Virtual tours and video walkthroughs are often used by new home and condo developers to showcase their unbuilt projects to potential homebuyers. Using advanced imaging capabilities and other tech, these tours offer customers an immersive 3D experience with life-like visuals to make them feel like they’re actually there.
With sales centres and model homes now closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual tours are particularly helpful for those who are currently in the market for a new home or planning to make a purchase in the future. To help you with your home search, we’ve rounded up eight new home and condo developments in the GTA that are offering a virtual peek inside.
1 . The Randall Residences
Developer(s): Rosehaven Homes
Location: 300 Randall St, Oakville
Priced from: $2,450,000
The Randall Residences is a luxury condominium by Rosehaven Homes in the heart of South East Oakville. The four-storey residence features elegant Beaux Arts-inspired architecture by renowned Canadian architect Richard Wengle. Characterized by a precast stone façade with limestone details, symmetrical window fenestrations, and formal cornices and columns, the exterior architecture exudes a timeless design reminiscent of historical Parisian buildings.
Construction wrapped up last November with an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, but there’s still plenty of lavishly-appointed suites to choose from. Prospective homebuyers can take a virtual tour of some of the units available, including two expansive penthouses here.
2. Glen Agar
Developer(s): Minto Communities Canada
Location: Glen Agar Drive, Toronto
Priced from: $1,639,900
A rare offering in Toronto’s real estate market, Glen Agar by Minto Communities Canada is a master-planned community of large, single-family homes within city limits. Located in an established neighbourhood in the heart of Etobicoke, Glen Agar consists of a limited collection of 53 single-family homes on 30-foot lots. The homes are nestled on a quiet enclave with two cul-de-sacs with little-to-no through traffic and are surrounded by tranquil green spaces to the east, and Glen Agar Drive to the west.
The homes boast three-storey designs with a mix of modern and traditional elevations, including Tudor and Georgian-inspired architecture characterized by varied rooflines with steep pitches, wrought-iron accents and brick and stone facades with precast detailing. Spacious floorplans include three-, four- and five-bedroom layouts with large living spaces, gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. Standard finishes include contemporary kitchen cabinetry with a convenient bank of drawers, ceramic tile, hardwood floors throughout main living areas and 35oz broadloom carpet in bedrooms. To get a closer look at the fine finishes and bright interior spaces, take a virtual tour of the model home here.
3. Mirabella Condos
Developer(s): Diamante Development Corporation
Location: 1926 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Priced from: $550,000
Located along Lake Shore Boulevard West, directly across from Sir Casimir Gzowski Park and the shores of Lake Ontario, Mirabella Condos presents new homebuyers with the opportunity of lakeside living in the city. The two-tower condominium by Diamante Development Corporation features a design by Scott Shields Architects that features a classic limestone look, timeless proportions and tapered columns. Accents of bay windows and expansive glass balconies add interest to its facade, while simultaneously allowing for stunning lake and city views.
The collection of suites at Mirabella offer something for everyone, with functional floorplans, well-sized balconies and up to three bedrooms. The open-concept living spaces flow seamlessly from room to room, and feature an abundance of natural light. State-of-the-art finishes and features include premium kitchen countertops and stainless steel appliances. Plus, residents have access to luxurious amenities like a 24-hour concierge, indoor pool with an unobstructed view of the lake and a fully-equipped exercise room with views of High Park. With construction well underway, the onsite presentation centre and model suite have been removed, but prospective homebuyers can view a virtual tour of the space here.
4. One Bloor
Developer(s): Great Gulf
Location: 1 Bloor St. East, Toronto
Priced from: $5,409,990
One Bloor is a 75-storey condominium that combines striking architecture by Hariri Pontarini Architects, sleek interiors by Cecconi Simone and one of Toronto’s most iconic addresses. The development by Great Gulf was completed in 2017 and has become one of the tallest residences in the city. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, outdoor terrace and sculpture garden, party lounge and state-of-the-art fitness.
Although the development is nearly sold out, there are still a handful of exquisite penthouses available for sale. These stunning spaces boast expansive layouts lined with the finest features and finishes and offer endless views of the city. Whether you’re in the market for one of these luxury penthouses or just want a peek at what they look like, you can take a cinematic virtual tour of one of them here.
5. Observatory Hill
Developer(s): Regal Crest Homes
Location: Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill
Priced from: $1,393,000
Situated within the protected green space around the renowned David Dunlop Observatory, Observatory Hill is a master-planned community by several developers, including Aspen Ridge Homes, The Conservatory Group, CountryWide Homes and Regal Crest Homes.
Regal Crest Homes features a collection 36-, 45- and 50-foot singles and 27-foot semis, and offers a 3D virtual tour of its model home. For a more immersive experience, the tour is available on Google Cardboard which allows you to virtually step into the home using your smartphone. Check it out here.
6. The Thornhill
Developer(s): The Daniels Corporation and Baif Developments
Location: 2 Beverley Glen Boulevard, Vaughan
Priced from: $400,000’s
The Daniels Corporation has been in business for over 35 years and has built more than 30,000 homes, apartments, retail spaces and master-planned communities throughout southwestern Ontario. The developer is known for embarking on major projects like the Regent Park redevelopment, as well as launching unique initiatives like Daniels FirstHome™ program for first-time homebuyers.
It’s also one of the only developers in the region that offers new condo suites specifically designed for residents using mobility devices. Called the Accessibility Designed Program (ADP), the initiative is available in many Daniels communities including The Thornhill, a 308-unit residence now selling in Vaughan. The ADP features enhanced units that exceed the Ontario Building Code’s (OBC) requirements and include under sink clearance, roll-out/low-threshold balconies and a large roll-in shower, at no extra cost. To learn more about the program and to take a virtual tour of a sample ADP suite, visit danielshomes.ca/daniels-tv.
7. New Kleinburg
Developer: Paradise Developments
Location: Huntington Road & Mactier Dr, Vaughan
Priced from: $700,000s
With a picturesque village setting as its backdrop, New Kleinburg is a sought-after master-planned community by a team of developers that includes Paradise Developments. It offers the best of both worlds with serene parks and green spaces nearby, along with urban conveniences like shops, services and restaurants.
Priced from the $700,000s, Paradise Developments offers a collection of townhomes and singles with elegant architecture that takes cues from classic Georgian and Victorian-style homes. Exteriors boast thoughtful details like grand double-door entryways, carriage-style garage doors, black-trimmed windows with horizontal grill patterns, tumble-finish stone and English-inspired brick cladding.
Interior spaces are even more impressive with bright, open-concept layouts that lead to formal dining rooms, great rooms with coffered ceilings, and spa-like master ensuites. To get a closer look, Paradise offers a video walk-through of three homes, including two singles and a townhome model here.
8. Frenchman’s Bay
Developer: Madison Group
Location: 747 Liverpool Road, Pickering, ON
Priced from: $879,900
Frenchman’s Bay is a new low-rise community of townhomes and singles near Pickering’s sought-after waterfront. The development by Madison Group launched the final release of homes last month and simultaneously opened three new fully-decorated model homes. While the models aren’t available to see in person, Madison has published a video walkthrough of the 2,692 square-foot model home here.
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The Wharf also features 659 square feet of finished basement space, complete with a rec room and full bathroom. The open-concept main floor offers direct access to a two-car garage, nine-foot ceilings, stained oak veneer staircase, and a cozy gas fireplace in the family room. The gourmet kitchen is both stylish and functional. Purchasers have the option to choose between a pantry or extended island. Upstairs are four generously-sized bedrooms, a convenient laundry room, and a sprawling master retreat with two walk-in closets and a luxurious ensuite.
