The Bridle Path, Toronto
|
|
The Bridle Path is an upscale residential neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that is characterized by large multi-million dollar mansions and two to four acre (8,000 to 16,000 m²) lot sizes. It is often referred to as "Millionaires' Row". Other wealthy Torontonians (who generally reside in older upscale neighbourhoods such as Forest Hill and Rosedale) sometimes look at the Bridle Path as a bastion of nouveau riche homeowners, who enjoy flaunting their wealth.
Houses in the Bridle Path are varied, but most of the houses in this area sell for well in excess of a million dollars. It is a secluded neighbourhood, which is surrounded by the Don River Valley and lush parklands, and few roads pass through the area, contributing to the area's exclusivity.
The Bridle Path was little more than farmland until 1929, when the Bayview Bridge was constructed across the steep Don River Valley. It was at that point that the area was considered for residential development. Hubert Page, a Toronto-based land developer, envisioned the Bridle Path as an "exclusive enclave of estate homes" and he built the neighbourhood's first home, a Cape Cod Colonial style home at 2 The Bridle Path in order to spark interest in the development.
Early plans for the neighbourhood included an elaborate system of equestrian bridle paths. While the bridle paths have since been paved over, their legacy remains in the Bridle Path's wide streets and in the name of this elite community.
The Bridle Path is home to media moguls Moses Znaimer and Conrad Black, as well as former mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman. Prince is said to have purchased a home in the Bridle Path for $5.5 million.