Enormous $7.5M townhome has a special history and just hit the market

Toronto is no stranger to church conversions, and over the years, we’ve seen dozens of historic sanctuaries transformed into multi-unit condos, each trying to squeeze a bit of soul into the standard boxy layouts.

But the former 1888 Victorian church at Palmerston Boulevard and College Street took a very different path, thanks to custom home designer Joe Brennan.

Back in 2010, Brennan persuaded the developers to ditch the condo blueprint and go with luxury townhomes instead. The result? A rare blend of history and high-end design that sets this property apart from your typical conversion.

One of those townhomes — 314 Palmerston Blvd. —is now on the market, and it’s a behemoth.

Housed in the church’s former rectory, this four-bedroom, seven-bathroom home offers a jaw-dropping 7,690 square feet of living space. Yes, you read that right: nearly 8,000 square feet in a townhouse.

But don’t expect gothic arches or stained glass here. This space leans hard into modern minimalism. Think clean lines, vast open-concept rooms, a muted palette, and a focus on texture and light over ornamentation.

The soaring 14- and 18-foot ceilings, enormous windows, and a vaulted skylight remind you you’re living inside something special — even if it doesn’t wear its history on its sleeve.

The main floor features an open-concept living room, dining area, and sleek modern kitchen — perfect for entertaining.

A fireplace adds a touch of warmth, while a cozy library/home office rounds out the space.

Upstairs, each of the four bedrooms comes with its own ensuite bathroom decked out in subtle marble finishes.

The primary suite adds a touch of luxury with another fireplace and a walk-in dressing room that feels more boutique than bedroom closet.

The third floor includes two more bedrooms and a family room, while the rooftop terrace — shared with other residents — looks like a fancy hotel rooftop patio.

There’s a full outdoor kitchen, multiple lounging zones, and views of the CN Tower.

If sharing isn’t your thing, no worries, as there’s also a private walled patio just off the main living space.

Downstairs, there’s even more room — a fifth bedroom (currently used as a gym), a two-car garage, and plenty of storage.

Listed at $7,500,000, this home’s current owners are asking nearly $2 million more than it sold for in 2016.

It’s a bold ask for a townhouse, even one this spacious and well-located. And while the square footage and modern luxury are impressive, some buyers might feel the price tag falls short in one key area: character.

Unlike many church conversions that celebrate their roots with exposed beams, leaded glass, and ornate mouldings, this unit plays it straight.

There’s little visible trace of its Victorian past, which could leave design lovers craving a bit more soul.

Still, if you’re after a massive, low-maintenance home in one of Toronto’s most charming neighbourhoods — one with modern bones and a storied past — 314 Palmerston Blvd. may just hit the mark.