Address: 441 Ontario St. 
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown
Price: $1,359,900
Agency: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage 

In the heart of the up-and-coming Cabbagetown neighbourhood, this two-storey cottage, set 53 feet in from the street, might go unnoticed. Dwarfed by the three-storey Victorian homes surrounding it, this seemingly humble-looking abode is perhaps one of the area’s best kept secrets. 

The backyard offers a calm oasis. (Image: Alex Rothe)

 

Originally built in 1887, the house was later renovated by Toronto-based designer Paul Kenning Stewart and architect David Jesson (current owners of the home). 

The trees, fences and shrubs found at the front of the 25 by 123 foot lot make for a wealth of privacy and seclusion. Once inside, however, the interior offers a welcome surprise — a simple, yet modern design.  

The stairs and hardwood floor are two examples of how various carefully-selected materials are put to good use. (Image: Alex Rothe)

 

White beadboard line the walls and ceiling of the front hallway, with Mexican river rock set in the concrete floor, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror that brightens the space up. 

The living room’s large bay window looks out onto the front garden, with hardwood floors leading to the dining room, and adjoining side terrace. Tilt-and-swing windows are also found through many of the home’s principal rooms. 

This being Cabbagetown every bit of outdoor space, including this side terrace, is put to careful use. (Image: Alex Rothe)

 

The newly redesigned kitchen boasts cherrywood cabinets, white Silestone countertops, and french doors that lead to a charming backyard garden and porch. 

Another interesting feature (adding to the list of unique materials used in the redesign) is the Central African zebrawood found on the second floor (an attractive choice!). 

One of the house’s two bedrooms. (Image: Alex Rothe)

 

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom house certainly does more with less at just under 2,000 square feet. Although the house had three bedrooms once upon a time, the third was converted into a larger bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and original claw foot tub. 

The neighbourhood continues to be gentrified by projects like this one, and with its burgeoning restaurant scene and streetcar access, Cabbagetown is becoming more and more appealing to buyers looking for a new home in downtown Toronto.