House of the week: 266 Garden Avenue

266 Garden Avenue is a Roncesvalles / High Park home that exists as an example of renovation done right. Curb appeal has been totally maintained with a covered porch and large trees in the front lawn. Inside, the house is open concept - providing lots of light throughout. But the wide plank hardwood flooring, fireplace, and kitchen design (wood cabinets, butcher block countertops - more Country Living than sharp steel edges) make this far from a quick gut job of an old home. The renovation and styling was thought out, and you can tell.

The exposed brick in the basement and mud room are a rustic cherry on top of an already great house. Sure, you might not be spending long hours in the mud room, but it's a great stylistic touch (not to mention a practical addition). And the basement rec room is more than just somewhere to store your unused treadmills and old toys. You could entertain guests for a movie night or hockey game without shame. Bring on the popcorn!

SPECS

• Address: 266 Garden Avenue
• Price: $995,000
• Lot Size: 23.41 x 118
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 1
• Taxes: $4.976.12
• Walk Score: 90
• Notable Features
• Detached home with curb appeal
• Five minute walk to High park
• Hardwood flooring throughout main floor
• Fully renovated farmhouse style kitchen

GOOD FOR

Homebody families. This house has four good-sized bedrooms, along with a large basement great for a rec room or play area. The updates to the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms first and foremost make this a very livable home. Did I mention there's a workshop out back? Time to get DIY.

MOVE ON IF

You want a smooth, slick interior, with every modern convenience. This house has some great updates - stainless steel appliances, a nest thermostat, air conditioning (thank god). That being said, there are only 2 bathrooms - one attached to the master bedroom and one in the basement. And there's never going to be room for a large walk in closet. Let's face it, there's only so much you can do with an older home.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Writing by Isabel Ritchie