There’s something surreal about being under the summer sky and star gazing, but unfortunately with Toronto’s light pollution (yes, it’s a real thing!) all we get to see is a greyish haze, even on the clearest night. This is one of the reasons why Dark Sky Preserves were created.
Dark Sky Preserves are incredibly unique and rare, with only 6 in Ontario, 19 in Canada, and less than 100 in the entire world. Luckily, the Torrance Barrens Preserve is only 2 hours from Toronto, making it one of the only places nearby to appreciate spectacular night skies.
This fully preserved oasis is almost 5000 acres, was the world’s first permanent site, and is legally protected under the Public Lands Act by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
So, what makes the skies at Torrance Barrens so clear, and unhampered by light pollution of nearby cities? It just so happens a lucky number of coincidences have combined to make this area light free, such as the site being completely surrounded by either protected or undeveloped land.
When you visit, be sure to bring a camera to capture the night sky in its natural and untouched beauty, because the sights will be like anything you’ve ever witnessed before. It’s one of the only spots in Ontario (and Canada!) to easily view the Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy, and on occasion the Northern Lights.
If you own a telescope – bring it. You’ll be able to see the rings of Saturn and cloud banks of Jupiter even from the most basic model.
Obviously, the night skies are what attract thousands of visitors each year, but there is also a ton to explore here throughout the day. The marshy areas are covered by accessible boardwalks, and the lush forests have a bunch of picturesque hiking trails.
The preserve is also home to one of the province’s rarest animals – the Five Lined Skink– which is Ontario’s only lizard.
For a unique and unforgettable experience this year, stopping in at this preserve while out in Muskoka this summer is a must.
The custom interior design work was done by 
The kitchen is outfitted with all the latest appliances, but is probably the most boring part of this unit. It looks so pedestrian in comparison to everything else.
The master bedroom has a huge glass wall that looks out over the living room and, while the decor isn’t really my style, it is captivating.
My favourite part of this place is the master bedroom’s en suite bathroom. The listing calls it “Instagramable” and it truly is. The exposed brick combined with the spa-like features make it look like the bathrooms I look at wistfully on Pinterest.
The second bedroom is spacious and comes with its own en suite, albeit not as picture perfect as the master bedroom’s. 
The townhouse also comes with a 233-square-foot rooftop terrace, so all your summer party needs are just a flight of stairs away.
Specs
Good For
Move On If
Now all my questions have been answered and while I definitely will never be able to afford this home, one lucky person could! So what did they get for just over $3 million?
They got a gorgeous recently renovated period home in Harbord Village.
When you first walk in you're greeted by a bright spacious living area with a huge bay window that has a bit of stain glass, for that added touch of character, and a stunning fireplace.
I’m not a fan of the decor throughout the house, it’s a bit too beige for my taste.
The kitchen and family room are open concept and open up onto a beautiful back garden.
The backyard has a gazebo and a lovely deck. I could see a family spending every night in the summer out here.
Upstairs are the bedrooms. The master bedroom has a patio that overlooks the backyard and a modern en suite bathroom with an old-school twist in the form of a clawfoot tub.
Another bedroom has a fireplace in it, with exposed brick. One of the children’s bedrooms has a custom built reading nook above a desk (my inner childhood bookworm is so very jealous).
On the third floor there’s another bedroom, as well as a living room that walks out onto a south-facing balcony with a great view of the city. 
The basement has a second kitchen, living room and another bedroom — so presumably you could rent it out if you wanted some extra income.
The Essentials
Why it sold for what it did?
Was it worth it?
