1A Dale Avenue

Rosedale is an eminent neighbourhood in general, filled with many dignified private residences, and the charming Somerset Condos is no exception. Sitting right next to where the Glen Road Pedestrian Bridge crosses over the Rosedale Ravine, the condos at 1A Dale Avenue are enjoyed by their residents, although the building is under the radar compared to some of the more contemporary homes in the city.

Built in 1972 by Guildwood Village Limited, the solid structure known as the Somerset Condos stands at 3 storeys tall. A wide driveway on the west side of the property is about as grand as it gets — 1A Dale is more of an understated edifice than a striking structure.

Featuring a red brick exterior and generous sets of wide windows throughout, the Somerset Condos’ most distinctive features are the green walls that adorn each bright white balcony. These perfectly complement the thriving natural landscapes behind the building and the gardens around its grounds. Although this boutique residence doesn’t contain an extensive list of amenities, residents can host their friends and family in its posh party room, while ample on-site parking means one less thing to worry about when planning a soirée.

Although the exterior is understated, the 33 suites inside are quite opulent. Ranging in size from approximately 550 to 3,750 square feet, floor plans vary from modest one bedroom units to expansive three bedroom, two level homes. What’s more, many of the Toronto condos for sale in the building also boast private balconies.

The most of lavish of 1A Dale’s living spaces features spectacular spiral staircases. As a result this particular suite feels like a stately countryside manor combined with a condo. Regardless of which unit one lives in, the ambience throughout the Somerset Condos is elegant, especially since Rosedale residents have had plenty of time to customize and upgrade their homes over the years.

A short walk over the neighbouring pedestrian bridge leads right to downtown Toronto, however 1A Dale can often feel like an escape away from the city. The trees lining Dale Street are impressive, especially around Hawthorn and Maple Avenue and leading toward the Don Valley. This route leads to a recreational path running alongside Bayview Avenue. On weekends or days off, outdoorsy types living here can use this to travel along the Don River to the Evergreen Brickworks.

Alternatively, the Brickworks is about a ten-minute bike ride from the building. After revitalization of the former site of the Don Quarry, the site is now home to a community centre and a public park set in the valley. The Evergreen Organization also hosts renowned arts and cultural programs focused on the environment and sustainability. Living so close to this captivating complex also means residents can easily enjoy its many diverse events, exhibitions and markets that occur throughout the year.

Venturing throughout the city is easy for those living in the Somerset Condos — even without a car. The pedestrian bridge next to 1A Dale is conveniently close to the entrance to Sherbourne Station on Bloor East. About a five-minute walk from the building, Sherbourne Station is situated on the Bloor-Danforth line. Travelers can also connect to the Yonge-University-Spadina line at Bloor-Yonge Station, the first stop to the west of Sherbourne.

And for those who drive often, Bloor Street serves them well. A major east-west arterial road, Bloor also happens to be free of streetcars thanks to the subway line running underneath it. And right around where Bloor becomes Danforth Avenue to the east, drivers can find a nearby onramp for the Don Valley Parkway — usually taking less than five minutes to reach from the Somerset Condos.