288 Annette Street is not necessarily what you would expect from a 133-year-old house. The exterior has been carefully maintained -- the brick facade is bright, the spindle work is perfectly intact, a corner tower topped with an octagonal roof extends strikingly into the sky -- meanwhile, the interior is modern and pristine.
It’s a shining example of Queen Anne revival Victorian architecture and a piece of Toronto’s rich history.
The home was built in 1889 by Canadian architect John H. Elliot and Scottish architect Wilm Knox for Theodore Heintzman. Heintzman, founder of the Heintzman Piano Factory, lived in the home until his death in 1899.
Thereafter, the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (WTJHS) advocated for the historical importance of the home. In 1981, the Heintzman House -- also known as “The Birches” -- was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
While the exterior of the home has been meticulously preserved, the interior has been extensively updated. The most recent renovation was completed in 2012.
On the main floor of the home, you’ll find 11-foot ceilings, an open-concept living and dining area, and a renovated kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen has walkout access to a fenced backyard.
On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms, a custom-built closet, and a bathroom equipped with a steam shower and Carrera marble. The third bedroom -- the primary -- is on the uppermost floor. The focal point of the primary is a masonry fireplace and the ensuite is spa-like, including a Japanese sunken whirlpool tub, heated floors, and a rain shower.
The home also includes a basement level, which is renovated with eight-foot ceilings. The lowermost level has a second living area, a three-piece bathroom, and the potential to accommodate an additional bedroom.
“This was a great home for the current owners who are young professionals, so I could see another professional couple calling this property home,” says Rahim Jaffer, a real estate agent with Properly and the listing agent for 288 Annette Street. “I could see a young family living there too. Some of the best schools in the area are right across the street and the size and layout of the home would lend well to giving the entire family their space and comfort.”
Our Favourite Thing
It’s not often that you can own a little piece of history, but the future owners of Heintzman House will get just that. At the same time, you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the elegance of the historical architecture.
Between the four floors, 288 Annette Street offers up close to 2,500 sq. ft of living space. In addition, EV chargers are installed on-site.
The future homeowners will be able to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and amenities of the Junction. High Park and the University of Toronto are just 20-minutes away by car.
The Specs:
- Address: 288 Annette Street
- Bedrooms: 3+1
- Bathrooms: 3
- Price: $1,499,000
- Lot: 20 x 130 ft
- Listed by:Rahim Jaffer, Properly