The story dates back to 1912, when contractor Arthur Weeden built a home on a narrow strip of land intended as a laneway. With the City never having installed a curb cut for vehicle access, Weeden put the unused space to good use.
In a 1939 interview, he explained that rather than leave the land vacant, he decided to build on it.
Born in England, Weeden immigrated to Canada in 1902 and lived in the Little House with his wife for about 20 years, staying another six after her death.
Despite the limited space, he maintained a backyard vegetable garden, growing tomatoes, cabbages, Swiss chard, and rhubarb.
Inside, the home measures just 300 square feet, less than half the 659-square-foot average for Toronto high- and mid-rise condos built since 2017, according to MPAC’s 2022 report. Its open-concept layout has featured a Murphy bed that must be raised to access the back door, along with a kitchen, washroom, and hardwood floors documented in previous listings.
The Little House gained national attention in January 2008, when realtor Cristina Lopes featured it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Although it didn’t sell at the time, the property reportedly sold for $173,000 in 2010.
According to a 2025 report by YourCityWithIN, HouseSigma estimated the property’s value at approximately $445,000 in 2024, though this was an estimate rather than a confirmed sale price.
While the Little House is a Toronto curiosity, it’s still a private residence. Visitors should admire it from the sidewalk, take a quick photo, and respect the residents’ privacy. It’s a reminder that some of Toronto’s most surprising hidden gems are hiding in plain sight.
