House of the Week: $1.5 million for an urban cottage in Cabbagetown

The History: Built in 1886 as workers’ housing, this place is part of a row of seven similar homes. The cottages were originally 400 square feet each, and were inhabited by employees of a nearby rendering plant, where horses from the neighbouring farms were turned into glue. A renovation in the 1980s added about 2,400 square feet to this particular property. Most of the new space is below grade, because heritage laws prevent alterations to the existing front façade.

Big Selling Point: The multi-tiered backyard garden has high fences and trees for privacy, and it’s visible from almost every room in the house because of the floor-to-ceiling windows on all three levels.

Possible Deal Breaker: The wall-to-wall mirrors in the second-floor bathroom help brighten up the space, but they might be disquieting for anyone who likes a blank wall to stare at. Wallpapering or painting that room may be in order.

By the Numbers:

• $1,499,000 • $4,851.39 in taxes (2014) • 2,800 square feet, approximately • 4-car parking • 3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms