Photography by Tyler McKeag
It has what Irina Garanina calls “wow factor.” The listing agent for this estate and a sales representative at Hammond International Properties, Garanina’s voice is exuberant as she tells me what it’s like when you step foot in the home for the first time. “You just smile and your eyes sparkle — you can’t help it.” With more than 13,000 square feet of space, this palatial abode sits in one of the country’s most preeminent neighbourhoods. The Bridle Path, near Bayview Avenue and York Mills Road, reigns supreme when it comes to its lavish mansions, flawless landscaping, mature trees and ravines, top-notch schools, spectacular shopping, five-star restaurants and other highly coveted amenities, such as the Granite Club. This area is the jewel of midtown Toronto — the perfect little pocket of the city where the elite and affluent plant roots, grow their families and enjoy all that the good life has to offer.
This remarkable home on Fifeshire Road is an impeccable example of what living in the Bridle Path offers residents. The previous homeowners — a family of five — relished their time in this majestic manor. Now, Garanina says the space would not only work perfectly as a multigenerational dwelling, but it’s also ideal for a couple who love nothing more than entertaining. “This house has such incredible features, including state-of-the-art smart-home technology, a large, fabulous kitchen that’s ideal for hosting friends and family and a stunning office, which is great for those who want to continue working from home,” she says. “It’s quite remarkable. There isn’t an inch of this home that hasn’t been carefully thought about and exquisitely designed.”
Luxury is front and centre when it comes to both the expertly and meticulously designed exterior and interior. Designed by renowned architect Richard Wengle, the attention-grabbing stonework that makes up the front of the house complements other mansions in the prestigious area. It’s an ideal introduction to what guests will experience when entering the home. “The first thing you notice inside is how delightfully bright the space is. Many houses are darker inside, with darker finishes and not as many windows and doors,” says Garanina. “But this place is especially light and airy. There is a plethora of large windows that let in an incredible amount of natural sunlight, yet the space feels very private.”
“ULTRA-LUXE MARBLE IN THE FOYER IS AN IDYLLIC WAY TO INTRODUCE THE MODERN SPACE.”
Walking into the grand foyer is quite the experience — the ultra-luxe marble is an idyllic way to introduce the modern space, which features a stunning combination of gold, silver and bronze hues. There’s a formal dining room, an office (done in navy, which offers a beautiful contrast to the rest of the off-white area) and a spacious salon where the grand piano sits. “The main level really commands attention and there are such ornate design details throughout —there’s so much to take note of and appreciate,” she says. The ceilings are a wonderful example — they are intricately designed in pretty much every room you enter, especially the 25-foot-high cupola in the comfortable family room. “It’s really a beautiful feature that you can see from the backyard, and it brings extra light into the space.” This room also has a glass double-sided fireplace so the family can warm up while they’re enjoying movie night and stay toasty when they take the party outside to the pretty seating area on the patio. The family room looks onto the gourmet kitchen fit for a chef, which is as light and airy as the rest of the main level. Its Wolf appliances and sub-zero fridge and freezer are seamless next to the metallic-looking cabinets. “There are also two islands in this spacious room — the main island has a champagne sink and the second has a waterfall with wine fridges inside,” says Garanina. Next to the space is the butler kitchen, which features a six-burner stove, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machines and other amenities that make entertaining a breeze.
Upstairs there are five bedrooms, each with its own expansive closet and immaculate ensuite. The principal bedroom has a hotel-chic vibe — it’s posh but serene, making it an ideal place to relax with a glass of Champagne and a good book in front of the fireplace. Perhaps the highlight of the second floor is the sophisticated principal closet, where the homeowners showcase their collection of Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and other coveted pieces they’ve amassed. The lower level is just as high-end, with a gym, recreation/games area, theatre and a spa (complete with massage table and salon amenities). The temperature-controlled Champagne cellar is a standout, and there’s a nanny suite (complete with bedroom, bathroom and living room).
The house backs onto a lush ravine and the large yard offers plenty of room for a pool, cabana, fire pit, jacuzzi and anything else the new owners desire. “It’s really a spectacular, intimate home that offers the best in indoor-outdoor living — it’s like living at a resort,” Garanina enthuses. “This is one of the most impressive homes I’ve seen. It’s truly magnificent.”
