Kerrisdale Cottage

A Smallworks laneway house with a brown exterior, blue front door, and modern architectural details, nestled among trees in a quiet residential neighbourhood.

Laneway house?  A Decision Journey.   A Poem by D’Anne Davis

Elegant stained glass window detail on a Smallworks laneway house door.

In this old house there is nothing I lack but I feel it’s time for a shack in the back. A smaller, smarter space would need less work, less care, less coin, indeed.

Though obviously past its prime – like me – this, century old house, you would agree has lots of space for more than one. But for one or some, work needs be done. Needs muscle and coin, not just a few, for upkeep, services, taxes too.

A framed skylight showing tree branches and a crescent moon in a laneway house.
Warm light glowing from the entryway of a modern dark-clad laneway house.

Shack cost went up since first discussed, interest rates too, so lots of fuss but I want to go on; I’ll try not to fret about the necessary depth of the debt. Frugality I’ve known before; on many a test, I reached high scores.

"Just sell your house" of course, I’m told "and buy a condo" with the gold. Can’t follow the friends that took that route; this house still serves without a doubt for parties, houseguests, gatherings, and, for musicians who play in Jamie’s band. I have affection for this place for memories, as well as its aged grace.

Rectangular black-framed window in a laneway house, allowing sunset light to filter in.
Close-up of dark wood shingle siding on a Smallworks-built laneway house.

And I love the land, the soil, mud. (perhaps a hint of Midwestern blood) with playground, patio, bushes, trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, bees.

To buy a house in this dear city damned hard right now and that’s a pity. So one more reason to save the farm and it’s ok to build a barn. contract – signed

Exterior view of a brown-clad laneway house with dormer windows and a landscaped pathway.

Specification

Year Built2024
Home Size900 sq ft
Floors2
Bedrooms2
Bathrooms1.5
Lot Size76.5 x 147 ft
A warm, inviting laneway home with a dark wood exterior, steep roofline, and lush greenery surrounding the entrance.
A bright, modern kitchen featuring white cabinetry, warm wood accents, and soft lighting in a Smallworks laneway house.
A stylish living room with vaulted ceilings, large windows, and a modern yet cozy aesthetic in a Smallworks laneway house.
A well-lit walk-in closet with custom built-in shelving and hardwood flooring in a Smallworks laneway house.
A cozy wooden window seat with a view of lush greenery in a Smallworks laneway house.
A sleek and modern bathroom vanity with a dark countertop, white cabinetry, and decorative plants in a Smallworks laneway home.
A stylish and space-efficient laundry nook featuring a stacked washer and dryer next to a window in a Smallworks laneway house.

Kerrisdale Cottage Floor Plan

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Floorplan

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A charming laneway house entrance with a blue door, warm brown siding, and a welcoming front step.