Full disclosure: I love Roncesvalles. I am a total sucker for Ronc(e)y's charms, and so are a lot of other people, and that's part of the reason why real estate in the neighbourhood is so pricey. At first glance, this renovated Victorian on Pearson Ave. might look like just another old house over a mil, but how many houses like this have a huge studio space right in their backyard?

This is the live/work property dreams are made of. Sitting across from a large stone patio, the house's former garage is now a studio complete with air conditioning, full hydro and plumbing. The garage was completely overhauled with $100,000 worth of upgrades in 2007 by contractors Men at Work (not the band, or the Emilio Estevez movie, or the TBS sitcom). Nice work, Men.

The house itself was built in the 1890s and certainly looks good for its age. The interior has been renovated with built-in shelving, a large chef's kitchen and an open floor plan. Exposed brick walls and restored stained glass windows stand out, and the brick exterior has plenty of historical character. Try searching "148 Pearson Avenue" on the City of Toronto digital archives to check out a few scanned photographs of the house from 1925.

SPECS

• Address: 148 Pearson Ave
• Price: $1,279,000.00
• Sq. Ft.: 2,110
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking Spaces: 3
• Taxes: $6,072.77 (2013)
• Walk Score: 97

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Exposed brick wall in living room
• Potential for a 3rd floor walk-out deck
• Studio/workshop space with 12'10" ceilings
• Wraparound covered front porch

GOOD FOR

An artist. An entrepreneur. Or really anyone looking for a livable working space that's a big step up from a tiny home office or a dual-purpose condo. Keep in mind, this property is residentially zoned--so don't hope to shill any goods in the alley through those impressive barn-style doors.

MOVE ON IF

You expect more than 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for this much coin. You need a place with a fully finished basement (this one is used mainly for storage). You'd rather have a garage than a studio. You don't love Roncesvalles (are you sure?)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Writing by Leslie Bank

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