539 Jarvis Street

Is it a mansion? Is it a teeny, tiny, gated community? Is it a condo? Who really knows. But labels are so passé anyways, aren’t they? While the Mansions on Jarvis might be confusing to some, to others they are the ideal blend of townhouse and condo, private and communal, and moreover, old and new.

While some would be shocked to hear that certain buyers don’t necessarily want to live in a mansion, others will rejoice at the opportunity afforded by 539 Jarvis Street. Moreover, the cream-coloured stucco might look a little too perfect for some, but will strike just the right note for others.

With only 34 Toronto townhouses in what used to be a single-family dwelling (many, many years ago), the four-storey building could even be perfect for a group of millennial friends looking to join in on the trend of cohabitating. However, that would require convincing all of the current residents to give up their spots at the Mansions on Jarvis, a highly unlikely feat.

Instead, the exclusive building offers privacy and no real obligation to know your neighbours — even though this might be beneficial for those times when you’ve run out of sugar and it’s raining outside.

Converted in 2009 by Elm Developments, the late 19th century mansion received quite the facelift, while retaining many of its vintage elements that simple cannot be replicated these days. One only needs to take a look at the multi-level roofs and the intricate window details to understand the historical charm of 529 Jarvis.

There are no common amenities to be found at 539 Jarvis, as square footage was allotted solely to living space. That’s probably okay for buyers, though, considering the type who would be more interested in these Toronto condos for sale than a massive glass tower. Plus, residents can enjoy lower maintenance fees instead, and save their money for a gym membership or a vacation fund. As an added bonus, the building boasts underground parking with elevator that carries residents to ground level.

The units range from cozy homes to palatial suites, although all feel more like townhouses than condos. Homes range from around 350 to approximately 1,700 square feet, and the building is broken up into one or two bedroom homes.

Private outdoor spaces are an important feature of the homes at 539 Jarvis. Balconies or terraces can be found gracing the Mansions on Jarvis, with ground-level gardens or rooftop terraces, depending on the suites.

Styles and layouts vary as well, with some homes featuring open concept floor plans, and separated rooms in others. Special elements can be found throughout the building (although these change from one unit to the next as well), including skylights, fireplaces, and pantries. Some constants at 539 Jarvis are the warm hardwood flooring and bright windows, and ceiling heights can reach up to 12 feet.

Located in the St. James Town neighbourhood, and just steps to Cabbagetown, residents can enjoy all the peace and tranquility offered by these areas, while being situated so close to the bustling downtown core.

For example, those looking for a big night on the town can look no further than Church Street, which is just a block away. Alternatively, residents who love to shop can head up to Bloor Street and Yorkville in order to do some serious damage.

Outdoorsy residents living at 539 Jarvis can take a quick walk over to Riverdale Park, with its farm, baseball diamonds, cricket pitches, outdoor swimming pool, and grassy hills that are perfect for watching the sun set over the city.

With Wellesley Station only 600 metres from the Mansions on Jarvis, even residents who don’t make use of the underground parking are in luck. From here, subway trains travel north and south on the Yonge line, while residents heading east or west can also walk 9 minutes in order to reach Sherbourne Station on the Bloor-Danforth line.

Drivers can reach the Don Valley Parkway in just minutes via Bloor Street East, from which they can head north toward the 401 or south to the Gardiner Expressway and the downtown core. Those heading out by car can also make use of Jarvis for north-south travel and Wellesley for east-west travel in the immediate area.

Even Pearson International Airport, which is located on the opposite end of the city, can be reached in just around 30 minutes via car and less than 1 hour when using the UP Express.