Oakville low-rise with a village feel 

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 Describing Oakville’s new Claystone Condos as down to earth makes sense on several levels. 

 For one thing, its name is a reference to the clay-rich Trafalgar Moraine upon which the project sits. For another, Claystone is capped at seven storeys. And with its relatively roomy 141 suites offering well-defined spaces for dining, living and working — as opposed to the open-concept units dominating the GTA market — the new building from Graywood Developments and Osaka, Japan-based Hankyu Hanshin Properties is delivering homes that are “more realistic for residents,” according to Graywood vice-president of development Jordan Kemp. “We’ve been out on the ground since the fall, gathering feedback from potential buyers, and what we’ve found is that there’s a real demand for larger units with premium features. People want quality, space and a sense of home in a condo setting.” 

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Located at 2375 Lakeshore Rd. W., a short stroll from picturesque Bronte Harbour, the project is benefitting from an influx of new businesses, dining spots and retail stores. “It’s an exciting time for Bronte,” Kemp says. “We’re seeing a real transformation in the neighbourhood. At the same time, the nearby Bronte GO Station and QEW are draws for commuters.”  

Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, Claystone’s eye-catching façade is “a modern homage to seaside towns like San Francisco and Brighton,” says project architect Lilly Kraljevic. “Its curvilinear, rolling bays reflect the lake and harbour, which are integral parts of the Bronte community.”  

Claystone’s suite mix includes one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom-plus-den and three-bedroom-plus-den layouts. Larger suites range up to 1,800 square feet, catering primarily to downsizers and families transitioning from single-family homes. “Condo living can be a hard adjustment for some people,” Kemp notes. “That’s why we’ve focused on providing generous living spaces, full-size kitchens and separate dining areas. We learned from the pandemic that function is often more important than having one big room.” 

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All units offer 9- or 10-foot smooth ceilings, slab quartz backsplashes, wide-plank laminate flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, and full or Juliette balconies. Buyers of larger suites also have the option of adding kitchen islands.  

Claystone is also home to more than 6,000 square feet of amenities including a fitness studio, indoor-outdoor lounge, pet wash station and co-working space. One standout feature is the collection of 18 private rooftop terraces. Ranging from 170 to 440 square feet, each offers water, gas and electrical hookups and is designed “to be treated like your own backyard, with a view either to the lake or over the treetops of the neighbourhood,” Kemp says.  

Claystone aims to enhance Bronte’s retail scene with over 6,500 square feet of street-level commercial space. The development team envisions a mix of retail shops, restaurants and personal service providers that will integrate with the area’s village feel. “We’re excited to bring in Main Street-style retail that complements Bronte’s charm,” Kemp says.  

As the project prepares for its official launch this spring, broker and buyer interest is already strong despite the struggling condo market, Kemp says. “A condo boom isn’t going to roar back overnight, but we think we’ve got the right product, in the right neighbourhood, with the right finishes, and at the right price to see strong sales action.” 

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From the $600,000s. For more information, visit claystonecondos.com. 

Three things 

Home to a 470-seat auditorium and a 120-seat studio theatre, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts up to 260 performances a year, including local, Canadian and international talents. 130 Navy St. 

Oakville’s Hexagon Restaurant was one of the first Canadian restaurants outside of Toronto or Vancouver to earn a Michelin Star. According to the Michelin Guide’s incognito inspectors, “the menu reads familiar – beef tartare, oysters, fish – but what emerges from the kitchen are beautiful, soigné works that are refined, original, and substantial.” 210 Lakeshore Rd. E. 

Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park offers a 19-acre landscaped retreat next to Lake Ontario. Visitors stroll the lakefront, fish and relax by a marina that is often the site of festivals, live music and art events. 2340 Ontario St. 

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