By Martha Uniacke Breen
Imagine yourself on holiday in an exotic, tropical locale half a world away. It’s early morning; you wake to the sweet sound of birdsong, as the sun shines softly through the windows. You rise and walk through French doors onto your own private patio, and enjoy morning coffee and a croissant under the trees as you contemplate the perfect, stress-free day ahead.
Should you have a morning dip in the saltwater pool? An energizing workout in the private gym, perhaps, or a sauna and a pampering visit to the spa? Later, maybe some retail therapy is in order – some of the world’s best shopping is just a short drive away. You’ll finish the day with a movie screened just for you, or meet friends for post-sunset drinks on the patio.
Actually, it’s not your imagination. This is not some exclusive five-star resort in a romantic paradise far from home. It is home – or it would be, if you lived in this exquisite luxury home nestled in one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
You’ll know the house is special from the moment you alight on the elegant circular driveway.
The front elevation extends gracefully over a full 150 feet of frontage, unusual even for a neighbourhood where spacious, elegantly landscaped lots and architect-designed custom homes are the norm. The wide frontage allows it to expand, palace-like, into graceful “wings” on either side.
Under a porte cochère-style portico, the front door opens into an octagonal central foyer, awash in sunlight from the classic oculus skylight two storeys above. The home was made for entertaining; you might welcome guests for cocktails by the fire in the living room, or host an elegant dinner party in the formal dining room. Both rooms feature double arched French windows overlooking a beautifully landscaped front garden.
But it’s equally tailor-made for family life, whether you’re raising the next generation, or empty nesters looking to welcome grandkids for an afternoon visit or to stay overnight… or longer. The neighbourhood is host to some of the finest public and private schools in the city, and recreational and sports clubs are nearby for racquet sports or simply having fun.
Whether you’re a gourmet chef, an enthusiastic amateur, or prefer to leave the cooking to professionals, the kitchen was designed with creating memorable meals in mind. Shaker-style cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, and granite counters provide a wealth of storage and prep areas, equally efficient for catering staff, or preparing an intimate meal for two.
The entire house is oriented towards the breathtaking, resort-style patio and saltwater pool in the private walled garden at the back, which spans the full 150-foot width of the property. Virtually every room in the rear part of the house has doors that open to it – a design touch more common to homes in Florida or California than Toronto.
After a dip in the luxurious pool, towel off and kick back with friends and family around the firepit as the sun goes down. Behind the main seating area, there’s a stretch of lawn where the kids can play, and grownups can sit under the mature trees with a glass of something cool. At the opposite end, sit down for dinner al fresco under a classic Greek-style pergola, a perfect refuge on a hot summer day.
The lower level is an entertainer’s dream, perfect for hosting the gang for a game of billiards, drinks or a movie in the home theatre. Down here, you’ll find a fully featured bar with a drinks fridge, microwave for popcorn or snacks, and a temperature-controlled wine storage unit. Other rooms are ready to finish for use as a private gym or spa. There’s a self-contained nanny suite and extra guest bedroom on this level as well.
But your favourite place to unwind will always be the primary bedroom suite, tucked away on the east wing of the main floor. It’s the epitome of comfort, style and privacy – from the floor-to-ceiling glass shelves surrounding the fireplace, to the luxurious six-piece European-style ensuite, to the two separate walk-in closets and their smartly designed built-ins. In summer, open the French doors and take your coffee and laptop outside by the pool; in winter, curl up in the window-lined seating area and watch the snow gently falling outside. It’s close, yet somehow miles away from ordinary life.
Once you’ve experienced life in this exceptional home, you’ll never want to leave. Why would you, when you have it all here?
