What is it like to live in Devil's Elbow and Cachet Estates in Markham?Devil’s Elbow is a small estate pocket in north-west Markham near Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive, next to the larger Cachet community. Streets such as Cachet Parkway, Stollery Pond Crescent and Glenbourne Park Drive are known for custom homes on large lots, some of an acre or more, behind mature trees. Residents value privacy, space and quick access to Highway 404, Angus Glen Golf Club and well-regarded schools, including St. Augustine Catholic High School, which tied for first in Ontario in the Fraser Institute’s 2025 ranking. Large lots bring more upkeep, and buyers should confirm servicing, zoning and any conservation rules for each property.
Most of north Markham was built in tidy subdivisions over the last 30 years. Tucked between them are a few pockets where homes sit on wide, deep lots, set back from quiet streets under old trees. Devil’s Elbow and the estate streets of Cachet are among the best known.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, works with luxury buyers comparing these estate pockets with newer executive subdivisions, because the lifestyle and the ownership responsibilities are very different.
Where these pockets are
| Area | Location | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cachet | 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive, Highway 404 to Warden Avenue | Mostly detached homes built in the 1990s |
| Devil’s Elbow | Near Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive, beside Angus Glen | Estate homes and custom builds on larger lots |
| Cachet estate streets | Cachet Parkway, Personna Boulevard and nearby courts | Lots of an acre or more on some streets |
From public neighbourhood records and listing information, as of October 12, 2026. Community boundaries used by real estate boards can differ from local usage.
A neighbourhood built in the 1990s
Cachet was farmland until the 1990s. Census-based records show about 47% of its homes were built between 1991 and 1995 and about 37% between 1996 and 2001, and about 83% of homes are detached. The estate pockets add a different layer: custom homes on lots far larger than a typical subdivision, often with long driveways, mature trees and, on some properties, ponds or creeks.
Daily life on a large lot
- Privacy: homes are set back and screened by trees, so neighbours are near but rarely in view.
- Upkeep: lawns, trees, long driveways and snow clearing are bigger jobs. Most owners hire landscaping and snow services.
- Servicing: some estate properties in Markham rely on private wells or septic systems rather than municipal water and sewers. Confirm servicing for each home, and inspect wells and septic systems before you buy.
- Quiet streets: courts and crescents see little through traffic.
- Car-dependent: errands, schools and activities usually mean a drive.
Considering an estate home in north Markham?
Michael John Lau can compare estate properties by lot, servicing and rebuild potential, and help you understand what drives value in these pockets.
Book a private consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Custom rebuilds and renovations
Large lots in established areas attract buyers who want to renovate extensively or build a new custom home. Before planning a rebuild, check the zoning by-law for height, coverage and setbacks, whether trees on the lot are protected, whether any part of the property is regulated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and how long permits typically take. An architect familiar with Markham approvals can save months.
Why privacy-conscious buyers choose these pockets
| Estate pocket | Newer executive subdivision | |
|---|---|---|
| Lot size | Larger, often irregular | Standard, consistent |
| Privacy | High, with mature trees | Moderate, with closer neighbours |
| Home age | Varies; renovation or rebuild common | Newer, lower near-term upkeep |
| Maintenance | Higher | Lower |
| Character | Unique, custom homes | Coordinated streetscape |
For a planned luxury alternative nearby, see why Angus Glen remains so sought-after.
Golf, parks and green space nearby
The area sits close to Angus Glen Golf Club, whose two championship courses hosted the Canadian Open in 2002 and 2007, and the Angus Glen Community Centre with its arena, pool and library. The Rouge River and Berczy Creek run through the wider Cachet area, and parks such as Ashton Meadows Park and Thomas Frisby Woods offer green space for walks. For many estate owners, the appeal is a quiet home base with golf, recreation and highway access all within a few minutes’ drive.
Schools, shopping and getting around
Cachet is served by schools including Ashton Meadows Public School, St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and St. Augustine Catholic High School, which tied for first of 747 Ontario secondary schools in the Fraser Institute’s November 2025 report. Confirm attendance areas for each address. King Square at Woodbine Avenue and Markland Street and the Cachet Centre plaza provide shopping and dining. Highway 404 is reached via the 16th Avenue interchange, and the new Markland Street crossing over Highway 404 opened in September 2026. See the new Highway 404 crossing.
Before you buy an estate home
- Confirm municipal services, or inspect the well and septic system.
- Get a survey and check lot lines, easements and any conservation regulation.
- Review zoning if you plan to renovate or rebuild.
- Budget realistically for landscaping, snow removal and larger utility bills.
- Compare recent sales of similar estate homes, since few sell each year.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Markham’s estate pockets offer a kind of privacy that newer subdivisions cannot easily recreate. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Devil’s Elbow in Markham?
Devil’s Elbow is a small estate pocket in north-west Markham near Warden Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive, beside Angus Glen and the Cachet community.
What are the boundaries of Cachet?
Cachet runs from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive, between Highway 404 and Warden Avenue.
How big are the lots in Cachet Estates?
Lot sizes vary. Some estate streets, such as Cachet Parkway, have lots of an acre or more, while most of Cachet has standard subdivision lots.
Do Markham estate homes have wells and septic systems?
Some estate properties rely on private wells or septic systems. Confirm servicing for each home and inspect any well or septic system before you buy.
What schools serve Cachet?
Schools include Ashton Meadows Public School, St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and St. Augustine Catholic High School. Confirm attendance areas for each address.
Can I rebuild a home on a large Markham lot?
Often, subject to zoning, tree protection, conservation authority rules and permits. Check these before you buy if a rebuild is part of your plan.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Cachet boundaries, construction years, home types and schools are from public records including Wikipedia’s Cachet, Markham article. Estate street and lot information is from public listing sources. School rankings are from the Fraser Institute’s November 2025 report, as reported by CP24. Details as of October 12, 2026. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
