Real estate for Torontonians has always been quite an adventure. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, that couldn’t be more true.
While sales continue to climb despite the current state of the world, some of those who made the call to take the plunge this year made truly interesting — dare we say wonderful — moves.
Toronto Life has rounded up the stories of these adventurous buyers, and we’re highlighting three of our favourite tales right here.
A love story, but also goats
When Marli Seheult met a nice fella online, she could never have predicted that it would turn into a whirlwind romance and ultimately pulling up stakes from Toronto to move to a farm. Once there, a Kijiji purchase of 14 goats led to her new career as an animal breeder.
“It was a pretty sudden transition, but I’m spontaneous by nature,” Seheult tells Toronto Life. “There was some shock from some friends and family, but then they saw how in love we are and how excited I was about starting something with him.”
From basement to boat
It’s a fantasy life for many: Living year round on a boat. When the pandemic hit, it was just the push that Heather Kalka needed to turn fantasy into reality.
Making the move from a basement apartment to Trojan sport fishing boat has been a major upgrade in scenery, but also comes with a few little quirks: a tiny fridge, a small oven, a lack of storage space and the rocking when the weather takes a turn.
“It’s almost like camping,” says Kalka. “The first few storms were pretty nerve-racking. I kept waking up in the middle of the night just to look out the door and make sure I was still tied to the dock. I got used to the swaying, and now I find the rocking of the boat soothing. I’ve slept right through the past few storms.”
Not so crowded house
Eric How Cho Hee and Li Wen Fang decided that it was time for them and their parents to begin living together. The big question they had was “how?” That’s a lot of people in one dwelling.
With a little help from the folks, they were able to tear down their 1,800-square-foot and build a new 7,000-square-foot home. While that might sound tons of room, they still need to take care that everyone has their own space.
“The trick, we realized, was to ensure everyone has their own private space,” says Li Wen in Toronto Life. “We wanted each area to feel like its own apartment, with a staircase and elevator connecting the halves. We got heated floors and shower benches for the older set, and a 17-foot pool and sauna in the basement.”
To read the rest of the stories — and we recommend that you do — head on over to Toronto Life.
