What would you do if you won a huge jackpot? You might pay off debts, make sure the kids’ futures are squared away but after all that’s done, you need a treat. And a new house, one with all kinds of bells and whistles, is just that.
Ontario houses an astounding number of magnificent homes, from majestic manors and grandiose mansions to palatial penthouses and imposing estates. And, yes, some of them are actually for sale (or recently sold).
If you want to see how the other half lives, you can. These homes from around the province could be just what the agent ordered. After a long day’s work, wouldn’t it be great if your favourite numbers finally paid off? Just think of the possibilities.
489 Lakeshore Rd., Oakville
Asking: $17,900,000
Why this house is perfect for you: Described in the listing as a “masterpiece of neoclassic and accessibility,” this work of art built in 2009 by Ferris Rafauli has 16,000 square feet of living space and sits on an acre of land. There are five bedrooms, six bathrooms (and two additional powder rooms, to boot), three kitchens, indoor pool, wine cellar, spa, gym and elevator, and for you car buffs out there, the three-car garage comes complete with a hydraulic car lift. Functional, luxurious, perfect.
Move on from this pad if: You want three fountains. This one only has two. Pfft.
16180 The Gore Rd., Caledon
Asking: $16,000,000
Why this house is perfect for you: On the market with a list price of $16 million, Villa Florentine has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms within its 10,000 square feet and boasts not one but two coach houses. But what puts the world-class property over the edge is it sits on over 80 acres an hour north of Toronto. Add in the equestrian facility, private lake, and spa-lake pool area, and you can’t go wrong with this European-inspired estate.
Move on from this pad if: You have a phobia of bridges (a.k.a. gephyrophobia). But you have to admit, that walkway from the master suite directly to the pool is a real time-saver.
4901-50 Yorkville Ave., Toronto
Asking: $15,900,000
Why this condo is perfect for you: If you’re looking to call the ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood home, then the Four Seasons Residences is the place to be. Set high above the city on the 49th floor, the private residence — which boasts 3+2 bedrooms, five bathrooms and comes complete with concierge, gym and indoor pool — has two elevators that lead directly into the foyer. And once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave. The views from the two corner terraces will blow your mind, whether you’re taking in the lake, watching the planes take off and land at Toronto Island or watching the city below and beyond.
Move on from this pad if: You’re a vampire. The natural light that streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and 10-foot ceiling heights bring in way too much for the average bloodsucker.
302 Burgundy Dr., Oakville
Asking: $11,850,000
Why this house is perfect for you: This stunner situated on two acres of wooded privacy at the bottom of a cul-de-sac is everything you could want in a home. From eight bedrooms (with potential for three more), six bathrooms (along with two half-baths), a main floor wine cellar, stone-covered terraces, private gardens, a garage for up to four cars, and the kind of outdoor oasis that summers were made for, this is the ultimate home for those who cherish their privacy — but aren’t entirely secluded.
Move on from this pad if: You require a bowling alley. This home is lacking one.
75 The Bridle Path, Toronto
Asking: $19,800,000
Why this house is perfect for you: First impressions matter — and the contemporary glass architecture will grab you from the get-go. This marvel has been renovated from top to bottom, and manages to be both elegant and functional yet so, so unique. The Asian-inspired gem features incredible feats of engineering, from the suspended interior walls to an exterior screen at the façade, to the floating glass balustrade staircase and upper viewing lobby. There’s also a 32-foot-long glass wall of sliding doors that unifies the outdoors with inside, making for a perfect, tranquil balance.
Move on from this pad if: you’re not a fan of tennis. This property has a night-lit court that takes up too much room within its two acres.