House of the Week: $8 million for a deluxe Arts and Crafts home steps from Lake Ontario
ADDRESS: 412 Lake Front
NEIGHBOURHOOD: The Beach
AGENTS: Thomas D. Neal , Royal LePage Estate Realty and Sam Mcdadi , ReMax Performance Realty
PRICE: $8,000,000
THE PLACE: This massive house on the water boasts a 270-degree panoramic view of the lake, making its vibe more island than urban. Built in the 1920s, the Arts and Crafts-style home underwent two years and $4 million worth of renovations to turn a rundown hodgepodge of small apartments into a single-family dwelling.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: With surveillance equipment, two panic rooms and an underground tunnel to the garage, you’d have plenty of escape options in a Jodi Foster –Forest Whitaker -style standoff (or you could just offer to house your friends’ valuables).
BIG SELLING POINT: Rather than tearing down the apartments and building anew, the owner—reportedly a businessman who splits his time between Canada and the U.S.—went to great lengths to restore the Tudor and Arts and Crafts details found beneath the years of neglect. Additionally, renovating rather than rebuilding allowed the owner to keep the close proximity to the water (new codes would prevent that), leaving the beach literally at the doorstep.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: The house may be 7,100 square feet, but there isn’t much space between you and your neighbours (although the vastness of the lake should help ease the pain of the squished side yards).
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $8,000,000
• $25,000 (approximately) in property taxes
• 7,100 square feet
• 5 bathrooms
• 4 bedrooms
• 4 storeys
• 3 fireplaces
• 2 panic rooms
• 1 elevator
• 1 wine-tasting room
• 1 putting green
• 1 swimming pool
• 1 underground tunnel connecting house to garage
137835 The current owner bought the 7,000-square-foot house for $2.8 million in 2007, and then spent $4 million overhauling it into an upscale single-family dwelling 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_intro.jpg 656 420 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_intro/ may12hotwlakefront_intro 0 0
The current owner bought the 7,000-square-foot house for $2.8 million in 2007, and then spent $4 million overhauling it into an upscale single-family dwelling
137802 The property has a heated three-car driveway (no shovelling snow come winter!) as well as a detached garage with a nanny suite above, accessible to the house by underground tunnel 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_1.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_1/ may12hotwlakefront_1 0 0
The property has a heated three-car driveway (no shovelling snow come winter!) as well as a detached garage with a nanny suite above, accessible to the house by underground tunnel
137803 The renovation was done by builders G. Colucci & Sons, Toronto architect Sharon McKenzie and interior designers Powell & Bonnell 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_2.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_2/ may12hotwlakefront_2 0 0
The renovation was done by builders G. Colucci & Sons, Toronto architect Sharon McKenzie and interior designers Powell & Bonnell
137804 The lot fronts onto the beach, with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_3.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_3/ may12hotwlakefront_3 0 0
The lot fronts onto the beach, with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario
137805 The exterior, from the back. The glass fence allows anyone in the backyard to enjoy the view, but reflects the lake back to people walking by on the beach 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_4.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_4/ may12hotwlakefront_4 0 0
The exterior, from the back. The glass fence allows anyone in the backyard to enjoy the view, but reflects the lake back to people walking by on the beach
137806 The exterior, from the back 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_5.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_5/ may12hotwlakefront_5 0 0
The exterior, from the back
137807 The two-part living room has glass French doors leading out to the terrace, swimming pool and lake 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_6.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_6/ may12hotwlakefront_6 0 0
The two-part living room has glass French doors leading out to the terrace, swimming pool and lake
137808 On one side of the living room, an area for watching television 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_7.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_7/ may12hotwlakefront_7 0 0
On one side of the living room, an area for watching television
137809 On the other side, a parlour 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_8.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_8/ may12hotwlakefront_8 0 0
On the other side, a parlour
137810 The living room 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_9.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_9/ may12hotwlakefront_9 0 0
The living room
137821 The main-floor balcony 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_20.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_20/ may12hotwlakefront_20 0 0
The main-floor balcony
137811 The kitchen has a large marble island with seating for three and a range top 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_10.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_10/ may12hotwlakefront_10 0 0
The kitchen has a large marble island with seating for three and a range top
137812 The kitchen 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_11.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_11/ may12hotwlakefront_11 0 0
The kitchen
137813 The master suite has a television programmed to rise from the foot of the bed 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_12.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_12/ may12hotwlakefront_12 0 0
The master suite has a television programmed to rise from the foot of the bed
137815 The master ensuite 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_14.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_14/ may12hotwlakefront_14 0 0
The master ensuite
137814 The bathtub in the master ensuite 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_13.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_13/ may12hotwlakefront_13 0 0
The bathtub in the master ensuite
137816 The second of four bedrooms 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_15.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_15/ may12hotwlakefront_15 0 0
The second of four bedrooms
137817 The entire third floor has been converted into an area for working, containing an office and a boardroom 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_16.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_16/ may12hotwlakefront_16 0 0
The entire third floor has been converted into an area for working, containing an office and a boardroom
137818 The view from the third-floor balcony 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_17.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_17/ may12hotwlakefront_17 0 0
The view from the third-floor balcony
137819 The boardroom on the third floor 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_18.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_18/ may12hotwlakefront_18 0 0
The boardroom on the third floor
137820 The second-floor balcony 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_19.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_19/ may12hotwlakefront_19 0 0
The second-floor balcony
137822 On the lower level, an open-concept games room with a pool table, a wet bar, an exercise room, a two-person steam shower, a sauna and a climate-controlled wine cellar with a tasting room 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_21.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_21/ may12hotwlakefront_21 0 0
On the lower level, an open-concept games room with a pool table, a wet bar, an exercise room, a two-person steam shower, a sauna and a climate-controlled wine cellar with a tasting room
137823 The games area 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_22.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_22/ may12hotwlakefront_22 0 0
The games area
137824 The walk-out to the backyard from the lower level 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_23.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_23/ may12hotwlakefront_23 0 0
The walk-out to the backyard from the lower level
137825 The wine cellar and tasting room 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_24.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_24/ may12hotwlakefront_24 0 0
The wine cellar and tasting room
137826 The infinity pool and putting green 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_25.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_25/ may12hotwlakefront_25 0 0
The infinity pool and putting green
137827 The backyard also contains a hot tub and a stone terrace for entertaining and lounging 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_26.jpg 624 411 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_26/ may12hotwlakefront_26 0 0
The backyard also contains a hot tub and a stone terrace for entertaining and lounging
137828 The exterior, from the back 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_27.jpg 411 624 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_27/ may12hotwlakefront_27 0 0
The exterior, from the back
137829 The exterior, from the back 412 Lake Front https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWLakeFront_28.jpg 411 624 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-412-lake-front/slide/may12hotwlakefront_28/ may12hotwlakefront_28 0 0
The exterior, from the back
I’m thinking for $8mn you can find a property with your own waterfront rather than access to a public beach. Nice place, but will take a particular sort of person to want this.
“2 panic rooms”. Good heavens.
nice house but it is lake ontario!!!
why have a mansion overlooking a polluted lake???
Beautiful home. If I had 8 million to spend on a home, I’d buy it in Malibu!
If I had $8mm to spend on a place in Toronto, this’d be the only neighbourhood I’d buy in. But I don’t! So ……
Are these people buying space on all the Toronto home features? I think I’ve seen this one 4 or 5 times now. Yawn.
How many times have we seen this home ? heard of it ? Perfectly staged I must add. i am more curious to know the homes to the left & to the right, how much are they worth?! Am I really gonna step out of my $8mil home into polluted Lake Ontario or go swimming? I think not!
Nice home but rather questionable choice of using glass for the pool wall in this environment. Wonder what the replacement costs are for the mirrored fence covers.Is it worth the 8 million especially when there will be days when the lake will literally smell like eau de toilette?
Nice house but for that price why not get beachfront in a prime Caribbean island.
leah-anne singh – oooh! i recognize the wharf in Salmon Arm! That’s where I grew up! Great pics as alyaws Paula you should start offering workshops not that you have the spare time or anything!