By Lisa van de Geyn
Photography by Tyler McKeag
Tree-lined streets. Large lots. Desirable addresses. An area of prominence. Markham’s Bayview Avenue and Steeles Avenue, affectionately dubbed Bayview Glen, is filled with affluential families and stunning estates. The prestigious neighbourhood is a quick drive from the Bayview Golf & Country Club, one of the nation’s toprated courses, as well as impressive private and public schools, easy access to three of the province’s major 400 highways and all the urban amenities folks look for when searching for their dream home.
The Altona Group, a luxury real estate builder, built and designed this incredible property, which was finished last year. Never having been lived in, the home on Huckleberry Lane is a palatial 6,200-square-foot (with another 1,300 square feet on the lower level) masterpiece. “This is the perfect home for large families who are looking for space. It’s also suitable for empty nesters enjoying the fine life of retirement. It would make a wonderful space for anyone from entrepreneurs looking for a home with style and modern conveniences, to multigenerational families looking to live under the same roof,” says Irina Garanina, the listing agent and a sales representative at Hammond International Properties.
The expansive lot features a three-car garage and circular drive into the two-storey,
five-bedroom (plus one) smart home. Altona Group used the highest quality of materials and finishes to outfit the space, including imported marbles, tiles and light fixtures from around the world. The façade is done in stone with a Mansard-style roofline complete with wrought iron trim. There are incredibly large windows and a double-entry door with an arched-covered entrance leading into the interior, which encapsulates an Art Deco modern feel. “Every time I walk into this house there’s a wow factor,” says Garanina. “Your eyes just light up and you smile when you see this home. You have a joy and appreciation of the work that was done in this space. It’s truly like a piece of art. It’s like when you go to a gallery and see an incredible work of art. That’s how this house feels.”
The entryway is grand and one of the features you immediately take note of is the use of wood throughout — the natural material shines with a highly lacquered finish in the doorways throughout the main level, the office is clad in wood and the wide-planked floors are gorgeous hardwood. Like wood, metallics are used impeccably in this residence — there’s silver and gold veining through the tiles and marble, giving the estate a more modern feel. “This house really has a great flow. When you step in and go through the whole home, everything flows — there’s nothing that feels separate, nothing that feels like it doesn’t fit. Design themes and elements are repeated throughout,” she says.
“ YOUR EYES JUST LIGHT UP AND YOU SMILE WHEN YOU SEE THIS HOME. YOU HAVE A JOY AND APPRECIATION OF THE WORK THAT WAS DONE IN THIS SPACE. IT’S TRULY LIKE A PIECE OF ART.”
Not only are there cathedral ceilings with ornate millwork, integrated light fixtures, heated tiled floors, four fireplaces and an elevator, there’s a wine cellar, 12-seat movie theatre, sauna, gym and steam room on the lower level. Upstairs you’ll find the bedrooms, each with perfectly appointed ensuites and closets. But when asked what her favourite room in the home is, Garanina doesn’t hesitate: It’s the kitchen. “It’s offwhite with luxe gold finishes, including the faucet and hardware. And the tiles are just spectacular,” she says. “There’s also a separate chef’s prep kitchen and server’s area. There are state-of-the-art Sub-Zero appliances too, including three refrigerators, four dishwashers and three stoves.” The kitchen has a tiered island, granite countertops, a glass-enclosed wine room and a breakfast area with a walkout to the backyard.
“It’s truly a rare find — these kinds of houses in this area don’t come on the market often. It won’t take long for the right buyer to make this house his or her dream home.”
