Rosedale Heritage
The boundaries of the elite Toronto neighbourhood known as Rosedale span along the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to the north, Bayview Avenue to the east, Bloor Street to the south and Yonge Street to the west. The Rosedale area is effectively separated into north and south sections by the Park Drive Ravine.
South Rosedale's designation as a heritage conservation district was led by the South Rosedale Ratepayers' Association and was granted the status in 2003. Two years later, in 2005, North Rosedale received the same designation status.
In the early 1800's William Botsford Jarvis purchased a 110 acre estate in what is now known as South Rosedale. Jarvis, regarded as a local hero for the integral part he played in defending York during the 1837 Rebellion, and his wife Mary, christened the home as "Rosedale” for the wild roses that flourished on the property. Many of the modern streets in Rosedale were originally established by Mary Jarvis as horseback riding trails. Most of the sprawling estate was sold to a developer in 1853, with the rest being sold in 1864 subsequent to the death of William Jarvis.
North Rosedale began in 1881 with the building of the Glen Road Bridge. Scottish shareholders registered a subdivision plan in 1884 and a large number of the streets were named after the development originators, as well as influential residents from across the province of Ontario. Most of the homes in North Rosedale were constructed by the early 1900's.
Rosedale Properties
Rosedale is an exclusive area that has been celebrated for over a century as Toronto's most desirable neighbourhood to live. Aside from the luxurious natural attributes, Rosehill is also renowned for the high calibre of residents that have chosen to live within the community. Some of Toronto's most prestigious citizens call Rosedale home.
This exclusive neighbourhood located minutes north of Toronto's downtown core is nestled amongst majestic trees and enveloped by two peaceful ravines. Rosedale's tranquillity is hypnotic; the calamity of the city is erased from the mind. Although the homes in the area are not as massive as ones found in other areas of Toronto, they compensate with magnificence and charm. The history of the area is not easily overlooked. The flawless detail and timeless beauty of the dwellings are predominant. The architecture of the homes consists mainly of two and three-storey detached layouts, some of which have large traditional carriage houses on the property. A wide variety of housing styles can be located in Rosedale. Edwardian, Tudor, Victorian and Georgian are the most common. Even the newer homes are built with meticulous care in order to conform to the ambiance of the area. Luxury condominiums and co-operative and co-ownership apartment buildings are also located in Rosedale and are an excellent entry into the neighbourhood for the savvy homebuyer.
Rosedale Recreation and Amenities
The lovely trails through the ravines of Rosedale are a delight for both nature lovers and fitness fanatics. The trails can be easily accessed throughout the neighbourhood at various locations. Recreational activities can be enjoyed in several areas such as Rosedale Park, Ramsden Park and Mooredale House. Shopping amenities are located nearby in the Summerhill area and several schools serve the community's educational needs.
Although the eternal hustle and bustle of metropolitan life is mere minutes away, the richness of Rosedale blankets its residents with the hushed silence that only nature can provide. Surrounded by beautiful ravines, gorgeous parks and dense green space, Rosedale has the amazing attribute of being secluded from the rest of the world. Only one main road runs through the area and, along with the lush foliage, an urban filter is created. The noise that is generated by downtown Toronto and high volume traffic is non-existent in this neighbourhood, making Rosedale a haven for its residents.