337 Wellesley Street East is a restored red brick Victorian in Toronto's Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Built in 1902 and designated a heritage property, the majestic three-storey semi featuring the original butler's staircase is listed for $1,358,000.

Like many older houses, this one's been tastefully gutted and manicured to fit into an area where real estate is hotter than java from Jet Fuel. A neighbourhood once deemed one of the poorest slums in the city, properties are now soaring past the million dollar range.

Post renovations, the main floor is open with a modern teak staircase acting as a partition between the living and dining room, and a maple wood kitchen leading out to the landscaped yard. The perfect space for hide-and-go-seek with a second hidden staircase (the butler's stairs) tucked away in the kitchen.

The second and third floors house the bedrooms and a large upper deck with an outdoor fireplace and backdrop of the city. The finished basement features a separate entrance---a quiet retreat for overnight guests---and a surprisingly spacious wine cellar with reclaimed wood barn doors.

SPECS

• Address: 337 Wellesley Street East
• Price: $1,358,000
• Lot Size: 19 x 128 FT
• Bedrooms: 4+1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Taxes: $5,562
• Walk Score: 92

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Three-storey heritage Victorian
• Exposed brick
• Two staircases including the original butler's stairs
• Indoor and outdoor fireplaces
• Rooftop deck
• Reclaimed barn doors
• Finished basement with wine cellar
• South-facing landscaped garden

GOOD FOR

Fans of preserved mid-century architecture. When the house was renovated several years ago, the owner was careful to conserve some of the original features like the brick facade, flooring and the secret second staircase. The end result is a modern heritage home that still blends nicely into the neighbourhood.

MOVE ON IF

You want a sprawling master suite. This four plus one Victorian can be transformed into a five bedroom with renovations to the third floor. The master and ensuite is currently on the second level and the third floor is used as an office and small room. Add a little vision (and cash), and the space becomes one of those HGTV makeover bedrooms. Would you love it or list it?

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

Worth the $1.3M asking price? Have your say in the comments.