227 Markham Street, Toronto, ON

You notice 227 Markham St before you know anything about her. A fine Victorian lady with an unusually ornate façade of striking red brick, dramatic arched windows and a sculptural roofline that give a presence of its own. At a w-i-d-e 19+ ft, she's bright, beautifully proportioned and thoughtfully renovated for modern life while preserving all the character that makes her special. Inside, the home's east-west orientation makes natural light part of the experience of living here, while strategically placed 2nd floor skylights invite in even more sunshine. The main floor is warm and wonderfully social, with open-concept living anchored by a character rich backdrop of exposed brick and a cozy gas fireplace. Beyond, the updated kitchen flows seamlessly to the backyard, making the entire floor as easy to host in as it is to live in. Upstairs, that extra width reveals itself again. 3 spacious bedrooms (2 of which are generous enough to claim the title of primary!), heated bathroom floors, a soundproofed party wall and a genuinely family-friendly layout. Downstairs, the fully underpinned, waterproofed and finished lower level adds yet another layer of flexibility, including a rear bedroom with a custom Murphy bed that effortlessly shifts from home office by day to comfortable guest quarters when friends or family stay over. Out back, an utterly charming, fully fenced grassy yard feels private and wonderfully usable. Beyond sits a tall, newly built garage, with potential for an approx. 1,246 sq. ft. 2-storey laneway house. For all her Victorian drama, she is remarkably easy to live with. The beautiful things have been preserved. The unglamorous things have been dealt with. And yet, none of that polish has scrubbed away what made her special in the first place. She still has heart. She still has soul. You notice it every time you walk toward the front door and see "227" suspended above you in glass, exactly where it (and you!) has belonged all these years.