Airbnb of the Week: $205 per night for a photogenic loft in Corktown

Address: 90 Ontario Street Neighbourhood: Corktown Price: $205 per night

The place

An rustic loft on the top floor of a former shoe factory near Queen and Parliament.

The unit has exposed brick walls, cedar-beam ceilings and a plush couch that can withstand children jumping:

The sleigh bed was custom-carved from a solid piece of oak:

There’s a vintage Heintzman piano for musically inclined guests. The host’s grandfather used money he won in a poker tournament to buy it for her mother when she was a child:

A swing sits next to the queen-sized bed, although it is technically “for sitting, not swinging.” The library is stocked with plays, non-fiction and biographies:

The kitchen bar is rather ornate:

Here’s the bathroom:

The history

The former shoe factory made boots for soldiers in World War I and II. The owner has lived in the building for twenty years. She originally rented a unit on the second floor after moving back to Toronto from New York City, and ten years ago moved into the top floor (where she still lives full time). She recently rented a second unit in the building, but it’s strictly used for photo shoots. Sadly, the building is slated for demolition, but the host hopes to have a few cozy years left.

Major perks

The loft gets a ton of natural light, which is why it’s also appealing as a professional photoshoot location (and is mostly used for that purpose). Although the swing isn’t for swinging, casually perching while perusing a biography from the library will make for some wonderfully bohemian Instagram snaps.

Possible deal breaker

It’s on the fifth floor, and there’s no elevator. Be prepared to be slightly out of breath when you arrive.

By the numbers

• 800 square feet • $205 per night • 5 windows • 1 bathroom • 1 piano • 1 swing