Rathnelly Homes & Real Estate Toronto

Grand Victorian homes, mature shade trees and beautiful parkland characterize the “Republic of Rathnelly” — a small, appealing enclave at the foot of Avenue Road Hill, between Davenport and Avenue Rd., just north of Dupont.

The locale was first settled in 1830, when Senator William McMaster purchased and cleared a forested section to build Rathnelly House, named for his Irish birthplace. Fifty years later, the McMaster estate was sold to developers, and the present-day residential neighbourhood developed soon after. The “Republic” identity came about as a joke in 1967, Canada’s Centenary Year, as residents declared their independence, elected a queen, released an “Air Farce” of 1000 helium balloons, and issued Republic of Rathnelly passports to everyone in the neighbourhood. The tradition continues to this day, with an annual street party.

One of the friendliest of the midtown communities, Rathnelly today is home to many artists, academics, writers, and media people. The typical residence is a 3-storey, 4-bedroom semi-detached, and prices average in the range of $1,005, 000.

Residents of Rathnelly homes are “close to everything”. Some of the city’s best shopping and dining is within walking distance in the Bloor-Yorkville district. Nature trails, parks and cross-country skiing offer year ‘round escapes. Drivers are mere minutes from the city’s main business and entertainment centres, and less than 30 minutes from Lake Shore Boulevard to the south or highway 401 to the north. And excellent public transportation services make even rush-hour city commutes a breeze.

For current information on available listings for Rathnelly homes and real estate, please see the column at the left of this page. Listings are updated daily, so we recommend that you bookmark this page and check back frequently.