This week, David explores a side of King West that rarely gets any attention. While the neighbourhood is best known for its condo towers, nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment scene, there are still pockets of historic homes tucked away on quiet side streets, offering buyers a completely different way to experience downtown Toronto.

From charming Victorian cottages dating back to the late 1800s to striking modern infill homes, David tours five properties that showcase the surprising variety of houses available in King West. He discusses the trade-offs that come with downtown homeownership, including parking, outdoor space, lot sizes, and whether a house can be a better alternative than spending the same money on a condo.

This week’s picks:

• 02:15 – 589 Wellington St W: A two-bedroom row house just west of Bathurst offering an affordable entry into King West homeownership. An open-concept layout, abundant natural light, basement apartment with rental potential, and a compelling condo alternative despite its lack of parking
• 06:46 – 4 Whitaker Ave: Tucked away on one of downtown’s quietest streets, this detached 1888 cottage combines historic charm with thoughtful updates, a built-in garage, and surprisingly spacious interiors. While the tiny lot limits outdoor living, David believes this is one of the week’s best values thanks to its character and detached footprint
• 11:39 – 93 Walnut Ave: Overlooking Stanley Park, this exceptionally narrow Victorian home proves that location can outweigh lot size. Featuring private parking, updated interiors, and one of the neighbourhood’s most desirable streets, David explains why buyers are likely paying a premium for the park-facing setting
• 15:25 – 639 Wellington St W: A dramatic contemporary infill home built in 2013 after replacing a modest worker’s cottage. With three storeys, floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive open-concept living spaces, and a rooftop retreat, this home demonstrates how modern architecture is reshaping pockets of King West
• 19:15 – 18 Mitchell Ave: One of the area’s newest custom homes, this detached three-storey residence offers luxury finishes, multiple outdoor spaces, and exceptional family living just steps from King Street. David compares it to neighbouring infill projects while discussing the changing value of custom-built homes in today’s downtown market

Whether you’re searching for a downtown home or simply curious about what’s hiding behind King West’s famous condo skyline, this Pick 5 reveals a side of the neighbourhood that many Torontonians don’t even realize exists.