Photo: Susan Armstrong © 2013 Houzz
Ron and Howard's townhouse is at the end of the row, and offered a unique opportunity for a side addition. The land to the side and front of their house, shown here, is home to a very special tree: a historic black walnut, with protected status. (Not shown). Because of the tree, building on the entire site was not permitted. Restriction yielded to opportunity, since the extra width at the rear of the house adds side-by-side living spaces rare in downtown Toronto with its narrow lots.
The tall cedars to the left of the image are another example of restriction leading to a smart idea: a barrier this high was needed for privacy but a fence would not have conformed to code.
Striking from this angle, is how the more classic limestone facade of the townhouses juxtaposes and yet marries well, with the more contemporary red brick of the side addition.
The Annex is a walkable area full of fascinating period homes, small urban parks and quirky shopping and dining on nearby Bloor Street.