$1.7 million for an A-frame with a chicken coop in pastoral Pickering

Location: Pickering Price: $1,699,000 Size: 1.9 acres Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Parking spot: 13 Real estate agents: Dallas James, Royal LePage

The Place

A four-bedroom, two-bathroom head-turner in Pickering. The A-frame house comes with an unfinished walk-out basement with nanny suite potential, exposed brick, dramatic beams and a garage with a chicken coop. But what’s most striking about the property is the seemingly endless surrounding nature. It’s also a short drive from both the 407 and Highway 12.

The History

This structure was built in 1967, taking cues from ancient Japanese and Polynesian architecture as well as the design of Swiss ski lodges. Its steep pitched metal roof can be seen from miles away and is ideal for clearing snow. After a recent renovation, the current owners have put the home on the market.

Related: $5.5 million for a Victorian semi in Summerhill with a fireplace inside a staircase

The Tour

Like an enormous black tent, the place demands attention from passing motorists. Those six dormer windows are a nice touch.

A grand staircase welcomes residents in the foyer.

Next door is the dining room, overlooking the yard.

A reverse angle reveals the just-renovated kitchen. The owners left the original brick exposed as a feature wall and then added a huge island, pendant lighting, plenty of cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The living room has a wood-burning fireplace and brick surround, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and plank ceiling boards.

Now for the main bedroom, which is also on the ground floor.

This is the main bathroom, equipped with a long vanity and a glass rainfall shower with a view.

Heading to the second floor highlights the warm landing. Its hardwood beams and vaulted supports bring a sense of drama.

Here’s a peek inside one of the secondary bedrooms, with a view of the yard.

This bedroom has a mirrored layout to its second-floor counterpart.

The shared bathroom has a soaker tub, original hardwood floors and one funky sink.

Here’s the office, where even the phones are charming.

Before heading to the third floor, take in the view from the balcony. On a clear day, residents can make out Lake Ontario—roughly 20 kilometres away.

The open-concept attic comes with its own walkout balcony and a reading nook carved from the roof. Hi, Teddy.

There’s one final bedroom up here, on the opposite end of the floor. Note the nifty space-saving closet and lookout wedged into the building’s peak.

Lastly, here’s an aerial view of the house, its pond and the two-car garage that doubles as a chicken coop.

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