yonge-University-Spadina line.

Last but not least, the building is also well located for those who prefer to drive. Bathurst’s traffic moves well, whether heading south all the way to the Lakeshore, or north toward the 401 — the latter often taking all of about ten minutes to reach.