By Phillipa Rispin
Photography by Tyler McKeag
Imagine that, after a busy day in the hustle and bustle of downtown, you head toward Thornhill for home. As you travel, your surroundings become greener, quieter. If you didn’t know it was there, you might pass the discreet entrance to your street, heavily shaded as it is with mature trees. Head down the peaceful cul-de-sac under a canopy of trees, then through the gated entrance of the long driveway and into the forecourt of this home: a quietly elegant haven among the green. Available for purchase in the desirable neighbourhood of Bayview Glen, the home is tangible proof of the art of excellence. The two-storey building, designed by architect Peter Higgins and listed by Hammond International Properties, is nestled into a treed lot approximately 100 feet wide and 300 feet deep. “There are only seven homes on the street,” says Jerry Hammond, principal of Hammond International Properties. “The street is a hidden treasure in a boutique neighbourhood.”
The imposing exterior features hand-cut natural stone with a slate roof. Numerous windows speak of the bright interior where designer Maria DiFiore has contrasted floors of warm wide-plank oak and elegant Carrara marble with neutral walls and crisp dark grey trim. Upon entering the home, the visitor is welcomed through the vestibule into a spacious hall that extends the depth of the building. “You can see right through to the grounds at the rear of the house,” Hammond says. In the hallway, a grand stairway rises to the second storey. Below it, another flight leads to the lower level. To the immediate right off the hallway is the grand salon, a large, airy room with walls that rise, like most of the home’s indoor spaces, 11 feet to the ceiling. One wall features a fireplace with an outstanding book-matched marble surround and hearth. There is plenty of space for several groupings of seating to accommodate intimate conversation or large parties.
Across the hall from the grand salon is the well-appointed kitchen. It’s replete with work surfaces and storage space, including a pantry and custom-crafted maple cabinets. All the appliances are by Sub-Zero/Wolf. An oversized island holds pride of place in the centre of the room, offering a large work surface, a prep sink, and counter seating. The far end of the kitchen opens to the family room with bi-fold doors to the garden. A cased opening leads from the kitchen to the formal dining room—a place for family dining that is nonetheless able to accommodate dinner parties. Like most of the rooms on the ground floor, it too has bi-fold doors to the outside. Whether the owners are dining en famille, hosting a formal dinner, or throwing a large catered party, the kitchen, dining room, and grand salon rise to the occasion. The ground floor also features a snug library with handsome cabinetry. “It has beautiful millwork in solid wood with floor-to-ceiling bookcases,” Hammond says, noting that “it’s a cozy spot for reading or watching television. If the weather is nice, you can throw open its double bi-fold doors and take a book for reading out on the patio.”
The second storey is given over to the bedrooms. “The sweeping staircase to the second floor was built with slightly lower risers than usual for ease of movement,” says Hammond. The principal suite occupies one wing, comprising a bedroom, his and hers dressing rooms, and a luxurious bathroom with a free-standing tub and steam shower. The other wing features four junior suites as well as a laundry room. As Hammond notes, there are many amenities on the property: “Besides a laundry room on the upper floor, there’s another one on the main floor that also has a dog-washing station.” The lower level provides space for numerous diversions: a temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar with a tasting bar and racking for 100 bottles; a home theatre, a gym, and a lounge with a wet bar and a walkout to the backyard. The outdoor space is generous and private. “One of the beauties of the property is the siting,” Hammond says. “The lot is nicely treed, and the long drive adds to the privacy.” The backyard features a heated lanai with a barbecue station, a heated terrace on two levels, a heated pool, and a cabana.
As befits this grand residence, there is a three-bay garage with a wash bay. It offers plenty of room for several vehicles, including one bay with a lift for double-height parking. Upstairs is a compact self-contained apartment. Handsome design, plentiful features, and close attention to finishes in this home are the hallmark of excellence.
