Lavish townhome in 19th-century Toronto church hits market for $7.5 million

Toronto is no stranger to church conversions, and over the years, we've seen dozens of historic sanctuaries transformed into multi-unit condos, each trying to squeeze a bit of soul into the standard boxy layouts.

But the former 1888 Victorian church at Palmerston Blvd. and College St. took a very different path, thanks to custom home designer Joe Brennan.

Back in 2010, Brennan persuaded the developers to ditch the condo blueprint and go with luxury townhomes instead. The result? A rare blend of history and high-end design that sets this property apart from your typical conversion.

The living room. 

One of those townhomes—314 Palmerston Blvd.—is now on the market, and it's a behemoth.

The kitchen. 

Housed in the church's former rectory, this four-bedroom, seven-bathroom home offers a jaw-dropping 7,690 square feet of living space. Yes, you read that right: nearly 8,000 square feet in a townhouse.

The primary bedroom. 

But don't expect gothic arches or stained glass here. This space leans hard into modern minimalism. Think clean lines, vast open-concept rooms, a muted palette, and a focus on texture and light over ornamentation.

The staircase. 

The soaring 14- and 18-foot ceilings, enormous windows, and a vaulted skylight remind you you’re living inside something special—even if it doesn't wear its history on its sleeve.

The main floor. 

The main floor features an open-concept living room, dining area, and sleek modern kitchen—perfect for entertaining.

The library. 

A fireplace adds a touch of warmth, while a cozy library/home office rounds out the space.

A bedroom. 

Upstairs, each of the four bedrooms comes with its own ensuite bathroom decked out in subtle marble finishes.

The walk-in dressing room in the primary bedroom. 

The primary suite adds a touch of luxury with another fireplace and a walk-in dressing room that feels more boutique than bedroom closet.

The shared rooftop patio. 

The third floor includes two more bedrooms and a family room, while the rooftop terrace looks like a fancy hotel rooftop patio.

The outdoor kitchen on the rooftop patio. 

There's a full outdoor kitchen, multiple lounging zones, and views of the CN Tower.

The private patio. 

 There's also a private walled patio just off the main living space.

The gym. 

Downstairs, there's even more room—a fifth bedroom (currently used as a gym), a two-car garage, and plenty of storage.

The primary ensuite bathroom. 

Listed at $7,500,000, this home's current owners are asking nearly $2 million more than it sold for in 2016.

A bedroom currently being used as a home office. 

It's a bold ask for a townhouse, even one this spacious and well-located. And while the square footage and modern luxury are impressive, some buyers might feel the price tag falls short in one key area: character.

The family room upstairs. 

Unlike many church conversions that celebrate their roots with exposed beams, leaded glass, and ornate mouldings, this unit plays it straight.

Another bedroom. 

There's little visible trace of its Victorian past, which could leave design lovers craving a bit more soul.

The shared rooftop patio with views of the CN Tower. 

Still, if you're after a massive, low-maintenance home in one of Toronto's most charming neighbourhoods—one with modern bones and a storied past—314 Palmerston Blvd. may just hit the mark.