Anyone with a cursory knowledge of luxury real estate in the Toronto will know about the Scarborough Bluffs. Located to the east of the city, “The Bluffs” are iconic, with spectacular homes overlooking Lake Ontario. The Scarborough Health Network Foundation’s Bluffs Gates Open Home & Garden Tour is coming up June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., an annual event where people into luxury real estate can take an exclusive tour through six private homes there.
Each of the homes differ in their own way. One of the properties is a float home – one of just 24 in the Bluffs that floats but doesn’t move. It offers five decks, each with a different view as well as a bright interior, and has a gas fireplace.
Proceeds Raised for Scarborough Health Network
Proceeds raised from the event go to the Scarborough Health Network, helping deliver equitable care to over 800,000 residents. Scarborough Health Network Foundation is the fundraising arm for Scarborough Health Network, one of Canada’s most diverse hospital networks. Since 2014, this annual event has raised over $300,000 to fund essential equipment and vital renovations at SHN.
Homeowners participate not just because they’re proud of their homes, but because they’re proud to live in Scarborough,” says Tulla Bateman, Vice President, Community Development & Partnerships, Scarborough Health Network Foundation. “It’s a close-knit, collaborative community that cares deeply about each other — and about equitable access to healthcare. They understand that everyone in Scarborough deserves the same level of care, and that’s what this event helps support.”
Why Are the Scarborough Bluffs So Appealing From a Luxury Real Estate Perspective?
Scarborough Bluffs: Stunning Natural Beauty
The Bluffs offer dramatic, picturesque views of Lake Ontario and unique geological formations, creating a serene and exclusive backdrop that appeals to high-end buyers seeking waterfront properties. It’s rare for real estate investors to find this kind of opportunity anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area.
Exclusivity and Privacy
The area’s low-density development and large lot sizes provide privacy, a premium feature for luxury buyers. Many properties are custom-built estates with expansive grounds, enhancing their exclusivity.
Investment Potential
Toronto’s real estate market has historically shown strong appreciation, and the Bluffs’ unique characteristics make properties here highly desirable, often commanding premium prices. Luxury homes in the area can range from $2 million to over $10 million, depending on size and waterfront access.
If you’re following the market, according to a study by Sotheby’s, the ultra-luxury market (over CAD $10 million) saw a big jump over the first three months of 2025, while luxury properties (condominiums, attached and single-family homes) over $4 million saw a year-over-year decline of 15 per cent, while properties over $1 million saw an annual decline of 29 per cent.
Stunning Architecture
The large lots and scenic views allow for bespoke architectural designs, attracting buyers who want to create statement homes tailored to their tastes.
Supporting a Vital Cause
People that come out to the event can discover stunning interiors, inspiring gardens, and unique architecture in one of Toronto’s most scenic communities. It’s perfect for a summer outing with friends or family – self-guided, casual, with plenty of interior design inspiration.
In February 2025, SHN opened the brand-new Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department at SHN’s General Hospital, a direct result of the generosity and commitment of donors.
Why Do People Open Their Homes?
Shawna Fujiki, owner of one of the homes, on Centennial Rd., says her home is like a mini retreat, with unique features like a secret door that leads into a high-tech golf simulator room/man cave, a large yoga studio for group classes on the main floor, and a move theatre in the basement with elevated seating and reclining theatre chairs. Fujiki is owner/teacher at The Yoga Yard.
“Our favourite aspects of the home include the family room with its high-beamed ceilings and beautiful fire place, and the big open windows all around that bring the nature outside, in,” she says. “The “real” Scarborough is a place where cultures converge in community spirit, and where nature meets the city.”
Another home owner featuring their property in the tour, Vy Hoang, felt a need to give back after having been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer two years ago. Hoang is in remission now, but leaning on the healthcare system and strength of the community during treatment, and wants to connect back in a meaningful way.
“I’m also hoping to engage with some of the older guests on the tour, as I’m in the process of developing a senior living concept that blends beauty, wellness, and purpose. This felt like the right moment to share and listen,” Hoang says.
Majestic Lake Ontario Homes
“My favorite space is the garden with a sweeping view of Lake Ontario—a daily reminder of hard work and peace. But what truly makes this home special is the promise behind it. Twenty-five years ago, I told my wife Grace, that if she let me buy this house and go into major debt, I would one day build something extraordinary here. This home is the fulfillment of that promise. Its design is rooted in nature: white metal cladding and soft brick for the sky, blue stucco for the lake, and warm wood accents for the trees. Every material and tone were selected to honor our surroundings and our journey to get here.
Scarborough isn’t just a place—it’s a story of perseverance, culture, and quiet strength. I grew up in subsidized housing here, and back then, living by the lake wasn’t even something I could dream of. But Scarborough gave me the foundation to dream bigger. My home was designed to reflect that spirit—to celebrate the land, the lake, and the culture that shaped my family. It was made for these types of conversations!”
Limited tickets available, purchase at bluffsgatesopen.com.
Hoang family
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
