The 5 streets with the coolest houses in Toronto

There are cool houses scattered across Toronto, but generally only a few streets where one might take in a preponderance of high level contemporary architecture. Likewise, this city isn't short on historically significant residences, but examples of whole blocks that have been preserved are less common. With that in mind, here's a guide to residential streets that are architecturally significant across the city.

These are the five streets with the coolest houses in Toronto.

Roxborough Drive
Roxborough Drive would be worth the trip if only to catch a glimpse of Integral House, surely Toronto's most astonishing example of residential architecture. Fortunately, a stroll down the street reveals other gems like Barton Myers' "Wolf House" at #51 and this subtle gem at #177. Naturally there are other gorgeous historic Rosedale homes along the way.

Heathdale Road
Cedarvale is chock full of mesmerizing architecture thanks to the presence of the ravine and some very attractive lots, but Heathdale Rd. takes the cake thanks in part to Atom Egoyan's Chloe, which prominently shows off both Ravine House (#24) and Heathdale House (#48) -- the former was used for interiors and the latter for exteriors. Don't miss 207 Ava Rd. in the same area.

The Bridle Path
Where to begin? Aside from a few 1970s throwbacks (cool in their own right) virtually every house on this street and in this area is stunning (or shocking). The downside is these properties are often set far back from the road and hard to see. One of my favourites is at #8318 High Point Rd.

Draper Street
You won't find any modern houses on Draper Street, but this little thoroughfare that runs adjacent to Portland St. up from Front St. is like a time warp back to the 1880s in Toronto. These row houses were originally built for labourers, but now house residents whose commitment to retain the historical character of the street could be described as fierce.

Wychwood Park
Wychwood Park is fascinating for a whole bunch of reasons, not the least of which being that it's a gated community. The houses here are worth a visit too, though. Some of the best examples of Arts & Crafts architecture in Toronto can be found here, but also contemporary highlights like Ian MacDonald's residence at 4a.

What did I miss? Add your favourite streets with cool houses in the comments.

by Derek Flack via blogTO