Serafin's house is a true Victorian townhouse, beautifully decorated and kept up, and a delight to stay in. While most of the listings in Toronto are for generic glass box condo spaces, the beautiful wood floors, stained glass windows, period runners in the hallway and on the stairs, fabulous staircase and moldings make this a unique time machine of a place to stay, yet only one short block from the subway at Yonge Street. While the main floor goes for period decor, the kitchen is fully updated with stainless steel appliances including a huge fridge/freezer and dishwasher; and there is even a jacuzzi tub in the bath upstairs that I never tried but looks heavenly. Adjacent to the bedroom is a den furnished in comfortably modern style, with a huge plush chaise that is the most comfortable thing I have ever sat - or reclined - in: I defy anyone not to be in full nap mode three minutes after settling into it. I could have spent whole weekend afternoons reading and dozing in this chair, in this room with its bright southern exposure. But the city is at your doorstep, with everything you could need a block or two away, including gourmet 24-hour food shops; 24 hour pharmacy, TD bank and ATM, multiple cleaners, Starbucks on Yonge and Second Cup on Church for coffee at either end of the street; and an urban strolling vibe on Church Street on sunny weekends just yards from the front gate. A few minutes walk uptown brings you to the "Mink Mile" on Bloor and to Yorkville; a few minutes walk downtown leads to the heart of old Toronto, plus the amazing Loblaws supermarket in the Old Maple Leaf Gardens with its wall of cheese, which is worth a trip even if you don't buy. For a winter stay such as mine, the house is fully insulated and well heated and always warm when I wanted it to be. Serafin met me to explain the house and was charming and entertaining company at the start of my stay, as well as immediately accessible and responsive when I had questions or requests during my stay. A cleaning woman comes in every two weeks, and takes care of the house, so that all you need do is take out the garbage on an extended stay. There is even a neighbor to magically show up and shovel and salt the front walk and stairs. I loved coming home to "my house" every evening and settling into "my chair" to watch my shows and doze off (be aware that there is no cable so if watching real-time TV shows is important to your stay, this is not the optimal property; but there are loads of films and recordings of TV series you can play, as well as a direct Netflix connection, and a huge library of books). A sunroom attached to the bedroom heats up quickly even in winter if you want to use it at all,...