News

264 Seaton St., No. 101

What: An authentic loft in Cabbagetown that was once the office of a news publication and that has been completely renovated.

• Living space: 1,462 square feet
• Asking price: $689,000
• Taxes: $2,848 (2007)
• Agents: Donna and Nick Thompson, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.

Amenities: This contemporary condo loft has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as two gas fireplaces and two spiral staircases.

Its living room, with a fireplace and a series of large windows on one side, adjoins the kitchen, which features an island, countertops and Jenn-Air appliances — all stainless steel.

Across from the cooking area is a dining space, which is currently used as a den, and one of the spiral staircases, which leads to a second bedroom that overlooks the main floor.

The master suite contains the second fireplace and staircase to an open dressing area and laundry, as well as a six-piece bathroom with heated floors, two vanities and a combined Roman tub and shower with dual rain showerheads.

Other amenities include an en suite locker, a private rooftop terrace accessed from outside the unit, and parking in an above-grade garage.

A monthly fee of $594 covers water and security. There are no elevators to maintain.

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The businessman who bought this authentic loft in Cabbagetown after viewing 30 to 40 others says it's better than anything he has seen — not just in Toronto, but in New York and Paris.

Many of those he looked at had less headroom for his six-foot-two frame, conventional features and finishes, and elevators that had to be shared with hundreds of neighbours.

The contemporary, ground-floor suite at the Evening Telegram Lofts had undergone some custom renovations prior to his moving in a few months ago, but the owner, who asked that his name not be used, further enhanced the loft.

A showpiece of the unit is the master bathroom, finished with slate and mosaic tiles, his and hers stainless-steel vanities with vessel sinks, and a large, combined tub and shower with dual rain showerheads.

"The shower is a problem because I can't seem to get out of it," the owner says. "You take a shower, then you realize you've been in there for 45 minutes. It's really great."

Donna Thompson, who is listing the property with husband, Nick, says she has seen many bathrooms, but none like this one. "The ultra-chic master en suite bathroom is a real jaw-dropper. It's truly an oasis, like having your very own spa."

It exemplifies the cool aesthetic, uniqueness and functional layout of the 1,462-square-foot loft, which the owner says he wouldn't leave if he didn't have a business opportunity abroad.

"It was so unique, unlike anything else I'd seen," he says. "I've never enjoyed living somewhere so much."

The building was constructed in the early 1930s and once housed the Toronto Evening Telegram, founded in 1876. A few years ago, the structure was converted into a loft residence, one of few in an area well-known for its Victorian homes, Ms. Thompson says.

"It's an undervalued building," the agent adds. "Not a lot of people know about it."

The owner says he loves the vibrancy of the neighbourhood — which is packed with upscale restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and galleries — as well as the tranquillity of this own unit.

"It's a very small, 10-unit, boutique building in a really cool residential area, and that's extremely hard to find," he explains.

"The floor between me and the people upstairs must be 12-feet thick. It's very quiet."

Inside, original architectural elements remain, such as 16-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls and open-concept spaces.

"You can do really neat things that are really high," the owner says. His favourite pieces include 10-foot bamboo poles in a planter by the large windows in the living room and a huge movie poster featuring Marlon Brando.

A 10-foot, one-way mirror between the kitchen and master suite provides a dramatic backdrop for a porcelain ball.

Providing warmth in the colder months are gas fireplaces with suede mantels in both living room and master suite, as well as a heated hardwood floor on a raised platform for the bed.

"That's a neat thing, to have it be cozy and be open," the owner says.

The stylish kitchen includes cherry oak cabinetry; several high-end appliances, including a gas stove; stainless-steel countertops; and a matching island with a breakfast bar.

"People can watch as you cook," says the owner, who was once in the restaurant business. "It's great for entertaining."

Other visually appealing elements include sandstone tile floors and various lighting treatments — from pot lights to hanging ceiling fixtures.

A spiral staircase connects the principal room to a mezzanine level bedroom, and another such staircase in the sleeping quarters of the master suite lead up to an open loft dressing area/laundry room with built-in shelving.

"Two dramatic spiral staircases, chic lighting throughout and stainless-steel accents give the loft a really contemporary, urban vibe," Ms. Thompson says.

The suite also has a private outdoor space overlooking the city. "Everybody has got their own private rooftop deck, which I use every day," the owner says.

Thinking about the number of lofts he visited before he found this one, he admits he's not that optimistic about finding something similar elsewhere.

"I always wanted to live in a loft, but this exceeded my expectations by far."

Special to The Globe and Mail