65 Sheldrake Boulevard

Perhaps many prospective homeowners may consider the St. George Lofts romantic — they’ve got old-world charm, courtesy of the grand trees and lush landscaping surrounding their sanctuary-like setting. The St. George Lofts are located between Mount Pleasant Road and Yonge Street, in the converted former home of the Eglinton United Church at 65 Sheldrake Boulevard in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Developed by the devoted team at 65 Sheldrake Limited, while some may not go so far as to say they’re romantic, it’s undeniable that the lofts are quite attractive.

Originally built in 1923, 65 Sheldrake is one of the grand achievements of the renowned Horwood and White Architectural firm. As an homage to Keeble College in Oxford University, the Romanesque details that adorn the 3-storey structure showcase ornate patterns of brickwork. Accented by beautifully sculpted limestone capitals and window awnings, gives a grand impression.

The site’s careful conversion into the St. George Lofts was completed in 2001. Although an addition was put into place, Horwood and White’s original work only received restorations, rather than transformative renovations.

Nonetheless, extensive efforts ensured the venerable 65 Sheldrake would became a veritably luxurious building. Even after generously partitioning private living spaces and terraces, modernizing interiors, windows, and doors, and adding an elevator, the developers made sure to install a smart set of amenities: residents enjoy access to a concierge service, a pool, guest suites, and a car washing station.

Boasting soaring cathedral ceilings — some reaching as high as 24-feet — 65 Sheldrake’s 34 suites are sights to behold. Toronto condos for sale in this building span from around 1,200 to 3,000 square feet, and often cover multiple storeys. Furthermore, every suite even extends out onto private outdoor spaces that can add up to 1,500 additional square feet to one’s home. Even one of the smaller suites, a 120- square foot home, has a terrace that spans over 800 square feet.

Of course, the interiors of suites prove stunning as well. Cabinetry throughout the kitchens and bathrooms is elegant and bright. Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows — or even skylights in some suites — and gleams off the hardwood flooring that’s found throughout.

Some residents even get to live amongst the former church’s original features, like stained glass windows and timber framing, that act as rustic accents for their modern homes. Regardless, every suite features stainless steel appliances in their chef ready kitchen and lavish marble-clad bathrooms.

Though the St. George Lofts’ name may lead some people astray, as the similarly titled downtown street sits far from 65 Sheldrake, living in this charming midtown Toronto neighbourhood is quite pleasant to say the least. East of the building, sleepy, residential tree-lined streets streets can be found, and a short walk west takes residents toward an eclectic collection of shops and boutiques along Yonge Street.

Near Sheldrake, Yonge Street also contains some favourable restaurants. However, as one strolls south, the fare becomes more refined, especially around Broadway Avenue. And lastly, around the prominent intersection of Yonge and Eglinton, which is just fifteen minutes away, many of the more popular restaurant franchises and major stores are awaiting.

Affectionately called by its historical name, North Toronto, the neighbourhood surrounding the St. George Lofts emerged as a “Streetcar Suburb” early in the 20th century when a TTC streetcar ran from the downtown core up Yonge. Of course, since then the Yonge Streetcar has been replaced by the subway system, which conveniently takes residents around the city at an even faster pace.

It takes residents just about fifteen minutes to walk to the subway: one can head to either Lawrence or Eglinton station, north and south respectively. Residents only need to embark on this walk if they please, though — they can also just hop onto the 97 bus, whose route passes both subway stations and happens to stop at Sheldrake Avenue as it heads north and south along Yonge.

Finally, for those who usually drive, the St. George Lofts’ location is great. To get onto the highway, drivers often only need to travel about ten minutes before they reach the 401, and they can do so by simply heading straight up Yonge.