Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Just north of Christie Pits Park in west-end Toronto, is 2 Miles Place, a two-bedroom, three-storey laneway house that hit the MLS this week. For $999,900, this compact home offers plenty of character and modern charm in what is considered an unconventional dwelling, but one that makes economical use of downtown’s limited building space.
In June 2018, Toronto’s city council approved new zoning and bylaw legislation so homeowners could build upon garages and adapt unused space into secondary suites for family or rental income. The desire for city laneway housing is fueled by the ongoing shortage of rental units, but also the uninvasive density increases and beautification benefits that come with it. While 2 Miles Place was built before the revamp of Toronto’s laneway policies, it stands as an example of the potential for these types of homes.
The lower and main levels of the home are reserved for the two bedrooms and bathrooms while the second level is where most of the magic happens. Up a flight of wooden open-riser stairs, the second storey opens out into a lofty dining and kitchen area.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Sitting next to a pane of ceiling-high windows, is the kitchen, which covers an entire wall of the room. Modern kitchen fixtures come standard — stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone counters and contemporary cabinetry. There isn’t a ton of counter prep space, though you might be able to squeeze in a small portable kitchen island if you need to.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Behind the stair walls, there’s a snug spot to place a small dining set, as this owner has done. The open bookshelves make a great showcase to display your extra cookbooks and special dining ware.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
On the opposite side of the room, the sloping 16-foot ceilings cut off into a cozy living space.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
The piney hardwood floors draw out warmth from the window panes and wood-clad ceilings against the whitewash walls.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Up another set of stairs, the top floor of the laneway house is reserved for a quiet rooftop terrace. There’s enough room to pop in a few lounge chairs and a barbecue, which makes for a private dining spot overlooking the neighbourhood.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
While they are small, the multitude of windows in the master bedroom on the main floor help to illuminate the space with plenty of natural light.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
No modern master could go without a walk-in closet and an ensuite. The adjoining bathroom is clean and contemporary, sporting a floating vanity, rain shower head and moody grey tiles.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Downstairs is a comfy second bedroom, which is currently being used as a nursery. This room shares the floor with a second bathroom and laundry area.
Photo: RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage
Laneway housing doesn’t mean skimping out on the pleasures of a non-alley home. At 2 Miles Place, you can find all of the comforts of home here, while making wise use of underused building space in the process.
