284 St Helens Avenue

Industrial hard lofts in Brockton Village — those 6 words could probably sell these condos alone, but it wouldn’t do this property justice. Formerly an industrial space, this building was converted in 2004 into 64 sparkling Toronto lofts; initially these units sold for under $300K, but you’re going to have to reach much deeper into your pocket book if you want one of these Toronto condos for sale now.

The one potential drawback of this property is that amenities are limited — visitor parking and barbeque spaces — so if you’re looking for a condo with all the extras, then you might find this building lacking. However, these lofts are pet friendly, which could be considered an amenity for some buyers.

But for buyers who aren’t concerned with the extras, Bloor-Line Lofts is an incredible building with a great location — perfect for first time home buyers and young professionals, who want a swanky loft in a fast paced neighbourhood.

Located at 284 St Helens Ave, the exterior of these west end Toronto condos is unassuming, and if you didn’t know they were there you’d never notice them. Once inside, these units are breathtaking — If you’re a fan of industrial loft design, then you’re in for a treat.

Spread out over 2 storey floor plans, these lofts feature industrial touches like exposed ductwork, exposed brick walls, industrial light fixtures, original wood beams and ceilings, and warehouse style windows. To compliment these industrial flourishes, units have hardwood floors, modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, 10 to 15 foot ceilings for some units, and private terraces. Suite sizes range from 350 square feet to 1113 square feet.

As amazing as these lofts are, the neighbourhood might actually be more impressive — packed with cozy restaurants, lively pubs, trendy cafes, and with an abundance of transit options, Brockton Village is a neighbourhood on the rise and one which becomes more desirable by the day.

Toronto is known for its restaurants, and residents 284 St Helens Ave have great options nearby — there’s Through Being Cool Bakery for vegan food and pastries, The Emerson Restaurant for high-end pub food, Vena's Restaurant for Caribbean, and The 3 Speed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Of course, you’ll also find McDonalds, Pizza Pizza, and the usual fast food chains nearby.

Caffeine fanatics have trendy cafes in every direction — Baddies and Propeller Coffee Co. are just north of Bloor, Outpost Coffee Roasters Ltd is a short walk west, Coffee Time is to the east, and Cafe Encontro, and Tim Hortons and just south on Lansdowne Ave. For additional choices, you can stroll east or west on Bloor and you’ll discover a plethora of cozy spots.

You can’t have a trendy neighbourhood without a trendy nightlife, and Brockton Village certainly has you covered for that; there are brewpubs like Bandit Brewery and Burdock Brewery, lively pubs such as Wenona Craft Beer Lodge, and your standard dark watering hole in The 47. Plus, if you head west on Bloor you’ll encounter a cluster of bars like Whelan's Gate, The Wicket, and High Low Pub.

If nightlife isn’t your thing, there are nearby theatres, art galleries, and recreation facilities. Those who live to shop have boutiques scattered along Bloor Street, and Dufferin Mall is within walking distance, where you’ll find a variety of boutiques for the latest in fashion and technology.

Bloor-Line Lofts has a 93 Walk Score — residents have many service based businesses in the area and stores on Bloor, making it easy to run errands on foot; as well, there’s a Loblaws grocery store and pharmacy nearby for the essentials.

Public transit users have an excellent location — there are east and westbound buses on Bloor, north and southbound buses on Lansdowne Ave and Dufferin, and for longer journeys, Dufferin Station and Bloor GO are nearby for subway service or GO Transit.

Car owners won't need to spend too much time in traffic — provided the Gardiner isn’t bumper to bumper — by heading south on Parkside Drive for the Gardiner Expressway, you can be away from the city in no time at all.