House of the Week: $1.7 million for Toronto’s first luxury prefab home (designed by Ray Kappe, no less)
ADDRESS: 20A Senlac Road
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Lansing-Westgate
AGENT: Russell Pearsall, Forest Hill Real Estate
PRICE: $1,689,000
THE PLACE: Toronto’s first upscale prefabricated home (though the concept has been popular elsewhere for years) sits just north of Sheppard, overlooking a ravine. Famed Californian architect Ray Kappe designed the four-bedroom house, which boasts 2,132 square feet of interior space—plus another 1,000 square feet in the basement.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: How many people can say their house was assembled in two days, and show off a cool time-lapse video to prove it? If that fails to impress, you can mention that one of Kappe’s homes was also a major plot point in an episode of Californication. Dinner party conversation for all!
BIG SELLING POINT: Kappe is a leader in the field of green home design, and this residence was manufactured in a plant in Indiana using sustainable materials and construction practices. It also has an advanced geothermal heating and cooling system—so you can feel smug about your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: Since your home is so environmentally friendly, expect some scathing stares from neighbours if you exceed your weekly garbage allotment. And you had better make sure that green bin gets used.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $1,689,000
• 2,132 square feet
• 1,000 square feet of outdoor decks
• 4 bedrooms
• 4 bathrooms
• 2 storeys
• 2-car garage
• 1 famous architect
136535 The builders partnered with some of Canada’s most innovative retailers and manufacturers, including Caesarstone, Made, Elte, Urban Mode, Jotul and even the AGO, to furnish the three-bedroom house for showcasing (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_intro.jpg 656 394 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_intro/ may12hotwsenlac_intro 0 0
The builders partnered with some of Canada’s most innovative retailers and manufacturers, including Caesarstone, Made, Elte, Urban Mode, Jotul and even the AGO, to furnish the three-bedroom house for showcasing (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136501 The home was put together on its North York lot over a couple of days last January. The modified design included beefed-up insulation for the Canadian climate 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_1.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_1/ may12hotwsenlac_1 0 0
The home was put together on its North York lot over a couple of days last January. The modified design included beefed-up insulation for the Canadian climate
136502 The construction process 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_2.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_2/ may12hotwsenlac_2 0 0
The construction process
136503 The construction process 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_3.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_3/ may12hotwsenlac_3 0 0
The construction process
136504 The construction process 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_4.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_4/ may12hotwsenlac_4 0 0
The construction process
136505 The partially finished home 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_5.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_5/ may12hotwsenlac_5 0 0
The partially finished home
136506 The main floor contains the foyer, living room, dining room, library, kitchen and mudroom. The ceilings are 10 feet high (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_8.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_8/ may12hotwsenlac_8 0 0
The main floor contains the foyer, living room, dining room, library, kitchen and mudroom. The ceilings are 10 feet high (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136507 The dining room and living room, main floor. The floors are oak hardwood, and the sliding glass doors lead out to the deck and rear garden (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_9.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_9/ may12hotwsenlac_9 0 0
The dining room and living room, main floor. The floors are oak hardwood, and the sliding glass doors lead out to the deck and rear garden (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136508 The dining room and living room share a cast-iron gas fireplace (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_10.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_10/ may12hotwsenlac_10 0 0
The dining room and living room share a cast-iron gas fireplace (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136509 The living room, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_11.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_11/ may12hotwsenlac_11 0 0
The living room, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136510 The kitchen and breakfast bar, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_12.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_12/ may12hotwsenlac_12 0 0
The kitchen and breakfast bar, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136511 The kitchen has an oven, steam oven, microwave and warming drawer as well as an induction cooktop with a hood vent (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_13/ may12hotwsenlac_13 0 0
The kitchen has an oven, steam oven, microwave and warming drawer as well as an induction cooktop with a hood vent (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136512 The countertops and backsplash are Caesarstone (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13b-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13b.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_13b.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_13b/ may12hotwsenlac_13b 0 0
The countertops and backsplash are Caesarstone (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136513 A sitting area with a television next to the kitchen (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_14.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_14/ may12hotwsenlac_14 0 0
A sitting area with a television next to the kitchen (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136514 The home office, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_15.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_15/ may12hotwsenlac_15 0 0
The home office, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136515 The stairs allow natural light into the interior of the home (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_16.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_16/ may12hotwsenlac_16 0 0
The stairs allow natural light into the interior of the home (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136516 The master bedroom has his-and-hers closets and a walk out to the balcony (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_17.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_17/ may12hotwsenlac_17 0 0
The master bedroom has his-and-hers closets and a walk out to the balcony (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136517 In the ensuite bathroom, a designer tub dominates (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_18/ may12hotwsenlac_18 0 0
In the ensuite bathroom, a designer tub dominates (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136518 The ensuite also has a glass shower stall and heated floors (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18b-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18b.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_18b.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_18b/ may12hotwsenlac_18b 0 0
The ensuite also has a glass shower stall and heated floors (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136519 The second bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_19.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_19/ may12hotwsenlac_19 0 0
The second bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136520 The second bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_20.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_20/ may12hotwsenlac_20 0 0
The second bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136522 The third bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_22.jpg 600 400 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_22/ may12hotwsenlac_22 0 0
The third bedroom, second level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136523 The main bathroom on the second level has a tub with a glass surround, porcelain tile floors and modern fixtures (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_23.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_23/ may12hotwsenlac_23 0 0
The main bathroom on the second level has a tub with a glass surround, porcelain tile floors and modern fixtures (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136524 The power room, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_24.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_24/ may12hotwsenlac_24 0 0
The power room, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136527 The mudroom, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_27.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_27/ may12hotwsenlac_27 0 0
The mudroom, main level (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136528 The laundry room, lower level. The lower level also contains a media room, another bedroom and a bathroom (Image: Finn O’Hara) 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_28.jpg 432 620 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_28/ may12hotwsenlac_28 0 0
The laundry room, lower level. The lower level also contains a media room, another bedroom and a bathroom (Image: Finn O’Hara)
136530 The view from the roof deck 20A Senlac Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_30-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_30.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWSenlac_30.jpg 500 432 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-20a-senlac-road/slide/may12hotwsenlac_30/ may12hotwsenlac_30 0 0
The view from the roof deck
Everything about this seems wrong. Paying for style over substance. I could not imagine calling this place “home.” unless you have no soul.
Good place to conduct surgery and/or live. And does no one use window coverings anymore (or just staging to seem ‘bright’)?
I drive by this place all the time and while the lot is nice the surrounding area is rather meh. 2 doors away from the nursing home (at least it’s quiet), and Senlac is a busy road (coming to a dead stop at rush hours) and, it has bus service. I guess all of the surrounding frame houses will eventually go but for this money I’d want ALL of the neighbouring houses to be in the 2-mil range as well.
And what is with all the rainfall shower heads? Do people really like these? Do you stand in the pouring rain and think, ‘this is fantastic, I should take off all my clothes’? Water pouring down on the top of my head =/= shower.
/rant over, sorry.
Nice crib!….no seriously, nice baby/kids furniture….the rest of the house is pretty good too.
I was able to walk through this home. It’s beautiful. With or without window coverings it is very bright. The master bath is gorgeous. The street is busy but the house is oriented so you would never be focused on the street, the ravine behind the home is really the focus.
Funny we build houses with small windows and condos with all glass fronts. Besides that observation, I like this house, it’s clean it’s very European looking and it’s “green”. I don’t know the neighbourhood but do think the price is rather high.
This house belongs downtown. I would never pay that much to live off Sheppard. Other then that the finishings and fixtures are very very nice. Ignatz: have you ever used a rainfall showerhead? Its relaxing!
Looks super nice. The location, not so great. Lots of recognizable artwork in the house.
I have been through the house and it is spectacular. The windows provide so much natural light and beautiful ravine views – not to the street. The high ceilings provide a very spacious area which appears much larger than it is. All of the finishings are amazing – especially the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. A very warm and thoughtful house with all of the upgrades. Love it.
I would never pay that much to live in the ‘burbs!
I aagree with Arlene–nice place, but put in Leslieville or Trinity-Bellwoods and you have something of interest.
Great for cottage country.
Location, location, location! Over-priced for the burbs. The interior is more suited for a downtown condo/loft.
Meh. The kitchen cabinets, the bathroom fixtures, etc are all in the style of the moment, which means they will look dated very quickly. The overall design wastes a lot of space and doesn’t seem to ‘flow’. And the house is no great shakes to look at from the outside. Pass.
Speechless!! WTF is this for this much money?! No COMMENT!
The interior design is quite striking.
THE INTERIOR STAIRS WOW , looks like you would float up the stairs.
Would love to see more darker wood introduced, but that is a personal preference.
Windows are amazing !!, Why wouldn’t you want that light and warmth coming into your home. Wall coverings ?? You only need for privacy not to hide the light
Downtown this house would be phenomenal, although it would be insane in pricing.
This house demonstrates some good aspects of design.
Some readers need to be open to the new way houses are being built now. ….
Too expensive for the ‘burbs? Really? Leaving aside the questionability of a (416) subway access neighbourhood’s classification as a ‘burb, as someone who lives in this area I can tell you that $1.7 million does not bat anyone’s eyelashes here anymore.
For reasons I still have trouble wrapping my head around, the Yonge and Sheppard corridor is white hot. I can’t remember the last time this year I heard of a house sell for less than $1 million. At least with this property, you get something that’s more or less in move-in condition. Houses on my block have sold in the last few months for upwards of $1.3 million – and they are rundown bungalows.
Looks like a laboratory with a series of waiting rooms. Very cold space. It doesn’t exactly scream “welcome”…
I agree with Lindsay, though it does look cool. I wouldn’t feel cosy comfy living in it. I guess this is another “I’m not in the target market moment ;)”
71 days on the market? Try 274 days!!
This was the third time this home was listed. Was originally listed in April 2012.