Check out Toronto Life’s House of the Week: it wasn’t owned by a former Maple Leaf or too grandiose, but a well-preserved Victorian in Cabbagetown on a great street. The basement isn’t nearly as bad as the listing would make you think, although those who like to cook may want to upgrade the stove, charming as it is.

ADDRESS: 458 Ontario Street

NEIGHBOURHOOD: Moss Park

PRICE: $849,000

THE PLACE: A Victorian semi that oozes character, with exposed brick, original hardwood, an antique Victorian fireplace, claw-foot tubs, stained-glass windows and a rustic old-fashioned oven.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: This house comes with a story. Prospective buyers are shown a letter from the home’s current owners, a pair of U of T professors who have lived there for 16 years. In the letter, they describe their wonderful years in the house and the neighbourhood, and the sadness they feel at leaving (they’re moving to be closer to their son’s school).

BIG SELLING POINT: Cabbagetown is one of the city’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Cafés, restaurants, gourmet food shops and boutiques line the nearby streets, and Riverdale Farm and Allan Gardens are within walking distance.

POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: The basement—great for storage, but it looks somewhat scary.

BY THE NUMBERS:
• $849,000
• $3,678.61 in taxes (2012)
• 3 storeys
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 2 decks
• 2 upper balconies
• 1 original Victorian fireplace
• 1-car laneway parking

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