Toronto real estate news continues to be a very hot topic.

This week, a house at 117 Yorkview Dr. in North York is under the microscope because it has an endearing British pub in the basement — and an incredible back garden.

The house is owned by Ivor and Irene Demsky, who raised their family here but are now retiring and intend to downsize.

The four-bedroom house, priced at just under $1.7 million, is listed withof HomeLife Frontier Realty.

The Demskys have transformed the house over the last 18 years. It was built in 1955.

Ivor Demsky is a carpenter and builder and he completely refurbished much of the interior.That’s why the house is full of custom cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms and has such beautiful hardwood floors.

Demsky said in a brief interview Tuesday that the house has been renovated and maintained over the years, leaving everything in like-new condition.

“Houses were built much better then than they are now. It’s a solid brick house, with a solid brick chimney — nothing is expanding or shrinking. These houses were built for forever.”

And not every house has its own pub.

“The bar is my pride and joy,” said Demsky.

He and his wife became enamoured with British pubs while living in England. The large wood-burning fireplace is the focal point of the room, and while the space is beautifully done up — complete with dartboard, mock Tudor wood detail and many other proper embellishments of your neighbourhood local — it isn’t cave-like.