Consider this one "Fixer Upper of the Week". 171 Indian Road is a stately house that looms over the corner of Westminster Ave, parked between High Park to the west and Roncesvalles Ave. to the east. The location is convenient, and the neighbourhood is high on spirit (and seasonal decorations) and low on noise. This would be a top spot to raise a family -- provided, of course, that you're willing to take on this big of a project.

Let's clear that fact out of the way: this house needs work. The kitchen is strongly reminiscent of "All in the Family'' (those were the days) and beyond salvaging. Be prepared to redo the cabinets, floor, lighting, and wood panelled walls, and swap in some functional appliances. If you really like antique kitchens, take note: despite being set up for a single family, this house has four of them! The original wood floors could all benefit from refinishing, the windows need help, and make sure to address the remaining knob and tube wiring.

Necessary renovations aside, this house does have many character features from stained glass windows and wood trim to wainscoting and arched doorways. There's no want for space, either, with three storeys plus basement, 9' ceilings and six bedrooms. Watch out for the low ceiling in the second floor back bedroom, though -- it's a head-bumper.

SPECS

Address: 171 Indian Road
Price: $1,149,000.00
Sq. Ft.: 3450
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4
Storeys: 3, plus basement
Parking Spaces: 2, including garage
Taxes: $6,226.33 (2013)
Walk Score: 95

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Breezeway connecting kitchen to garage
• Original hardwood floors, trim, stained glass windows and wainscoting
• Four kitchens!
• Ornate wood banisters
• Fireplace in the front foyer

GOOD FOR

This place is wood-heavy, character-filled, and looking for new life with a family willing to take on a big, expensive project. This neighbourhood has a surfeit of good schools and nearby playgrounds. Remember to break out the inflatable snowmen and hang some skeletons from the porch if you want to impress your new neighbours.

MOVE ON IF

Location and space are driving the price here. Someone looking for turn-key convenience will probably be turned off by the volume of work at hand. So, either get busy renovating or get busy searching for other properties.

MORE PHOTOS

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