This quaint little pocket south of Bloor Street West is not well known by name to many unless they're familiar with the west end of Toronto. If you say you live in "Swansea" to some people, sadly they have no idea where it is. Quick executive summary as far as area history: Swansea was incorporated as a village in 1926. This neighbourhood is the only one in Toronto to have it's own community run Town Hall (Lavinia Avenue). In 1615, not a typo....Etienne Brule, Samuel de Champlain's protege was the first European to set foot in what we know today as Swansea.
The name is derived like many area names from places in England. Here, the name Swansea was named after Swansea in Wales (western England) also too with it's rolling topography. In addition, this neighbourhood is the only one in Toronto that is bordered by three bodies of water, Grenadier Pond to the east, Lake Ontario to the south and the Humber River to the west. Pretty neat!
In the last 5-7 years, the southern portion of Swansea, namely at the base of Windermere and the Queensway has undergone a major turn-around. The former brownfield was home to the Stelco site. It was decomissioned and later developed into a series of townhomes and condos that flank either side of Windermere. I must say that upon first glance many moons ago I did not think that much would come of this unglamorous spot. Boy, was I wrong. These places show quite well. These places are now known as Windermere by the Lake at 93 The Queensway and 15 Windermere Avenue as well as the larger townhomes on the opposite side of Winderemere that have the Next condo in it's backyard so to speak nxtcondos.com
The area is in walking distance of Bloor West Village and it's shops as well as two subway stations, Jane and Runnymede. Being on the subway line still holds it's value. A bus route along Windermere as well as Morningside Avenue make their way to the above subway stations on the Bloor-Danforth line. If you're a driver, you're in luck as Swansea lies at an ideal equidistant point to all that is important, be it the Gardner expressway eastbound or westbound via the Queensway and Parklawn. This is all accesible going southbound either on Windermere Avenue or the South Kingsway.
The age of the homes dates back to the 20's and 30's, remaining smaller homes boast period details unique to the period namely leaded glass windows, extensive woodwork and hand-crafted plaster crown moulding. Most homes fall under the category of detached or semi-detached homes that have either mutual or private drives in addition to street parking. In recent years, some residents have done an impressive job of expanding their homes vertically. No, these are not McMansions, they are at least in-keeping with the general architecture of the neighbourhood. As far as hotspots, being in close proximity to Bloor West Village, this area has access to the same shops and the like.
A cute parkette of note is Rennie Park which lies south of Morningside Avenue and east of Windermere Avenue behind Swansea Jr. & Sr. School. This parkette boasts four tennis courts, a wading pool and an artificial ice rink. Also a quick reminder that High Park can be accessed from Bloor Street or through a walking path via Ellis Park Road.
SCHOOLS IN SWANSEA
St. Pius X (elementary), 71 Jane Street 416-393-5237
Swansea Jr. & Sr., 207 Windermere Avenue 416-393-9080
Humbserside Collegiate Institute, 280 Quebec Avenue 416-393-0000
MLS®#:W4597744 Status:For Sale Type:Commercial Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
Location! Turnkey Business Near Downtown. Well Established Tanning Salon In High Park Area, Close To Dundas Subway, 8 Separate Rooms, With 2 Stand Up Booths, 6 Lay Down Beds, Huge Basement With Physiotherapy Business, 2 Extra Rooms For Potential Nails Spa Or Hair Dresser. Very Low Rent Only $2500, 3 Parkings At The Back.
MLS®#:W4601358 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
1+1
1
Area:
700-799 Sq Ft
Stunning Lakeside Luxurious Living W/ Premium View! Enjoy Spectacular Unobstructed View Of The Lake & High Park In This Spacious Open Concept 1 Bedroom + Den Condo, Boasting 754 Square Feet. Floor To Ceiling Windows, High-End Upgrades, Hardwood Floors Throughout, Backsplash, Huge Balcony, Resort Like Amenities & 24Hr Concierge. Easy Walk To Beach &....More details
MLS®#:W4601323 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
3+0
2
Stunning Home In Prime Swansea Location! Walk To Subway, Bloor West Shops, Top Schools. Ravine Setting W/Tree-Top Views Of High Pk & Grenadier Pond.Kit W/Granite ,Fam Rm W/Heated Flr. 2nd Flr Liv Rm W/Wd Burning Fireplace, Master Bedroom W/Almost 11\' Vaulted Ceiling,Master Bedrooms & Family Room With W/O To Backyard! This True Gem Is A Rare Find!
MLS®#:W4582186 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
2+0
3
Area:
1600-1799 Sq Ft
Exceptionally Spacious & Sun-Filled, South Facing Unit In The Upscale Southampton By Tridel. Beautiful City & Lake Vistas. 1700 Sqft Living Space W/Tasteful Updates & Reno's. Well Appointed Kit. W/Granite Counters & Top Of The Range S/S Appliances. Open Plan Living & Dining W/Gas Fireplace. Bonus Tv/Media Den W/Surround Sound Sys. New Ash Hrdwd Flr....More details
MLS®#:W4593551 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
7+0
4
This Magnificent,Corner Lot House Will Take Your Breath Away. From Its Stunning Designer Landscaping To Its Beautifully Renovated 3 Legal Units This Home Is One Of A Kind.It Boasts 2-Level Owner's Suite Which Master Br Has Ensuite Bathroom & Large W/I Closet All With Radiant Floor Heating.Upstairs Unit Features Vaulted Ceilings, Skylight & A Large....More details
MLS®#:W4547347 Status:For Sale Type:Commercial Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
Thai Restaurant Located On Bloor St W, East Of Keele. Approx 1000Sft Plus Basement Transferable, Liquor Licence For 36 Seats. Net Rent $4350 Plus Tmi Lease Expired Jan 2023 + 5 Yrs Option. Can Be Converted To Any Cuisine.
MLS®#:W4602134 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
2+0
2
Area:
900-999 Sq Ft
Stunning Large 2 Bdrm Corner Unit In Nxt Building Located In Desirable Swansea W/T.T.C. At Doorstep. Unobstructed Gorgeous Million Dollar View Of The Lake. Huge Balcony W/Sunny Southwest Exposure. Open Concept Functional Layout, 9Ft Ceilings, Floor To Ceiling Windows In Every Room Offering Amazing Views. Custom Kitchen & Baths W/Quartz & Marble Cou....More details
MLS®#:W4608033 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
4+0
4
Grand, Detached, Brick Home On An Exclusive Block In High Park / Roncey. 4 Bed, 4 Bath. Large Formal Living & Dining Rooms Plus Above Grade Family Room & Office. Unspoiled Architectural Features;Porch, Foyer, Staircase, Moldings, Pocket Doors & 2 Fireplaces. Attached Garage Plus 2 Parking. Aaa Mechanicals. Down-To-Earth Living, Prestigious Enterta....More details
MLS®#:W4602396 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
2+1
2
Area:
1000-1199 Sq Ft
Welcome To Nxt Condos. This Corner Unit Boasts 9-Foot Floor-To-Ceiling Windows With Tons Of Natural Night And Southeast Lake & Skyline Views. Recently Upgraded Designer Kitchen And Bathrooms. Split 2-Bedroom Layout. This Building Has Stellar Amenities Including An Indoor And Outdoor Pool, Gym, Guest Suites, 24-Hour Concierge And Much More! Excellen....More details
MLS®#:W4587081 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
1+1
1
Area:
700-799 Sq Ft
!!! Yes Its Is Priced Right !!! Wow This Is A Must See, An Absolute Show Stopper! A Lovely 1+1 Bdrm Totally Upgrd Luxury Iconic Landmark With Spectacular Unobstructed Views Of The Lake, City Skyline And High Park From The Large Balcony. Fabulous Designer Inspired 1 Bedroom W/Den And 1 Full Bath & Huge Balcony Bosts Open Concept With Flr To Ceiling ....More details
MLS®#:W4596413 Status:Sale Pending Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
3+0
2
Area:
1400-1599 Sq Ft
Luxury 1440 Sf Unit With 29' Terrace In Swansea! Reno'd W/ Top Drawer Finishes: Engineered Flooring, New Kitchen W/ Breakfast Bar, Quartz Counters + New Appliances. 2nd Level W/ 3 Beds, New Bathrm W/ Tub With Rain Shower. Huge Laundry Rm, New Washer+Dryer, Laundry Tub + Storage. Schools: Swansea + Humberside. Steps To High Park, Lakefront + Famous ....More details
MLS®#:W4314176 Status:For Sale Type:Commercial Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
If You Are Looking At Expanding Your Business Portfolio, Becoming Your Own Boss Or Running A Successful And Profitable Neighbourhood Buiness Than Look No Further Than The Bloor Keele Coin Laundry And Dry Cleaning. A Staple Of The Area For Over 25 Years, Offering Coin Operated Laundry, Drop Off Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Alterations And Repairs It Is A....More details
MLS®#:W4593218 Status:For Sale Type:Condominium Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
2+0
2
Area:
900-999 Sq Ft
Tridel Built, Large 2 Bed 2 Bath Bright Condo In Desired South Kingsway Village. Over 900 Sqft Of Open Concept Living Space! Smart Split Bedroom Floor Plan. Floor To Ceiling Windows, Beautiful Wood Laminate Throughout. Large Master With Double Closets And Updated 4Pc Ensuite. Mins To The Lake, High Park, Gardiner, Ttc & Shops. Gatehouse Security Ve....More details
MLS®#:W4607510 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
4+1
5
Area:
3500-5000 Sq Ft
Circa 1916 Arts & Crafts Home Underwent An Extensive 3 Year Renovation Starting In 2008. Thoughtful Renovations Serve A Contemporary Lifestyle While Maintaining The Integrity Of The Original Design And Aesthetic. Main Floor Rooms Have Been Reconfigured To Maximize Space And Encourage Flow For Larger Groups. The Master Suite Is A Private Oasis Provi....More details
MLS®#:W4589728 Status:Sale Pending Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
3+0
2
Wonderful Opportunity To Own A Lovely Family Home Nestled In A Gorgeous Treed Ravine Lot On South Kingsway. Large Kitchen, Dining & Family Rm Extension With Cathedral Ceilings & Walk Out To Patio. Limitless Possibilities With 35' X 164' Lot!! Solid Det 1 Car Garage + Prkg For 4 Cars In Drive. Be Part Of Coveted Swansea. Walk To School, Swansea Rec ....More details
MLS®#:W4607185 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
4+0
4
*Featured On The Marilyn Denis Show!* Stunning Newly Custom Reno'd Home In The Heart Of Swansea! Designed By Award Winning Interior Designer Jane Lockhart. Modern Style With Classic Charm! The Finest In Luxury Finishes W/Attention To Every Detail. Bright, Open Concept Living Space, Chef's Kitchen, Custom Cabinetry & Closets, Spacious Bedrooms, Desi....More details
MLS®#:W4586984 Status:For Sale Type:Residential Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
3+1
5
Area:
2000-2500 Sq Ft
Nestled In Coveted Swansea, Cust Built 3+1 Bed, 5 Bath Contemporary Is An Entertainer's Delight. Gourmet Kit W/ Quartz Counters, Island, O/S Sliding Doors W W/O To Backyard Patio & Gas Bbq. Open Rise Stairs Lead To Posh Master W/ Stand Alone Tub, 2 Ensuites, W/I Closet, B/ I Storage. Priv Rooftop Patio W/ 6 Person Hot Tub, Pergola Covered Lounge Ar....More details
MLS®#:W4462607 Status:For Sale Type:Commercial Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
Get Your Creative Juices Flowing With This Exciting Space That Operates As A Restaurant, Bakery, Cafe With A Private Studio For Cooking Classes! Approx 1,500 Sq Ft With 15" Commercial Hood, Walk-In Fridge, And Llbo For 96. In The Back Of The Space, There's A Full Kitchen Setup That Mimics A Home Environment Where Classes Are Held Can Be Converted T....More details
MLS®#:W4569165 Status:For Sale Type:Commercial Community:High Park-Swansea - Toronto
Sale Of Business In The Rapidly Growing Bloor West Village With New Condo Projects Around The Corner,Subway Across The Street, Well Established Neighbourhood!! Fantastic Opportunity To Grow Your Business As Coffee Shop/Bakery Or Sushi Restaurant, Pizza Place! Turn -Key Possession. Very Accessible Location! Large Kitchen,Spacious Service Area & Hug....More details
