Sometimes peace comes at a price as Russell Winch discovered after purchasing the dilapidated rental property at 1029 Amsterdam Avenue. When he bought the home in 1997, it had been a rental property for over forty years. Needless to say, that put the home in such a state of disrepair that holding walls began falling during renovation. The original three-bedroom, two-bath 1930’s Craftsman Bungalow was reconfigured for more openness, and the attic was finished to add a second floor. Throughout the process, Russell worked with a Toronto architect/furniture designer to create seamless Scandinavian interior structures that celebrate the space with Asian accents. The result is incredible. It actually softens the heartiness of the Craftsman frame with a serene breeze of lines and light. Three French doors from the garden room open up to a patio and Japanese garden. Mahogany wood frame exteriors and Asian-inspired fencing enclose the outdoor space with warmth inviting guests to stay a while longer. When you meander through the downstairs hallway near the open bedroom look up at what’s hanging on the wall. The unusual glass structure serves as a doorbell, while hinting at surprises, and even pointing you in the direction you should go to find them: downstairs. A staircase made from oak treads takes you below. When you arrive, a beautiful mosaic marble floor introduces the palace Russell created for all his favorite vintages. Of course, it took him almost three years of renovations, half of which he had to actually live through day-in-and-day-out, before he could really relax and enjoy a glass. Lucky for you, a simple walk up the rosemary path and you’ll have done your due to soak up the serenity inside.