House of the Week: 119 Manning Avenue
This semi-detached home located at 119 Manning Avenue is a perfect marriage of historic Toronto and modern living. While you might not make the pages of Dwell by default, the set up is ripe for a creative design mind. The interior of the home has been fully renovated into an open concept design, making the narrow space feel bright and spacious. This holds true for the master bedroom as well, which occupies most of the top floor and benefits from a large skylight and a back deck that looks out upon the skyline and the CN Tower. This would be a nice place to wake up (though not, perhaps, with a hangover).
Despite the renovations, the house doesn't feel totally gutted. The hardwood floors, stairways and windows help retain the historic character of the building. And with central air and a new furnace, you can live in 21st century comfort with a 20th century feel. No need to call up HGTV - this home already is an income property. The basement holds a one bedroom apartment with a separate entrance. Even if the apartment itself is nothing to write home about, it's enough to offset some of your mortgage if you can fork for the down payment.
SPECS
NOTABLE FEATURES
GOOD FOR
Families who want to live downtown or devout west-enders. Those who believe location trumps space. The house is a quick walk to Trinity Bellwoods, Dundas and Ossington, (West) Queen West...you get the picture. You don't have to go far to get to your favourite bars and restaurants.
MOVE ON IF
You have dreams of privacy or a big backyard. The long and skinny lot (less than 15 ft wide!) makes the backyard better for wind sprints than a game of tag. If you're looking for a private space to set up a swing set, this might not be the home for you. And speaking of privacy, this semi-detached shares a wall with the neighbours. Fingers crossed for no crying babies next door.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
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Writing by Isabel Ritchie
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