Toronto’s got a terrible reputation for demolishing its historic architecture, which is why this Cabbagetown home is something novel: it features a Victorian cottage inside an 80s shell.

The three-bedroom Toronto property was designed by Michael Hatch in 1982 and preserves an original two-storey gardener’s cottage from the 1860s, with a new structure built around it. Hatch used the cottage’s red brick facade as a striking architectural feature in the living room, layering history with the new.

Industrial touches include a twisting steel and glass staircase that twists the height of 414 Sumach Street’s glass capped atrium. Steel countertops and appliances in the living room also add to the vibe.

Sliding glass doors open onto the backyard, and the main bedroom has a second-floor sundeck.

It’s undergone a total renovation and is listed for sale via Sotheby’s International Realty Canada for $3.195m.

[Via BlogTo]

This red cabin on Canada’s Lake Ontario is a cosy autumn retreat