Fire-damaged Toronto house transformed into $4 million architectural showstopper

Toronto design firm Ancerl Studio has built a reputation for creating some of the city's most architecturally interesting — and genuinely beautiful — homes.

We've featured more than a few of their projects over the years, and now we're adding another to the list: 23 Lippincott St.

It might not be quite as ambitious as their Swiss Army knife house, or as storied as the former CBC warehouse loft, but this one holds its own — quietly, confidently, and with impeccable taste.

The dining room. 

Just a few years ago, the property was a boarded-up tragedy, which, according to the listing, was sold "as is" after a house fire caused structural damage. Fast forward to today, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

The foyer with custom closets. 

Now, this three-storey home feels like a subtle flex: part New York brownstone, part Left Bank apartment, and very much rooted in the creative chaos of Kensington Market.

The primary ensuite bathroom. 

From the street, the vibe is instant. The brick façade, copper detailing, privately fenced corner, and black glossy door is elegant and sophisticated.

The kitchen. 

Step inside and things get cinematic fast.

The mezzanine. 

At the centre of the home is a soaring two-storey mezzanine that immediately wows, anchoring the space with drama without tipping into excess.

Custom cabinetry is perfect for storage.

Custom woodwork, sculptural lines, and perfectly framed sightlines make the house feel both expansive and intimate — clearly designed to be admired and lived in.

A 13-foot leathered marble island anchors the kitchen. 

This is one of those homes where every surface feels intentional. Custom furnishings, beautifully layered materials, and restrained Parisian polish all come together in a way that subtly signals someone with very good taste cooked here.

One of the bathrooms. 

The layout is equally thoughtful. The home spans three storeys with three bedrooms and five bathrooms, striking that rare balance between architectural statement and livability.

The primary bedroom with a fireplace. 

The entire third level is devoted to the primary suite.

The walk-through dressing room in the primary bedroom. 

There's a walk-through dressing room, a spa-like five-piece ensuite, a marble fireplace, and a private balcony with a jaw-dropping view of the CN Tower.

The basement. 

Downstairs, the lower level doesn't feel like an afterthought (a rare win for a Kensington Market house). There's a generous, light-filled rec room, a private guest bedroom, a full bathroom, a second laundry room, and plenty of storage.

The family room. 

Out back, a stone patio directly off the main level makes indoor-outdoor living effortless, while the detached laneway garage is the final practical cherry on top, blending seamlessly into the design-forward experience.

The powder room with a custom floating marble vanity. 

All told, this is one of those rare Toronto homes that genuinely feels singular. It's not just stylish — it's confident, composed, and quietly spectacular.

The back of the house and garage. 

The property at 23 Lippincott St. is listed for $4,395,000.