In a city like Toronto, the likelihood of finding a newly constructed detached home for under $2,500,000 in the city centre is on par with finding a pigeon-free park bench. But for those who have the patience and the perseverance, a different challenge arises: architectural styling. Toronto’s aging housing stock – anywhere from 100 to 180 years old – may be well-kept and occasionally renovated, but the majority of properties are trapped in a traditional aesthetic. It’s really challenging to find shelter that’s on trend right now.
Like many media binge-watchers, I love the variety of design, renovation and real estate programming available on HGTV or Netflix, despite the fact it gives many of us a complex over our own deficient shelters. I drool over voluminous spaces, walls of just glass, local sustainable materials, and day-to-day life enhancing technology.
Mmmm Modern…. Wouldn’t you love to arrive home to a sleek angular modern manse, with soft light glowing through floor-to ceiling windows (already illuminated thanks to a couple taps in the Home Monitoring app on your smartphone)?! I imagine throwing shindigs in my open-concept swag pad where I can dance with all of my friends from one end of the house to the other across broad plank oak floors, while Spotify rocks my favourite playlist through surround-sound speakers in the ceiling. Let’s grab our cocktails and head up the floating glass staircase to the roof terrace, where we can enjoy a starry panoramic city vista. And then, before bed, stepping out of a glass shower – lit by an eco-friendly sun tunnel – onto heated porcelain tile say: “Alexa, turn down the lights to 20% and lower the blinds. What’s the temperature tomorrow?”
Okay – maybe I covet not JUST a modern manse – with all-the-rage nordic design influences – but the latest indulgences provided by comfort and convenience. Sigh…
Fortunately, if you harbour that dream in downtown Toronto, be assured it’s within reach, thanks to a small but increasing number of new builds (or raise-and-rebuilds, as they’re called) by builder’s committed to quality and style. With a rejection of the ‘McMansion movement’, more and more modern architectural masterpieces are using smart sustainable materials built with structural integrity and longeveity in mind – along with an aesthetic that is both form and function but NOT offensive – are becoming more common.
Like this:
Look at that glowing jigsaw of glass and stone! I love it.
This modern manse is 301 Wychwood Avenue in Toronto, Ontairo! Notice how the roof line doesn’t surpass the neighbours? And all the horizontal lines and sections complement the symmetry of the surrounding mix of houses? This beauty makes the most of its 23×130 foot lot while being well-positioned to be flooded in west-facing sun. Listed for $2,320,000 – which is a fair price for an impeccably executed four beds and five baths (with 2 optional master suites) plus a lower level (including fifth bedroom)!
Here’s the entrance below. Oh, and that’s a 9-foot mahogany door, by the way. Exceptional!
I love the neutral natural palette – so light, with clean-lines, and terrific proportions. And how about that glass staircase?! Straight out of my dreams! Talk about a statement piece!
As for those open sightlines I personally covet… in this home everyone is part of the party – front to back!
I love the contrast of honed black marble backsplash with the wood plank cabinets. And check out the light rift cut oak floors! Light floors make me feel like I’m floating. Lovely!
If you’re a regular reader you know I love lots of glass (here’s my own Tales From Tennis Crescent renovation blog called I Love A Box Bay Window), so let’s talk windows. The majority in this home are the ’tilt & turn’ type which can open three ways. I love the lack of seams, handles, etc., and also the sustainability implications: the tilt feature allows hot air to escape out the top faster than regular screens and sliders, and the seals are superior to, say, crank windows. This means less energy heating and cooling, which is both a benefit financially and environmentally!
Yeeeeess! to the makeup lighting built into the mirror – I bet I could take some seriously sweet selfie’s in that!
And how about this third floor sanctuary? Whichever lucky resident calls this home, this is a retreat to treasure. As the listing realtors wrote: “The third-floor master suite retreat sets the standard for luxury. It’s a bright airy space with huge windows, including a walk out to a potential terrace and a walk-in closet to house your extensive wardrobe. Pamper yourself in the sumptuous spa-like ensuite with stand-alone soaker tub, double sink vanity and porcelain heated floors. The piece de resistance is the massive, walk-in glass shower with a dual rain shower head with a waterfall option. It’s the perfect way to wash away the cares of the day!!”
Tour more of the home here!
Do you know what else I celebrate in this home? Much of the tile – used so creatively – is sourced from Canadian companies Stone Tile International and Ceregres Tile!
Allow me to top my hat to Cerque Developments, who subscribed to using the best finishes and fittings. As far as I’m concerned, when you’e creating statement architecture for a chapter of someone’s life, being committed to quality and execution will always serve you well!
Here’s some more specs:
Type: Detached
Style: 3-Storey
Lot Front: 23.00
Lot Depth: 129.75
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5
Basement: Finished
Garage Type: Detached
Garage Spaces: 2.0
Kitchens: 1
Heat Source: Gas
Air Conditioning: Central Air
Fireplaces: Y
Want to know more? Contact listing realtors Josie Stern and Valerie Benchitrit of Sutton Group-Associated Realty Inc., Brokerage at 416-966-0300 for more details!
Posted by Steve Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca, and the proprietor of Urbaneer, a division of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage in Toronto, Ontario (recently listed as one of The Top 25 Toronto Real Estate Agents To Follow On Twitter and The Top 50 Blogs On Toronto).
