This week, we tour a unique property that occupies two lots on Stanley Avenue.

Address: 131 Stanley Ave.
Neighbourhood: New Edinburgh
Agent: Conor Mangan, Remax Hallmark Realty
Price: $2,195,000
Taxes: $22,330

The history
Built in 1875, this heritage house was purchased — site unseen — by the current homeowner in 1991. He took it down to the studs and embarked on a thorough renovation, with particular attention to custom woodwork. In 2004, he bought the neighbouring lot, and jumped through plenty of heritage hoops to create a single dwelling.

The place
With modern renovations on the main floor and a preserved heritage feeling on the second floor, not to mention a screened-in courtyard area and a very private master suite that spans two floors, there is a lot going on here. A walk-through is definitely required to get a feel for the place. It’s bright, with multiple cozy sitting areas. Great for a blended family.

The elegant foyer:

The main floor living room features built-in cabinetry and bay windows:

The main floor dining room features radiant floor heating and has a more modern sensibility:

The kitchen, which was renovated in 2004 with custom cabinetry, links nicely to the main floor dining area.

Heading upstairs, via the original staircase. The large stained-glass window brightens the space:

Here’s the upstairs living room:

There is also a formal dining room on the second floor! That fireplace is wood-burning:

The office is one of three rooms that opens onto the balcony at the back:

Here’s the beginning of the master suite (if you’re already lost, note the red chair on the left — that’s in the above photo, too):

Custom wood panelling includes the TV surround, wall panels, bay window, staircase…

The master bedroom has cathedral windows, but but remains private due to its height:

Biggest selling point(s)
The location — backing onto idyllic Stanley Park, blocks away from Beechwood Village — followed closely by the regal ambience of the interior. If you’re looking for something that’s not open concept, it’s perfect. The master “retreat” is basically a house-within-a-house, and the formal sitting area on the second floor is away from the din of the kitchen goings-on.

Possible dealbreaker
It’s a very unique dwelling, which likely means custom design work for anything that requires modifying.

The view from the backyard shows the enormity of this place:

By the numbers
4,610 square feet
5 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
4 fireplaces
double garage
4 parking spots