Four Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Iconic Neighborhood
The Bridle Path is one of the most affluent and upscale neighborhoods in all of Toronto. Often referred to as “Millionaires’ Row,” The Bridle Path is characterized by multimillion-dollar homes and two- to four-acre lots. Though The Bridle Path is the name of a street in the area, the term is usually used to refer to the neighborhood as a whole. This secluded area is surrounded by the Don River Valley and makes up the most exclusive part of the city. Here are four historic facts you probably didn’t know about the neighborhood.
Rags to Riches
Until 1929, The Bridle Path was little more than farmland. It wasn’t until the Bayview Bridge was built that the area was considered for residential construction. Once it was determined that the area would be used for residential development, Forsey Page—a Toronto-based developer—envisioned it as an exclusive neighborhood filled with estate homes. Page went on to build the first home in the area: a Cape Cod-style house located at 2 Bridle Path.
Exclusivity
Today, The Bridle Path is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Canada, and the current residents have their forebears to thank for that. In the late 1940s, George Mantegu Black (father of Conrad Black) built an estate on Park Lane Circle. In order to ensure privacy, Black purchased the company that owned the farmland around the area—farmland that would eventually become the rest of The Bridle Path. In addition, Black created restrictions on the area through zoning laws, mandating that only single-family homes could be built on a minimum of two acres. Once these restrictions were put in place, the area was divided into roughly 50 lots, and The Bridle Path as we know it today began to take shape.
Bridle or Bridal
The neighborhood is often misspelled as "The Bridal Path" by those who do not know the history of the area. The name Bridle Path stems from an elaborate system of bridle paths due to the fact that many early homeowners in the neighborhood had horses. The paths have long since been paved over, but their legacy remains in the name The Bridle Path.
Famous Neighbors
A neighborhood with such incredible homes and the level of exclusivity offered by The Bridle Path is bound to attract some famous (and infamous) residents. Celine Dion and newspaper baron Conrad Black call The Bridle Path home, and Prince and mogul Moses Znaimer once owned property here as well.
The Bridle Path Today
The architectural landscape of The Bridle Path showcases a diverse range of styles, from Georgian and Tudor to modern mansions, contributing to its reputation as a showcase of affluence and refined taste. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's enduring allure for the elite, attracting notable residents and cementing its status as an iconic symbol of luxury in Toronto. Ready to make The Bridle Path your home? Searching for Toronto luxury real estate in a different part of the city? Contact us today. It would be our pleasure to act as the top realtors in Toronto to help you find a place that’s perfect for you.
