House of the Week: $1.6 million for a Junction Victorian with a shiny addition hovering above the deck

Neighbourhood: The Junction Price: $1,599,000 Size: 1,500 square feet Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Parking spots: 1 Real estate agent: Risa Kessler, Kessler Zakkai Forest Hill Real Estate

The place

A three-bedroom, three-bathroom Victorian semi in the Junction, just south of the rail corridor. Recent renovations have resulted in an open-concept layout with huge windows on all sides—without erasing any heritage charm. There’s laneway parking in the back for one car as well as a storage shed. It’s within walking distance of the Dundas strip, the Stock Yards on St. Clair and half a dozen bus or train options. And motorists are a short drive from both Weston Road and Bloor. 

The history

The current owner of this property actually grew up in the Junction and is today the owner of building firm Canfield and Co. He collaborated with designer Denegri Bessai to bring a more modern feel along with a shiny second-storey addition. Work completed last year. Now the owner, ready for another adventure, is putting the home on the market.

Related: $3.9 million for a lakefront Cobourg heritage home with an old-school panic room

The tour

The heritage façade was entirely restored and then accented with modern features like black-rimmed windows and a panelled bay window. The new herringbone walkway is a nice touch, and a retaining wall was installed to protect the front yard’s mature tulip tree.

In the foyer: an open mudroom of sorts, partitioned by a custom oak divider that functions as a hanger, bench and storage.

The front living room is now flooded with tons of natural light. There are oak floors throughout. 

Next to the living area is the dining space, with a moody light fixture and chairs to match.

The dining area is flanked by a new window and an oak shelf designed to hold books, trinkets and wine bottles.

This angle showcases the oak staircase, with integrated lights and a powder-painted metal railing. Those sliding doors in the distance walk out to the back deck. 

Now for the kitchen, equipped with new stainless steel appliances, a waterfall sink, quartz counters and plenty of storage.

A quick detour outside reveals that deck, with shiplap ceilings that hide the addition above (more on that later). It’s ideal for hosting and alfresco dining.

Moving upstairs highlights the main bedroom, which has more oak and an ensuite bathroom with a glass shower and a floating vanity. 

This secondary bedroom overlooks the backyard.

The nursery sits between two bedrooms.

Here’s the shared bathroom, which comes with a wide mirror, tiled walls and terrazzo floors. 

Back outside in the laneway, there’s a driveway-patio combo as well as a storage shed. Tall fences and greenery add privacy. 

Finally, here’s a closer look at the backyard and the aluminum-sided addition.

Have a home that’s about to hit the market? Send your property to realestate@torontolife.com.