The Briar on Avenue, a luxury townhome project in Toronto's Lytton Park neighbourhood, has returned to market with all seven units already built, offering a rare opportunity for buyers to tour finished homes. Developed by Brightstone Developments, the four-storey residences are designed to bridge the gap between condominium living and single-family homes.
Strategic Sales Approach
Initially launched during pre-construction in 2021, two units were sold before the developer decided to complete the project to allow prospective buyers to experience the finished product. However, by the time construction concluded, market conditions had shifted. Noah Shechtman, director of development at Brightstone, explained that the company chose to keep the project quiet to avoid launching in a challenging market. “We knew we were building a really premium luxury product,” he said. “Once built, we knew it would sell for more than it would off a floor plan.”
Design and Architecture
The Briar is situated at Avenue Road and Briar Hill Avenue, designed by architect Richard Wengle with interiors by Tara Fingold. The Georgian-style exterior was chosen for its timeless appeal. “If you walk on any good street in urban centres like New York, London or Paris, what you’ll notice is the detailing at street level,” Wengle noted. “The vision for The Briar was to elevate the presence on Avenue Road and create a gateway into the neighbourhood.” Shechtman added that the design was intended to stand the test of time, avoiding modern trends that might age poorly.
Interior Features
Each townhome spans approximately 2,575 to 2,584 square feet with three bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms, and a garage. Upscale amenities include private elevators, rear terraces with gas lines for barbecues, Caesarstone countertops, oversized principal bedrooms with walk-in closets, 11-foot ceilings, recreation or gym space, and skylights illuminating the staircases. The layout and finishes are designed to provide a sense of detached-home living while minimizing maintenance.
Target Buyers
Shechtman emphasized that the townhomes appeal to move-up buyers, downsizers, and those seeking privacy without the upkeep of a single-family home. “Our buyers feel the full pride of home ownership, which you don’t really have in a condo, but they don’t have to take on all the extra work of maintaining a single-family home,” he said. The Briar has become a flagship project for Brightstone, showcasing their commitment to quality and design.
