Storied Homes | The Bain House 

A historic residential landmark in our city that speaks to a quiet reverence for Toronto’s past.

Words by Alex Corey,  Heaps Estrin Real Estate Agent and Architectural Historian

Riverdale, perched above the Don River, has been a bustling residential neighbourhood almost since its annexation in 1889. One of Toronto’s early streetcar suburbs, its streets are now lined by brick bay-and-gables and single-family houses, leaving few traces of its earlier rural past, thus making the home at 14 Dingwall Ave. a truly special property.

Dubbed the Bain House, it is a rare remaining example of a Georgian Revival farmhouse, constructed around 1860 for Robert Sargant, a dry goods merchant. The house was sold in 1869 to…

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The start of a new year always brings a sense of reset – fresh starts, good intentions, and a moment to take stock of where things stand and where they may be headed. In real estate, that instinct is particularly strong right now, as many buyers and sellers look to 2026 hoping for clarity. What we’re seeing instead is something a little less dramatic but arguably more important: stability.

Heading into the year, we had anticipated a relatively steady market – and for the most part, that’s what we’re seeing. While global and geo-political factors (including the unfolding situation in Venezuela) will need time to fully play out before we can gauge broader economic impacts, locally the Toronto market has settled into what now feels like a new norm. We…

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Episode 11: The Heaps Legacy – Beer, Business & the Family Bond

In this special family episode of Beyond the Blueprints, Cailey Heaps sits down with her dad, Frank Heaps, craft-beer pioneer behind Upper Canada Brewing, and her brother, Cameron Heaps, Steam Whistle co-founder and CEO of Voltari electric performance boats. They discuss risk and opportunity, growing up Heaps, and values like grit, kindness, and self-reliance. From Steam Whistle’s “do one thing really well” approach to Voltari’s high-performance electric boats, the conversation explores leadership, entrepreneurship, and building exceptional teams — with humour, heart, and unforgettable stories.

Stream this Episode or other interviews in our series. You can listen to "Beyond…

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Episode 10: Crossing Borders, Building Brands - Suzanne Cohon

In this episode of Beyond the Blueprints, Cailey Heaps chats with Suzanne Cohon, Principal at ASC Public Relations and a driving force behind Canada’s top brand campaigns. Suzanne shares her cross-border perspective, the realities of PR, and why understanding your audience and strong storytelling are essential—lessons that translate directly to real estate marketing and luxury branding. She also reflects on life as a founder, philanthropist, and mom, showing how clarity, intention, and narrative shape lasting value. A must-listen for anyone interested in business, branding, or the art of influence.

Stream this Episode or other interviews in our series. You can listen to "Beyond…

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Episode 9: Sisters in Success - Melody & Maggie Adhami 

Innovation and leadership take centre stage in this episode of Beyond the Blueprints, as Cailey Heaps sits down with sisters Melody and Maggie Adhami. From Melody’s rise as the “Billion Dollar Woman” and “Queen of Apps” to Maggie’s vision behind ShopThing, the conversation explores what it takes to build, scale, and lead successful businesses. Together, they reflect on early influences, leadership philosophy, and the balance between ambition and personal life, offering insight that resonates far beyond the tech world.

Stream this Episode or other interviews in our series. You can listen to "Beyond The Blueprints" right here through our embedded player or choose from any of the…

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December in Toronto comes with familiar rituals – twinkling lights, Mariah on repeat, and calendars filling up quickly. It’s also a time of year when many homeowners quietly start asking big-picture questions: Is 2026 our year to make a move?

From a numbers standpoint, November didn’t deliver any dramatic plot twists. TRREB reported 5,010 sales across the GTA, down 15.8% from a year ago, with new listings also lower and the average selling price down about 6% year-over-year. Month-over-month prices, however, were essentially flat compared with October. The current state of affairs seems to be not a dramatic descent, but rather adjusting then holding steady.

Many would-be buyers are still biding their time, waiting for more encouraging…

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Episode 8: A Portrait in Design, Good Manners, and Living Authentically - Tommy Smythe

In this episode of Beyond the Blueprints, Cailey Heaps, of Heaps Estrin Real Estate welcomes renowned Toronto interior designer and television personality Tommy Smythe for a heartfelt and illuminating conversation. 

For those who have long admired the wit, refinement, and unmistakable character behind Tommy Smythe's designs, this episode offers a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes. Together, Cailey and Tommy explore the experiences and influences that have shaped his distinctive approach to design and to life. Blending storytelling, expertise, and inspiration, this episode speaks to anyone who appreciates the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and…

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The Touch of Gold: A Heaps Estrin Success Story 

When Heaps Estrin brought 11 Thornwood Road to market, the goal was simple: showcase a landmark Rosedale residence with the same care and intentionality that shaped its creation. Listed by Cailey Heaps and Martha Grant, the process began long before the sign went up - starting with a deep understanding of the homeowners’ goals, lifestyle, and preferences, and then crafting a listing strategy that honoured both the home’s uniqueness and the priorities of those who cherished it most.

Designed by award-winning architect Marianne McKenna, Thornwood House was envisioned as a family residence and a striking canvas for contemporary art. Its sculptural lines, soaring interior spaces, and seamless…

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With the clocks turning back and temperatures dipping, there has been a noticeable cooling in the air recently – and not just outdoors. The October real estate market in Toronto saw fewer sales, lower prices, and more listings, reinforcing what many have felt recently: we have officially found ourselves in a buyer-favoured environment.

This comes alongside broader economic shifts – including another Bank of Canada rate cut at the end of October – and the first federal budget since the last election, which introduced major long-term economic positioning, but offered little immediate relief for homebuyers. Sentiment remains cautious as Canadians work to understand how (or whether) these shifts will impact them personally.

Layered on top of all this is…

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The Home as Canvas: A Heaps Estrin Success Story 

At 384 Indian Grove, creativity wasn’t just in the art—it was woven into the architecture, craftsmanship, and soul of the home. Once owned by renowned Canadian artist Thrush Holmes, this luxury West End Toronto property served as both studio and sanctuary for over 16 years. Every detail reflected Holmes’s artistry—from custom light fixtures and a hand-built sauna to a marble vanity he personally repurposed—creating a bespoke Toronto home that seamlessly blended modern design with artistic innovation.

When it came time to sell, Heaps Estrin’s Cailey Heaps and Stephanie Newlands recognized that a property of this calibre required more than a traditional approach. Their story-driven marketing…

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