1870 Lake Shore Boulevard E is one of the Painted Lady-style houses in the Beaches sitting directly across from Ashbridges Bay. The house would make an excellent compromise for someone nursing an itch to swap slushy, grey TO for coastal, colourful San Francisco -- but don't get too excited. This place managed to sell just days after listing, thanks in part to a frantic pre-spring real estate market. Kudos to that buyer for choosing to pull the trigger early. To everyone else, consider this blue and yellow lady the one that got away.

There are several of these brightly-coloured houses running along Lake Shore Blvd E, but #1870 is one of only a handful that look out directly onto the lake. While the view is enviable, the traffic and noise produced on this busy road might not be ideal. Parking is no issue, though -- there's lane access to a detached private garage with space for two cars and a hydraulic lift. The house is easily walkable to the Beaches neighbourhood, Martin Goodman Trail and the boardwalk are seconds away, and high-ranked Kew Beach Junior Public School is just a block over.

On the inside, you won't find the "Full House" set (how rude) but you will find high vaulted ceilings, a spacious kitchen and fresh hardwood floors. The contemporary aesthetic won't appeal to everyone but the house has good flow and is designed with family living in mind. There are more bathrooms (5) than bedrooms (4), and all of the windows are oversized to bring in natural light and waterfront breezes.

SPECS:

• Address: 1870 Lake Shore Blvd. E
• Price: $1,115,000 (sold)
• Bedrooms: 3 + 1
• Bathrooms: 5
• Storeys: 3
• Parking Spaces: 2 spaces in detached garage, with space for 1 additional car
• Taxes: $6,138
• Walk Score: 82

NOTABLE FEATURES

• large eat-in kitchen with granite countertops
• view of Lake Ontario from 3rd storey balcony
• upper-floor laundry room

GOOD FOR

The person who bought this place was likely looking for modern style, spacious rooms and a pretty special East End location. Although the house has an architectural, Victorian look from the street, on the inside it contains all the hallmarks of contemporary living. These houses don't enter the market too often, so it's worth it to act fast when one does.

MOVE ON IF
The cookie cutter drops like a knife. You want something unique. Head east, there you'll find the cottage of your dreams, and, you know, lake water lapping.

MORE PHOTOS

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