A Heart-Grabbing South Annex Masterpiece!
offered at $1,649,000If you’re a lover of modern architecture, you know the challenges of finding a quality freehold residence that executes clean-lines and proportions with the precision necessary to make this machine-age style artfully successful.
What if this manifestation of clean lines, proportions and precision were located in an area that celebrates its heritage? Say, on a coveted tree-lined street in the hippest of Toronto neighbourhoods.
You would have on your hands a real find- a truly sublime marriage of great space in an ideal location.
Located west of Bathurst Street, south of Harbord on Markham Street in the South Annex, this breathtaking property is in proximity to all the amenities for urban life. It’s a short stroll to the Bathurst Street subway station or the 506 streetcar serving College Street, and just south of the Harbord Street bicycle lanes that run west to Ossington or east towards the University of Toronto and Queen’s Park. Mirvish Village is to the north and some of the city’s very best restaurants dot Harbord Street both east and west of the property.
Kensington Market is to the southeast, and hip College Street is at the bottom of the street serving all your daily needs. With a 24 hour Metro grocer, pharmacies and a selection of butchers, bakers, and delis, plus the fresh produce of Kensington Market, everything you require for domestic life is within walking distance. And there are some stellar top-rated restaurants and cafes around the corner on College Street, including Caplansky’s, Grace, Kalendar Cafe, Bar Italia and Giancarlo’s Wine Bar. Location, architectural grace and a portal to your social life- how amazing is that?
Retaining the exterior structure of the house, this regal circa 1890’s manse was gutted to the studs and rebuilt in 2004/2005. Having all new mechanical systems and building component upgrades, including a high efficiency gas furnace with humidifier, a quality central air conditioner, additional sound proofing, insulation, plumbing, wiring, windows- plus cable, computer and telephone outlets in all principal rooms, and wired for sound on all levels. This executive residence has been renovated to the highest calibre with amazing attention to detail.
From the moment you walk through the glass-paneled front door into the slate-covered glass-encased foyer you know you’re somewhere special! Surprisingly fresh and contemporary, and a radical departure from what you’d probably expect entering a Victorian facade, this modern entry with elegant custom trim sets the tone for the rest of the property.
The main level entertainment space boasts ebony stained hardwood floors, oversized baseboards, two massive framed mirrors, a gracious wood-burning fireplace, recessed lighting and ceiling heights soaring from near 11 to almost 13 feet high. Freshly painted with stylish accents, this sun-splashed voluminous space contrasts the elegance of the original manse with a stunning sunken kitchen / dining room featuring heated concrete floors, custom macassar ebony wood cabinets and bookshelves, stainless steel counters and appliances, a luxe floor-to-ceiling glass tiled backsplash, and a dramatic glass curtain wall overlooking the lush private garden.
Enhancing the clean lines of the space is a visually arresting glass stair enclosure constructed of 1/2″ tempered glass panels that are fitted up to the top level. Striking in its beauty and function, this custom tailored enclosure complements the foyer and curtain wall on either end of the house.
The second level is comprised of two bedrooms with a semi-ensuite washroom. The master bedroom, situated at the front of the house, has generous proportions, high ceilings fitted with recessed lighting, a wood-burning fireplace, a bay window with custom shutters, and a feature wall of stunning wallpaper. This luxurious sanctuary connects to a generous dressing room with custom fitted shelving and an indulgent spa washroom with deep soaking tub and glass shower. On the east side of this level is a second bedroom, currently used as a study. Having wood floors, double closets and access to the semi-ensuite, this room has a marvellous outdoor terrace which overlooks the garden below. As it should be, your home could be your retreat. Isn’t that fantastic?
The third floor is an open concept family room and sleeping zone perfect for young adults or frequent guests. Easily partitioned into two separate rooms sharing the 3pc bathroom, this level has vaulted ceilings, a Juliet balcony on the west end and a generous roof deck on the other. Featuring glass railings, custom built-in storage and recessed lighting, this is architecturally dramatic!
The lower level has been upgraded into a media / fitness room. With new laminate flooring, a custom built-in bed frame, three mirrors and built-in speakers, this level also has a renovated two-piece and a laundry room with folding counter and central vacuum system.
Whether you are standing on the front sidewalk or at the rear lane way parking, the view is the spectacular. This 18 by 129 foot lot has been beautifully landscaped. From the formality of the manicured front garden with cut stone retaining walls to the lush rear garden oasis with accent lighting, eight foot privacy wall, underground sprinkler system and rolling parking gate that currently accommodates one car, but could be reconfigured for two, the style and quality is unparalleled.
Boasting around three thousand square feet of well-designed space divided over four floors, this one-of-a-kind South Annex dwell offers the executive household one of the city’s finest qualities of life. Thoughtfully executed with no expense spared, this entertainer’s dream is a hop, skip and jump to five star restaurants, casual cafes, a pool hall and a review cinema. Life doesn’t get any better than this!