Chaplin Estates

Welcome To Chaplin Estates

Welcome to Toronto’s Chaplin Estates neighbourhood!

Ever watched the hit drama T.V show Downton Abbey? Us too. Great show. (There is a 2022 remake movie now, Downtown Abbey: A New Era!)

Not dissimilarly, Chaplin Estates (like Downton Abbey) was originally predominantly owned, and inhabited by one family – the Chaplin family. They had owned a vast piece of land in this area – then known simply as ‘Eglinton’ – since 1860.

Around 1910, as times were changing, the Chaplin family registered to subdivide the area. The Chaplins then managed the subdivision project as the ‘Chaplin Realty Company’.

The area was carefully marketed as a high-class residential district. The developers of Chaplin Estates had to adhere to a very long list of zoning bylaws, and building restrictions, for each property sold. A couple of these restrictions were that stucco exteriors were not to cover more than half the house, and no semi-detached homes were allowed. Most of the Chaplin Estate lots were sold throughout a 5 year period – between 1920-1925 – at prices ranging from $500 – $9,000.

In today’s Chaplin Estates (east of Warren Road, west of Yonge Street, north of Chaplin Crescent and South of Eglinton Avenue), real estate prices are not quite that low anymore. The average price-point for a home in Chaplin Estates can now range anywhere from well over 1 million to well over 4 million dollars. A slight change from the 1920’s – kind of makes you wish great-grandma held onto her house – doesn’t it?

Lucky residents of Chaplin Estates enjoy the benefits of larger, stately homes that sit on wide (and often deep) lots with well-manicured lawns. A smaller and quieter neighbourhood, with about 900 homes total, Chaplin Estates has a family-oriented, community feel to it. Residents enjoy close proximity to shops, restaurants, boutiques, and easy transportation – located along the Eglinton Way Shopping District – while avoiding the noisier and grittier sides of city life.

In terms of lifestyle, residents are close to local parks and ravines (Oriole Park, Eglinton Park, Summerhill/Moore ravine system), arm’s reach from more urban offerings, a short walk or quick drive to local schools (Oriole Park Junior Public School, St.Clement’s School, North Toronto Collegiate, Upper Canada College) and smack-dab in the middle of a handful of transportation and commuting options. This is one well-planned hood; the Chaplin family clearly had a long-term real estate vision!