Torontonians don’t like compromise. We want to live in the city, and we also want guest rooms, art studios and dens. The answer? Convert unused sheds, garages or pool houses—turning forgotten outbuildings into precious square footage
By Matthew Hague
Who: Geoffrey Roche, a 60-year-old entrepreneur and former ad executive, and his wife Marie Claire
What: An 800-square-foot pool house with an office, dining area and sleeping quarters
Where: North York
For over 20 years, Roche was one of Canada’s top ad executives, but in 2011 he left the business to start a social media company called Poolhouse. He keeps an office at Yonge and Eglinton but often works in his backyard pool house, which is the perfect place to hold meetings, impress clients or steal away for a few hours of solitude. When he bought the property, the pool house looked like something out of That ’70s Show. Architect John Tong redesigned it with vibrant orange walls, two fireplaces (one inside, one outside) and a bar area, giving it the playfulness of a Silicon Valley start-up. At night, the place can be used for parties or poolside cocktails. And tucked in the back are a Murphy bed and bathroom for guests who’ve had a few too many to drive home.
225660 Geoffrey Roche's pool house acts as an office, lounge and guest bedroom. It's also gorgeous (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-08-e1375298849348-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-08.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-08/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-08 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225637 (Image: Colin Faulkner) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-intro-e1375298725743-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-intro.jpg 656 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-intro/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-intro 0 0
(Image: Colin Faulkner)
225642 The table was designed by John Tong’s company, tongtong, and made by Canadian Salvaged Timber. It’s a single piece of wood four metres long, retrieved from the Panama Canal (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-01-e1375298740709-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-01.jpg 1248 832 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-01/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-01 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225657 The legs aren’t attached—rotating them 90 degrees raises the table to dining height (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-05-e1375298755124-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-05.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-05/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-05 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225658 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-06-e1375298769518-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-06.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-06/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-06 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225643 A remote controlled screen descends for bathroom privacy (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-02-e1375298790101-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-02.jpg 1248 832 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-02/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-02 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225644 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-03-e1375298805921-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-03.jpg 1248 832 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-03/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-03 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225659 <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/style/toronto-homes/2013/08/08/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/">Click here to return to the post »</a> (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche Great Spaces: Geoffrey Roche https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-07-e1375298836911-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-07.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-07/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-geoffrey-roche-07 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
Who: William Fisk, a 44-year-old artist
What: A 400-square-foot studio in place of an old clapboard garage
Where: Hillcrest
Until recently, William Fisk didn’t have a great place to paint. He used to work in a small rented space on Adelaide but had always wanted a separate studio space at home. So when he found a house he loved, with its crumbling garage in the backyard, he pounced. Fisk designed the studio himself and worked with an architect for drawings and permits. The bright white walls and surgical steel countertop show his penchant for order, while the giant, custom-made window and comfy chair make it a place where he can easily spend an entire day—which he does, settling in for hours on end to paint. While the structure is entirely new, he kept the oversized garage door to make shipping his paintings easier.
225671 Wiliam Fisk’s backyard studio (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-05-e1375298977875-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-05.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-05/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-05 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225664 Fisk collects vintage objects like cameras and projectors to depict in his work. He buys them online or at second-hand stores all over the world and keeps them after he’s finished painting (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-intro-e1375298866994-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-intro.jpg 656 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-intro/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-intro 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225672 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-06-e1375298907804-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-06.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-06/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-06 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225665 The mini bust is of Fisk’s friend, artist Evan Penny. It was sculpted by a mutual friend, artist Richard Stipl (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-01-e1375298879590-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-01.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-01/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-01 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225666 The photo of Fisk’s wife, Brenda Little, a former soloist with the National Ballet of Canada, was taken by Janet Bailey backstage during a performance of <em>Swan Lake</em> (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-02-e1375298892755-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-02/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-02 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225667 The easel was custom made for Fisk by a carpenter in Florida. It can spin 360 degrees. It’s also counterbalanced so that it stays in place while he works (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-03-e1375298919960-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-03.jpg 832 1248 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-03/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-03 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225670 An oversized garage door makes shipping paintings easier (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-04-e1375298950276-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-04.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-04/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-04 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225673 <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/style/toronto-homes/2013/08/08/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/2/">Click here to return to the post »</a> (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: William Fisk Great Spaces: William Fisk https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-07-e1375298965700-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-07.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-07/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-william-fisk-07 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
Who: Doug Wallace (right), a 50-year-old writer and editor, and his partner, 46-year-old Tim Stewart (below), a nurse
What: A 300-square-foot backyard living room, affectionately nicknamed “the Gay Raj”
Where: Leslieville
Stewart and Wallace first transformed their unused backyard garage in 2007, after a designer friend suggested the overhaul one night over drinks. Neither had a car and the reno was a smart way to extend their living space without paying for an all-out addition. They redecorate for fun every couple of years: first, they gave the space a safari motif; then a Miami-Beach-meets-Marrakesh theme, with fuchsia and bright orange accents everywhere; now the space is decidedly collegiate, with varsity colours emblazoned on throw pillows and a set of mounted canoe paddles. It’s a relaxing place for dinner, drinks (Stewart makes a stiff negroni) and, when no one else is around, mid-afternoon naps on the giant, plush sofa.
225690 Tim Stewart and Doug Wallace’s garage is now a backyard living room (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-08-e1375300154475-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-08.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-08/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-08 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225687 Tim Stewart (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-05-e1375300121473-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-05.jpg 1248 832 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-05/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-05 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225691 Stewart does a lot of the work himself: he bought ordinary beige sisal rugs and painted them, and he also hand-sewed the cushion covers (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-intro-e1375299963673-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-intro.jpg 1312 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-intro/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-intro 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225683 Stewart and Wallace often project old Hitchcock and Bond movies onto the hanging white curtain (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-01-e1375299984897-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-01.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-01/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-01 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225684 Stewart found the refurbished wooden coffee tables while visiting his family in Manitoba (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-02-e1375300024515-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-02/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-02 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225688 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-06-e1375300055462-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-06.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-06/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-06 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225686 Doug Wallace (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-04-e1375300104261-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-04.jpg 1248 832 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-04/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-04 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225685 The framed signature is from Celine Dion. Wallace has had it for years and still gets a kick out of how she spelled his name—Dough (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-03-e1375300085836-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-03.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-03/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-03 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225689 <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/style/toronto-homes/2013/08/08/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/3/">Click here to return to the post »</a> (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart Great Spaces: Doug Wallace and Tim Stewart https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-07-e1375300135467-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-07.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-07/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-doug-wallace-07 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
Who: Clint Robinson, a 32-year-old entrepreneur
What: An 1,800-square-foot party pad in an alleyway garage
Where: Just off the Ossington strip
When Robinson first saw this back-alley garage in 2009, it was packed with stacks of floor joists and stray two-by-fours. The owner was looking to rent it out, and Robinson hatched a plan: with a little work, he could turn it into a speakeasy. After two years of running his bar, though, the neighbours complained about the noise and, one night, the cops shut the party down, evicting 200 revelers. So Robinson turned his den of iniquity into, well, a traditional den. Now, the former stage is a platform for yoga and the bar area has become a kitchen and dining room. The space has only one small window, so Robinson punched a series of skylights in the roof that wash the rough, cinder-block walls with light.
225700 Clint Robinson’s coffee table was repurposed from old rafters pulled out during the renovation (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-01-e1375301481803-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-01.jpg 832 1248 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Derek Shapton"} https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-01/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-01 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225701 Robinson left a small space for his bike and his Smart car in the garage, just underneath his yoga platform (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-02-e1375301495842-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-02.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-02/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-02 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225706 The spray paint on the walls is leftover from when the building was a mechanic’s shop (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-07-e1375301529264-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-07.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-07/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-07 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225702 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-03-e1375301514259-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-03.jpg 1312 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-03/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-03 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225707 The pantry used to be stocked with booze but now features herbal teas that Robinson mixes himself (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-08-e1375301546892-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-08.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-08/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-08 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225703 (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-04-e1375301560294-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-04.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-04/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-04 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225704 <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/style/toronto-homes/2013/08/08/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/4/">Click here to return to the post »</a> (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Clint Robinson Great Spaces: Clint Robinson https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-05-e1375301589345-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-05.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-05/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-clint-robinson-05 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
Who: Anne Marie La Traverse, a 53-year-old TV producer
What: A 50-square-foot poolside cabana, kitchenette and change room in part of an old garage
Where: Rosedale
La Traverse bought her home four years ago because of its great bones—it was designed in 1906 by the legendary architect Eden Smith. Because these are heritage buildings, she couldn’t tear down the old backyard garage to build her dream pool. Certain there had to be a solution, she turned to the architect Drew Mandell, who completely redesigned her yard. His most ingenious upgrade was the garage, which he cleverly divided in two. One half he barely touched: shielded from view by a frosted glass screen, it’s used to house a car and the pool’s mechanical equipment. In the other half, he created a tiny, chic cabana by installing sliding glass panels, adding a kitchenette and painting the walls bright white. La Traverse uses it to host cocktail parties or, on a lazy day, kick back with a book.
225712 Anne Marie La Traverse’s poolside cabana and kitchenette (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-02-e1375302258725-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-02.jpg 1312 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-02/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-02 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225711 The steel canopy over the garage protects loungers from the sun (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-01-e1375302241515-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-01.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-01/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-01 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225713 The sliding doors were custom manufactured by a California company called Nana Wall (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-03-e1375302273752-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-03.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-03/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-03 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225714 The chaise longues are from Crate and Barrel (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-04-e1375302287124-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-04.jpg 1248 832 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-04/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-04 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)
225715 The kitchenette is all Corian and, in the summer, makes a great cocktail-mixing station (Image: Derek Shapton) Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse Great Spaces: Marie La Traverse https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-05-e1375302301533-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-05.jpg 832 1248 [] https://torontolife.com/style/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey/slide/great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-05/ great-spaces-out-back-odyssey-marie-la-traverse-05 0 0
(Image: Derek Shapton)