This Riverdale laneway suite has a rental unit up top and a carport down below

Neighbourhood: North Riverdale
Size: 800 square feet Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Design: Lanescape Builder: Hollands Homes

The Place

A brand-new two-bedroom, two-bathroom laneway suite in Riverdale, one of Toronto’s oldest and most cherished neighbourhoods. The steel-clad oddity comes with a carport, a decked-out kitchen, elegant millwork and a second-floor rental unit. It’s within walking distance of Riverdale Park East—home to the city’s best tobogganing hill and skyline view—the Don Valley trail system, Riverdale Farm and Cabbagetown.

Related: Inside a laneway suite in Danforth Village that cost only $50,000 to buy

The History

Owners James and Tamara were interested in building their own laneway suite since the homes became legal in 2018. Such a project would serve multiple purposes: future housing for one of their three children, a guest room for visiting family and an opportunity to earn rental income. In the summer of 2022, they hired specialty design firm Lanescape. For the next a year and a half, both parties worked together on design, construction and securing permits. They settled on a Scandinavian-inspired look that emphasizes natural light, simplicity, straight lines and comfort. James and Tamara hired custom builder Hollands Homes to handle construction, completed the suite in December of 2024.

The Tour

Here’s the home’s façade, clad in corrugated metal, wood slats and crystal-clear glass—like a souped-up shipping container parachuted into the east end.

A closer look at the feature wall highlights the composite slats, which are more durable and better for the environment than traditional wood.

The tour starts with a trip up the skylit staircase into the rental unit.

This is the apartment’s living room, anchored by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and a Juliet balcony.

There’s no wasted space in this suite. Case in the point: the small but mighty full bathroom tucked into the corner.

Here’s that bathroom, equipped with contemporary fixtures, a floating vanity, a glass shower and a view of the neighbourhood.

Now for the kitchen, which includes an island for two, stainless steel appliances and a marble backsplash.

Don’t forget the built-in laundry closet and Harry Potter–esque cubby.

Just off the living area is the airy bedroom, big enough for a queen-sized bed.

Opposite the bed stands a wall of bespoke floor-to-ceiling closets.

Owners James and Tamara mostly use the separated ground floor as an office. That’s a pullout couch for guests.

Lastly, here’s a peek at the shared backyard, ideal for al fresco dining.

Are you living the laneway life? Send your story to realestate@torontolife.com.