House of the Week: $6.85 million for an uptown home that caught David Bowie’s eye
ADDRESS: 87 Highland Crescent
NEIGHBOURHOOD : Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills
AGENTS : Eileen Farrow , Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage
PRICE : $6,850,000
THE PLACE: Designed by renowned architecture firm Shim Sutcliffe , this marvel of glass and steel is more livable sculpture than uptown mega-mansion. The five-bedroom home is set next to a forested ravine with a koi pond and gurgling waterfalls.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: This home comes with stacks of accolades , and has been featured in several magazines and newspapers—even the New York Times took note. Rumour has it British rocker David Bowie came out for a visit after reading about the home.
BIG SELLING POINT: Built out of Corten steel, the house’s exterior has weathered over time into a rich orangey patina for a look that’s both organic and one-of-a-kind.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: If you’re going to buy an architectural gem, make sure you know how to fill it. Many eyes will be waiting to see what comes next for this much-talked-about property.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $6,850,000
• $31,465.12 in property taxes (2011)
• 3/4 acre
• 6 bathrooms
• 5 bedrooms
• 4-car private driveway
• 2-car attached garage
• 2-tier fountain with lily pads and koi fish
• 1 two-way gas fireplace
• 1 wood-burning fireplace
• 1 swimming pool
• 1 hot tub
172896 The exterior of the home 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland32-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland32.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland32.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland32/ oct12hotwhighland32 0 0
172895 A small courtyard off the lower level family room 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland31-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland31.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland31.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland31/ oct12hotwhighland31 0 0
172894 The pool and deck. in the basement, just off the pool, there is a changeroom and bathroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland30-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland30.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland30.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland30/ oct12hotwhighland30 0 0
172893 The backyard has a swimming pool and reflecting ponds by Waterarchitecture Inc. and Bona Vista Pools 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland29-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland29.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland29/ oct12hotwhighland29 0 0
172891 The lower level also contains an exercise room with rubber flooring, a wall of storage cupboards and built-in speakers 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland27.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland27/ oct12hotwhighland27 0 0
172890 The kitchen on the lower level 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland26.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland26/ oct12hotwhighland26 0 0
172878 The lower level guest room 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland14/ oct12hotwhighland14 0 0
172876 The lower level family room 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland12/ oct12hotwhighland12 0 0
172875 The lower level family room has porcelain tile flooring, built-in shelving and a door leading out to the courtyard 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland11/ oct12hotwhighland11 0 0
172874 The stairs leading to the lower level are made of black slate 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland10/ oct12hotwhighland10 0 0
172881 The main upstairs bathroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland17/ oct12hotwhighland17 0 0
172883 Another of the upstairs bedrooms is currently being used as an extra office. It has a view over the backyard and the ravine 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland19/ oct12hotwhighland19 0 0
172880 The third bedroom has built-in shelves and a desk nestled into the corner window 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland16.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland16/ oct12hotwhighland16 0 0
172882 The ensuite bathroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland18/ oct12hotwhighland18 0 0
172879 The second of five bedrooms has wall-to-wall Berber carpeting and a window of the home’s green roof. It also has an ensuite bathroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland15/ oct12hotwhighland15 0 0
172889 The walk-in closet in the master bedroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland25/ oct12hotwhighland25 0 0
172888 The master ensuite has stone counters, a double vanity, an enclosed glass shower and a large walk-in closet 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland24/ oct12hotwhighland24 0 0
172885 The office, looking into the master bedroom 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland21/ oct12hotwhighland21 0 0
172884 The home office, just off the master bedroom, also has a door to the balcony 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland20/ oct12hotwhighland20 0 0
172887 The balcony off the master bedroom and office 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland23/ oct12hotwhighland23 0 0
172886 The master bedroom has a door to a balcony, and windows with a view over the garden and ravine 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland22/ oct12hotwhighland22 0 0
172877 The second-floor landing 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland13/ oct12hotwhighland13 0 0
172873 The kitchen 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland09-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland09.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland09/ oct12hotwhighland09 0 0
172872 The kitchen 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland08.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland08/ oct12hotwhighland08 0 0
172871 The kitchen has honed black granite counters, a built-in desk and stainless steel appliances 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland07.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland07/ oct12hotwhighland07 0 0
172870 The dining room has custom cut tile flooring and a built-in wall unit made of mahogany and steel. Glass doors lead out to the deck, pool and garden 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland06-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland06.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland06/ oct12hotwhighland06 0 0
172867 The family room has Douglas fir ceilings and a two-sided gas fireplace that also faces into the dining room 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland03.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland03/ oct12hotwhighland03 0 0
172869 The living room 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland05-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland05.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland05/ oct12hotwhighland05 0 0
172868 The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the garden, and two sliding doors leading outside. The wood-burning fireplace has a concrete hearth and a steel mantel 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland04-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland04.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland04/ oct12hotwhighland04 0 0
172866 Just inside the door, there is a large pivoting glass door that opens onto a two-tiered fountain containing lily pads and koi fish 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland02-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland02/ oct12hotwhighland02 0 0
172865 The foyer is Douglas Fir with black slate flooring. Brazilian cherry wood stairs lead into the main living area 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland01.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland01/ oct12hotwhighland01 0 0
172864 The driveway and front entrance 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland00-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland00.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland00.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland00/ oct12hotwhighland00 0 0
172897 The exterior is made of glass and weathered steel, which will continue to evolve over the years. The home backs onto a ravine 87 Highland Crescent 87 Highland Crescent https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12HOTWHighland_intro.jpg 656 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-87-highland-crescent/slide/oct12hotwhighland_intro/ oct12hotwhighland_intro 0 0
Love everything about this place, except the price. It has a European look that I like, very clean and functional.
overall nice.. i just wonder if you ar epaying that much for the land & location. The property seems airy and all the green space is visible but I cant help think it looks cookie cutter. Having that home office visible off the master bedroom is a no no..and should the kitchen not WOW me more ? Dunno..hard on this one. But one thing for certain, whoever buys it, please no clutter…keep it with magically pieces of furniture, DO NO GO TO THE BRICK OR EVEN BUY THAT TRUMP SLEEP SET FOR 50% off!!
Exterior and backyard are gorgeous – the inside looks like a government building. And what is with all of the jack-posts? Is the place falling down? Very strange.
Lovely, the first pic of the outside had me wondering if it would be cold & sterile. It is not at all. Not sure about the $6mil+ asking price. Love the backyard.
6.8 mil is a lotta dough, but the house is stunning.
Considering the location and lot size ( 134.28 X 395 irregular), the asking price is not unexpected. As for the house itself, the simplicity of the design will be timeless. Curious as to what the heat exchanger is and the overall insulation factor of the ~11 year old house.
The first property on TO Life that I’ve seen that is perfect. Thank God someone knows that a kitchen is supposed to be utilitarian and functional and NOT open to the rest of the home. If money wasn’t an object, I’d have a duplicate, only a bit smaller…
this is on the Bridle wood remember.. mega Dollars.. money means not too much for those that can afford this.
The exterior is gorgeous, the interior not so much. 7 mill is a serious chunk of change….maybe if they had Bowie hosting open houses they just might get that price.
…into a rich orangey patina for a look that’s both organic and one-of-a-kind…Wow, that was quite a way to describe rusty metal. I love it all except this exterior and it would the first thing I would address – sandblast it and treat it so that it never goes that horrible colour of rust again. Otherwise, I’ll take it, it is simply lovely.
It’s still a very high price to pay.
um… yes it is spacious…
but it feels extremely cold and not like a home.. it resembles a company that has many perks.. or better yet.. it reminds me of a place that would best suit a Celebrity Rehab location/ treatment centre..
and I hardly believe that David Bowie would express interest in it- when he has access to thee most amazing homes in the most exotic places in the world.
pet peeve # 1!
house that look like they’re worth $7,000,000 but $300,000 from the inside!
Architect’s ARE NOT interior designers! Hire a reputable interior designer!