House of the Week: $349,000 for architect Rohan Walters’ colourful Coxwell tower

House of the Week: $349,000 for architect Rohan Walters’ colourful Coxwell tower

ADDRESS: 157 Coxwell Avenue

NEIGHBOURHOOD: Woodbine Corridor

AGENT: Jennifer Scaife, Royal LePage Estate Realty, Brokerage

PRICE: $349,000

THE PLACE: A narrow, towering box on stilts that attracts more gawkers than a Rob Ford weigh-in.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: The Rohan Walters–designed one-bedroom has its own press following, and since it was built in 2003 has been affectionately dubbed a house in a box, a Rubik’s Cube on stilts, a pile of Lego blocks and, unsurprisingly but still lovingly, a mad house.

BIG SELLING POINT: Eco-friendly touches, like radiant floor heating and a natural ventilation system, aren’t just virtuous, they help keep utility costs to a minimum—just $95 a month. The savings will come in handy if you ever want to do this.

POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: There are no closets, the kitchen is the size of a bus shelter and a heavy gust of wind will put your sea legs to the test. That said, the house has already had six offers, one of which—from a couple with two kids—has been tentatively accepted.

BY THE NUMBERS
• $349,000
• $1,272.64 in property taxes (2011)
• 800 square feet
• 3 storeys
• 2 outdoor patios
• 1 bridge leading to front entrance
• 1 glass inner garage door window
• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom