Step into a story. The Baule is a curated guest room in a nearly 100-year-old Toronto home, woven with Italian family heritage, a blooming wisteria garden, and a breakfast that feels like arriving in Nonna's kitchen. Hosted by Rocco and Nancy.
The space
The story behind the name
At the heart of this room sits a deep blue chest—il baule—that crossed the Atlantic in the early 1960s, carrying Sabatino's belongings and his family's hope for a new life in Canada. Today it sits quietly in the corner, a keeper of stories. When you stay here, you're not just booking a room. You're stepping into a chapter of that journey.
The room
Our guest room, approximately 485 sq. ft., occupies the lower level of a nearly century-old Midtown Toronto home. It's a space where personal stories meet considered design: a queen-sized bed with a new mattress, a private attached bathroom with a large shower, and a sitting area anchored by the baule itself, two vintage red chairs, and warm evening lamp light.
A curated "work and brew" corner—once the heart of Antonia's kitchen—now holds a Famivorths espresso maker, an electric kettle, a toaster, and a small fridge. The space is perfect for starting the day slowly, as it should be.
The room has its own Smart TV, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and a geometric rug that grounds the whole room in colour and comfort.
Please note: the room door does not have a lock. This space is a home built on trust, shared openly with guests who value that spirit. Our family occupies the upper level.
The breakfast
Every morning, Nancy prepares an Italian breakfast—homemade sweets, fresh espresso, or cappuccino—and you're warmly invited to join us. If you'd prefer a quiet, independent start, that's equally welcome. There is no expectation, only an open door.
The garden
Beyond the suite, our walled garden is yours to enjoy. There are more than 30 trees, real grass, lavender, wisteria, and flowering beds that shift colour throughout every season. In the spring and summer, the fragrances are extraordinary. In the fall, the garden puts on its finest display. Sit under the wisteria. Read. Listen to the birds at the feeders. The city will wait.
The experience add-on
For guests who'd like to go deeper, Nancy offers an Italian cooking session—you cook together, you eat together, and you share a glass of wine. This is a truly unique opportunity in a city known for its abundance of restaurants. Ask us about availability when you book.
(Additional cost: $100 CAD per couple)
The neighbourhood
We're in a prestigious Midtown neighbourhood, a 5-minute walk from the TTC bus that connects to Eglinton subway station in 12 minutes. Restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops are within easy walking distance. Downtown Toronto is 15 minutes by car or a straight subway ride (depending on the time of driving)
Who stays here
Professionals seeking a peaceful base. Artists and academics wanting character without noise. Couples on a romantic getaway. Families visiting relatives nearby. Anyone who'd rather sleep in a story than in a box.
Our home is not suited to parties, commercial stays, or short-term encounters. It is a home, lovingly shared.
For World Cup 2026 guests
Toronto hosts six FIFA World Cup matches at BMO Field (June 12, 17, 20, 23, 26, and July 2).
The Baule is a fully licensed Toronto short-term rental (STR-2407-FQVBPQ), registered to Rocco Maragna, who has lived in this city for decades and knows it the way visitors never can.
While thousands of travellers chase last-minute accommodations during the tournament, our guests book with confidence—a vetted, licensed, and storied home in the hands of hosts who are genuinely glad you're here.
Why gamble during the World Cup rush? You're booking peace of mind.
Guest access
Nancy will greet you at the main entrance or the side entrance. You will go down eight risers to reach the room.
Our guests have access to the entire guest room on the lower level. You're welcome to enjoy our garden, which includes more than 30 trees, real grass, lavender, and flowers that create a spectacular display of colours in the fall.
Meanwhile, in the spring and summer months, the backyard is filled with a multitude of fragrances. Desiring some peace, you can sit under the wisteria and read a book, while many birds will try to distract you with their songs and dance around the bird feeders.
During your stay
Nancy and I will be available during your stay to help or answer any questions you may have.
We value providing our guests with the freedom to choose the level of interaction they prefer. We strive to ensure that our guests feel at ease and welcome in our home.
In the mornings, you can join us for an Italian breakfast with homemade sweets and an espresso or cappuccino, or opt for a more independent start to your day.
If you're planning a trip to Italy, we'd be thrilled to share our travel insights with you.
Other things to note
We love welcoming guests who treat our home with the same care and respect they would their own.
No Instant Book—we review all guest profiles before confirming
No third-party reservations
Guests are happy to answer a few friendly questions before booking
Guests must have verified ID and positive reviews from previous hosts
Visitors not permitted
Shoes off at the door
Check-in: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm (contact us for late arrivals—we're flexible)
Checkout: before 11:00 am
These steps help ensure we’re a wonderful match and make your stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Please note: the room’s height is 2.03 meters (6 ft., 8 in.), whereas the headroom where the curated "work and brew" corner opens into the sleeping area is 1.82 meters (6 ft., 0 in.). Guests taller than 1.80 meters will be able to cross the threshold with a minimum bending of their bodies.
We have no CABLE in our house.
Registration details
STR-2407-FQVBPQ
