House of the Week: $5 million for a Rosedale Victorian mansion with a nine-seat movie theatre
ADDRESS: 50 Elm Avenue
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Rosedale-Moore Park
AGENT: James Warren, Royal LePage, Johnston and Daniel Division, Brokerage
PRICE: $4,995,000
THE PLACE: A historic gated Victorian home—with an actual turret—in the heart of Rosedale.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: Built in 1898 for Henry O’Hara, the house is one of Toronto’s oldest. It was converted into a rooming house following World War II before being one of the first homes in the city listed for architectural importance in 1975. John Emery’s Fairmont Properties restored the house to its original grandeur in 2002.
BIG SELLING POINT: With nine movie theatre-style seats lined up in front of a giant projector screen—the current owners have even tricked the room out with a popcorn machine and makeshift concession stand—and a third-floor games room, this place appeals to kids both young and old.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: If it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it. The living room and dining room look fit for French royalty, but if you’re looking for a more casual space to entertain, renovations are required.
BY THE NUMBERS: • $4,995,000 • 114-years old • 7 bathrooms • 6 bedrooms • 1 wine tasting area • 1 gym (in the garage)
