Pair of 1880-built Toronto homes in same family for four generations now up for grabs
In Toronto, where homes seem to change hands every few years, owning the same property for four generations feels like something straight out of an old-money family dynasty.
But apparently, the owners of 110 and 112 Baldwin St. never got the memo about flipping houses.
And that's a good thing, too, because these two homes, built in 1880, still have plenty of their original Victorian charm and character.
The living and dining room in one of the homes.
The neighbouring properties have been in the same family for four generations, which is the kind of generational real estate wealth most Toronto residents can only dream of.
The front entrance to 112 Baldwin St.
Now, for the first time in generations, both properties are up for grabs, with a combined asking price of $2,998,000.
A room with an original fireplace and stained-glass window.
However, if you don't have a spare $3 million kicking around, you can also buy either house individually for $1,499,000.
An original plaster ceiling medallion.
Still, it's pretty remarkable that two downtown Toronto homes have stayed in the same family for that long, especially given how much the city and its real estate market have changed.
The front porch of the houses.
From the street, the two houses are quintessential Toronto Victorians. Their striking red-brick facades and classic bay-and-gable architecture are the kind of details that make Toronto's older neighbourhoods so charming.
The entrance to 110 Baldwin St.
And inside, it's like stepping back in time.
The living room with a fireplace in 11o Baldwin St.
Both homes feature soaring ceilings, large windows and spacious principal rooms filled with natural light.
Ornate moulding in the hallway.
The home also features plenty of original architectural details, including stained-glass windows, ornate archways, rich wood mouldings, fireplaces, and hardwood floors.
An original stained-glass window.
Even the original front doors and windows have survived more than 140 years of Toronto winters, which is pretty impressive.
A second-floor bedroom with soaring ceilings and a fireplace.
Of course, while the homes have plenty of historic character, they're not exactly your typical single-family houses anymore.
One of the many kitchens.
In fact, between the two properties, there are a whopping seven kitchens and seven bathrooms.
A living room on the third floor of 112 Baldwin St.
Somewhere along the way, the homes appear to have been divided into multiple living spaces, giving them a very different layout from what you'd expect of a traditional Victorian house.
One of seven bathrooms.
At 110 Baldwin St., there are three full kitchens and three bathrooms spread across three above-ground floors.
Another kitchen.
Meanwhile, 112 Baldwin St. has four kitchens and four bathrooms across its three above-ground floors.
A kitchen in another unit.
So, if you've ever dreamed of having an entire kitchen dedicated exclusively to snacks, this might be your chance.
A large room in 112 Baldwin St.
But jokes aside, the unusual layouts offer plenty of possibilities for whoever takes over these historic properties.
A living room on the second floor of 112 Baldwin St.
According to the listing, the homes could potentially be used for multi-generational living, rental income or a combination of the two.
There are 10 bedrooms combined across both properties.
Alternatively, someone with a substantial renovation budget could transform them into spectacular single-family residences.
The basement kitchen.
Both properties also have basements with impressive ceiling heights and separate exterior entrances.
The finished basement in 112 Baldwin St.
The basement at 110 Baldwin St. is unfinished, while the one at 112 Baldwin St. is already finished, offering even more flexibility for future owners.
A kitchen with cupboards that have seen better days.
And while the interiors are certainly full of character, they're also showing their age.
A living room with age signs visible on the ceiling.
Judging by the listing photos, there are some fixer-upper elements here.
A kitchen that could use an update.
So, whoever buys these homes will likely want to set aside some money for repairs and renovations.
A bathroom.
But that generally comes with the territory when you're buying a house that's nearly a century and a half old.
Views of the CN Tower.
On the plus side, you also get sweeping views of Toronto's skyline, including the CN Tower, from the top-floor balcony.
Parking at the back of the house.
There's also parking for two cars off the laneway, which is practically a luxury in this part of downtown Toronto. And according to the listing, there's even potential to build laneway housing, subject to the necessary approvals.
A balcony overlooking Baldwin St.
Then there's the location. Situated on Baldwin Street, the properties are just steps from Kensington Market, Chinatown and some of downtown Toronto's best restaurants and shops.
A bathroom.
Transit, parks and other amenities are also within walking distance, meaning you could probably get away without owning a car altogether.
A stained glass transom window.
Ultimately, what makes 110 and 112 Baldwin St. so special isn't just their Victorian architecture or the potential to turn them into something new.
Another kitchen.
It's the fact that they've remained in the same family for four generations, surviving more than a century of change in the city around them.
A bedroom.
And now, after roughly 146 years of history, these two Toronto homes are ready for their next chapter.
A bathroom.
Whether that means welcoming another family, continuing to generate rental income or undergoing a complete transformation remains to be seen.
The back of the houses.
But whoever buys them will be getting something that's becoming increasingly rare in Toronto: a piece of the city's history that hasn't already been torn down and replaced with something new.
