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
