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At a former church, this loft is like no other
Listed for $1.65-million, the light-filled, offbeat Bell Tower has $350,000 worth of upgrades
Connie Adair, National Post
With a mix of modern and medieval, the Bell Tower suite is a place that piques the interest of the visitor, makes them think — and makes them smile.
The former Howard Park Methodist Church on Sunnyside Avenue, in the Parkside and Bloor neighbourhood, once housed a nursery school, an auditorium, a basketball court and pews for more than 1,000 parishioners. The massive 1910 stone structure was bought by a developer in the early 2000s and was converted into residential lofts. In 2008, the first occupants began moving into The Abbey suites, no two of which are alike.
The Abbey Lofts — 384 Sunnyside Avenue
The owners of the Bell Tower put much thought and cash (about $350,000) into serious and not-so-serious upgrades throughout the 2,700-square-foot interior and 550-sq.-ft. exterior spaces (MLS# W1889416).
From the original 26-foot high cathedral ceiling in the open-concept living area to the industrial kitchen, exposed limestone walls and pipes to modern granites, this suite is “modern meets Gothic romance,” says real estate agent Lynn Tribbling of Coldwell Banker Terrequity Realty.
Wide open white spaces are punctuated with vibrant stained glass that stretches two storeys high and draws the eye upward, the visitor’s gaze stopping only to notice a lamb statue, or two, resting atop limestone outcroppings.
Subtle artwork in the hall takes the form of “wall spirits,” Ms. Tribbling says. “Parts of a nun and a pope peek out from the wall — a nose, half of a pope’s hat, a hand holding a candle — with musing rather than scary faces.”
Granite floors in the living room have insets of 32×32-inch etched-glass floor art. In the foyer, a Holstein “holy cow” statue stands beside massive wood bookshelves reminiscent of the stacks at the University of Toronto library, she says.
The space was designed to be not only beautiful, but functional too. The sleek kitchen, “the beating heart of the main floor,” has no upper cabinetry for a clean look, she says. “A 20-foot walk-in pantry was added to offer much-needed storage and a place to keep a wine collection.”
A highly polished stainless steel staircase offers access to the upper levels, where there is a master bedroom with an ensuite spa bathroom complete with shoji screens, a spa tub, heated floors and a door to one of three terraces.
The third-floor office, where the owners, a university professor and a school principal, write books and prepare speaking notes, is a minimalist space drenched in natural light.
The outdoor turret landing has artificial grass, Ms. Tribbling says. “The owners were recently shopping for an antique lawn mower to put on the artificial grass.”
From the top of the church tower are lake and park views.
The media room, the only room that isn’t white, has red walls and stained glass windows. It’s like being inside a glass paperweight, Ms. Tribbling says.
So fun, serious and interesting is the space that a photographer friend of the owners insisted on capturing it in an art book.
“The suite offers numerous features and art to keep the mind fed. There is no downtown cookie cutter loft here,” Ms. Tribbling says. “Abbey Lofts were sold with little fanfare. Academics live here — professors, lawyers and people who think for a living.”
But if it’s not to the next owner’s taste, the art and decor can simply be removed to transform the space into whatever the new owner desires, she says. “You could even do a Canadiana look with a simple wood table and church pews.”
The Bell Tower suite is listed for sale for $1.65-million.
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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information - 416−388−1960
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