An Edwardian house where time stands still sounds like the beginning of an excellent crime novel, but it also describes 17 Bowden St. in great detail.
With its empty rooms, strange pieces of furniture left behind, and pristine interiors that date back decades, everything gives the impression that it’s been a while since anyone has been here.
Although the house looks abandoned, perhaps it was just waiting for someone with a passion for restoration and renovation to revive its splendor?
The front poarch.
Behind the weathered facade lies an extraordinary house.
The family room and the living room.
With a classically beautiful interior (ignore the carpeting) and all the charm and character of a historic home, it’s hard not to fall in love with 17 Bowden St.
The back of the house and the wide driveway.
The sprawling 3,365-square-foot home sits on a 40-by-144-foot lot with a wide private driveway that leads to an extremely rare four-car garage.
The garage.
The garage may look the scariest, but offers enough space for a car collection or an innovative expansion.
The four car garage.
It could also easily be converted into a laneway suite as stated in the report. 
A view from the family room.
The main house itself offers eight bedrooms, four bathrooms and spacious main rooms.
The library on the second floor.
The high ceilings and abundance of natural light give you an idea of how spectacular this home could be.
A bedroom.
And despite its worn appearance, potential buyers will be pleased to know that the property is in excellent condition.
A bedroom with original wooden floors.
The listing notes that there is updated wiring, which is honestly a godsend considering how difficult it is to insure a home with knob and tube wiring or how expensive it is to replace it .
The family room with fireplace and bay window.
The potential of 17 Bowden St. is limitless – especially if you like old houses with a bit of character.
The foyer and the staircase.
The original fireplaces, wood trim and moldings, stained glass windows, and built-in bookcases are starting points for any renovation.
The kitchen on the ground floor.
Real estate agents Audrey Azad and Brent Crawford mention that new owners may opt for simple cosmetic changes such as painting, flooring, updating windows, kitchen and bathrooms in order to move in immediately.
One of the bathrooms.
However, I’m not sure that’s “easy” considering some of these things are pretty extensive changes and it’s more like a complete renovation.
A bedroom.
But on the other hand, a complete renovation is also exciting and you can use the house to its full potential, probably doubling the value of the house.
Built-in bookshelves in the library.
This isn’t just a house; It’s an invitation to transform a forgotten gem into a dream home.
The second kitchen on the second floor.
The 17 Bowden St. home is also big enough to be converted into a multiplex, and considering there are already two kitchens, that’s not much of a stretch.
An aerial view of the house and large back deck.
It is also an ideal location for renting. Centrally located in the heart of Riverdale, this property offers the appeal of convenience without sacrificing the tranquility of a desirable street.
A bathroom with wood paneling.
A short walk takes you to the subway, while bustling Danforth awaits with its eclectic selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.
A look at the property.
17 Bowden St. is listed for $2,795,000, but with a little love, elbow grease, and creativity, it could be worth a lot more.