Beautiful Virgin Islands

Friday, Apr 03, 2026

In Toronto, a Quirky “House Within a House”

In Toronto, a Quirky “House Within a House”

This brick-clad, three-bedroom home by Hatch Designs holds an 1860s cottage within its contemporary shell.

If you’re hunting for an eclectic home with loads of character, look no further than this "house within a house" in Toronto, Canada. Designed by architect Michael Hatch in 1982, the Cabbagetown residence offers spacious living areas, effortless indoor/outdoor flow-and a restored Victorian cottage within its multilevel interior.



The renovated property sits on a quaint, tree-lined street, just steps away from Riverdale Farm-a working, 7.5-acre farm located in downtown Toronto which opened in 1978.

Hatch preserved the original facade of the 1860s cottage as a focal point within the new structure.

Hatch, founder of the Toronto-based, family-owned firm Hatch Designs, preserved the 19th-century structure by designing a new dwelling around it, blending the two eras while preserving the cottage’s red brick facade. "It offers an exquisite expression of contemporary architecture and design carefully curated for modern, urban living," notes listing agent Ronald Reaman.



Refinished hardwood floors run throughout the ground level, connecting the living spaces.



In addition to boasting all new appliances, the kitchen offers ample storage and counter space.

Spread across three levels, the property presents a spacious layout, with the main living areas nestled on the ground floor. The large, custom kitchen-fitted with stainless-steel counters and a raised breakfast bar-leads to the family room, where glass doors extend the living space out to the backyard.

Steps away, in the light-filled atrium, a spiral steel-and-glass staircase unites the various levels while amplifying the home’s industrial vibes. Located on the second floor, the primary bedroom features an ensuite bath and a private sundeck.



Skylights and wall-to-wall glass doors create a light-filled atmosphere in the living room.



The room is anchored by a wide, central fireplace.

Outside, the property has a large, fenced-in backyard and a detached two-car garage with a TESLA charging station. Scroll ahead to see more of the renovated residence, now seeking a new owner.



Extensive glazing can also be found in the primary bedroom, which has a private terrace.



Lined with marble, the en suite bath includes a large glass shower and a soaking tub.



A look at another one of the home’s three bathrooms.



The backyard is a private city escape, complete with an outdoor lounge and dining area.



A sizable lawn is sandwiched between the backyard deck and detached garage.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Trump’s Strategic Pressure on UK Seen as Push for Stronger Alignment and Fairer Terms
UK Focuses on Trade Finance to Secure Critical Materials for Defence and Energy Sectors
Majority of UK Businesses Hit by Middle East Conflict While Confidence Holds Firm
UK Royal Navy Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Debate Intensifies Over Capability and Readiness
Reform UK Faces Mounting Distractions as Policy Agenda Struggles to Gain Traction
Investigation Launched Into Northern Cyprus IVF Clinics After UK Families Receive Incorrect Sperm
International Meeting Issues Unified Call to Safeguard Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz
Potential Strait of Hormuz Closure Raises Concerns Over UK Food and Medicine Supply Chains
UK Leads Coalition of Over Forty Nations Urging Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
UK Secures Tariff-Free Access for Medicines in Landmark US Pharma Trade Agreement
King Charles III Invited to Address Joint Session of U.S. Congress in Rare Diplomatic Honor
Debate Grows Over Whether Expanded North Sea Drilling Can Reduce UK Energy Bills
UK Faces Heightened Risk of Jet Fuel Shortages, Airline Chief Warns
UK Ends Police Investigations into Lawful Social Media Posts After Review Finds Overreach
Abramovich Moves to Establish Charity for Frozen Chelsea Sale Proceeds Amid UK Dispute
Starmer Reaffirms NATO Commitment While Responding to Trump’s Strategic Critique
UK Aid Reductions Raise Fears of Severe Human Impact Across Parts of Africa
UK Signals Renewed Push for EU Cooperation as Iran Conflict Reshapes Security Landscape
Bank of England Signals Caution as Bailey Advises Markets Against Expecting Rate Hikes
UK to Convene Global Coalition to Restore Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz
Trump Signals Possible NATO Reassessment, Emphasizes Stronger U.S. Strategic Autonomy
Australia Joins British-Led Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions
King Charles Plans US State Visit as UK Strengthens Ties with Trump Leadership
UK Regulator Launches Investigation Into Microsoft’s Business Software Practices
Kanye West Set for High-Profile Return to UK Stage at Wireless Festival
Trump Presses Europe to Strengthen Commitment as Iran Conflict Escalates
UK to Deploy Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions
UK Authorities Face Claims of Heavy-Handed Measures in Monitoring Released Pro-Palestine Activists
Trump Calls on UK to Secure Its Own Energy as Iran Conflict Intensifies
Nigel Farage Declines Invitation to UK Conservative Conference Led by Liz Truss
Trump Warns Allies to Take Responsibility as Rift Deepens with UK and France Over Iran Conflict
How Britain’s Prime Minister Controls U.S. Bomber Access in Escalating Iran Conflict
Trump Urges Allies to Secure Their Own Oil Supplies as Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Energy
Russia Expels British Diplomat as UK Pushes Back Against Pressure
White House App Faces Scrutiny After Claims of Continuous User Location Tracking
BBC Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations of Paid Content Linked to Saudi Arabia
UK-France Coastal Patrol Agreement Nears Breakdown Amid Migration Pressures
UK Police Detain Pro-Palestine Activist Again Weeks After Bail Release
FTSE 100 Advances as Energy and Mining Shares Gain Amid Middle East Tensions
Eli Lilly Seeks UK Pricing Deal to Unlock Renewed Pharmaceutical Investment
Three Arrested in UK After Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered Hidden in Banana Shipment
UK Fuel Prices Poised for Further Surge Amid Global Energy Pressures
Apple Subsidiary Penalized by UK Authorities for Breach of Moscow Sanctions
Western Allies Intensify Coordinated Sanctions Strategy Against Russia
UK Lawmakers Face Criticism Over Renewed Push for Social Media Restrictions
Starmer Signals UK Crackdown on Addictive Social Media Features
Rising Costs Push One in Five UK Hospitality Businesses to the Brink of Closure
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder After Car Strikes Pedestrians in UK, Injuring Seven
Escalating Conflict Involving Iran Tightens Fiscal Pressures and Highlights UK Economic Vulnerabilities
UK Moves to Confront Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Operating in Its Waters
×