House of the Week: $1.6 million for a Scarborough home with hints of Frank Lloyd Wright
ADDRESS: 9 Annis Road
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Guildwood
AGENTS: Caroline Ilaqua and Ron Baldwin, Royal LePage Estate Realty
PRICE : $1,650,000
THE PLACE: Architect Wayne Olson transformed a once boring ranch-style bungalow on a hill overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs into a roomy modern home.
BRAGGING RIGHTS: Olson took a cue from Frank Lloyd Wright when designing this home—specifically, Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, which says structures should be in harmony with their natural surroundings. The lofty open-concept house blends into its hillside setting using a neutral palette and top-notch landscaping.
BIG SELLING POINT: Thanks to a 2,100-square-foot main floor, and a 1,900-square-foot, two-storey addition, it’s a lot of house for the price. The backyard isn’t tiny, either.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: Living in Scarborough may not have a glamorous ring—though it starts to sound pretty darn nice when you consider this neighbourhood has bluffs with lakefront trails, plenty of trees, parks and close proximity t o local golf courses and yacht clubs.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• $1,650,000
• $12,000 in estimated property taxes (based on homes of similar value)
• 4,100 square feet
• 1,900-square-foot addition
• 100 feet of frontage
• 7 skylights
• 5 bathrooms
• 4 bedrooms
• 2-car garage
• 1 fireplace
• 1 heated swimming pool
135167 Architect Wayne Olson added two stories and 1,900 square feet to this home, which is set on a third of an acre in Scarborough. The house also has a stone-clad 2-car garage 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_intro.jpg 656 407 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_intro/ may12hotwannis_intro 0 0
Architect Wayne Olson added two stories and 1,900 square feet to this home, which is set on a third of an acre in Scarborough. The house also has a stone-clad 2-car garage
135165 The enormous double entry doors are made of solid, stained Douglas fir. The entryway is open to the kitchen and living room, as well as to the second floor 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_1/ may12hotwannis_1 0 0
The enormous double entry doors are made of solid, stained Douglas fir. The entryway is open to the kitchen and living room, as well as to the second floor
135164 The entryway, main level 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_2.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_2/ may12hotwannis_2 0 0
The entryway, main level
135163 The living room and dining room have solid birch hardwood flooring, recessed lighting and a pair of skylights 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_3.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_3/ may12hotwannis_3 0 0
The living room and dining room have solid birch hardwood flooring, recessed lighting and a pair of skylights
135162 A stone-clad gas fireplace in the living room 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_4/ may12hotwannis_4 0 0
A stone-clad gas fireplace in the living room
135161 The living room and dining room, main level 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_5/ may12hotwannis_5 0 0
The living room and dining room, main level
135160 Floor-to-ceiling windows with views to the zen courtyard at the front of the house 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_6/ may12hotwannis_6 0 0
Floor-to-ceiling windows with views to the zen courtyard at the front of the house
135159 The dining room leads into a solarium 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_7/ may12hotwannis_7 0 0
The dining room leads into a solarium
135158 The dining room, main level 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_8/ may12hotwannis_8 0 0
The dining room, main level
135156 The winterized solarium can be used year-round. It contains three skylights and opens onto the side yard 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_10/ may12hotwannis_10 0 0
The winterized solarium can be used year-round. It contains three skylights and opens onto the side yard
135155 The family room has cork flooring and corner windows facing the front yard 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_11/ may12hotwannis_11 0 0
The family room has cork flooring and corner windows facing the front yard
135154 Family room, main floor 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_12/ may12hotwannis_12 0 0
Family room, main floor
135153 The kitchen boasts white quartz counters and stainless steel appliances, including a gas cooktop with exhaust hood, twin wall ovens and twin fridges 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_13/ may12hotwannis_13 0 0
The kitchen boasts white quartz counters and stainless steel appliances, including a gas cooktop with exhaust hood, twin wall ovens and twin fridges
135151 The kitchen island has a cooktop, a built-in microwave, a prep sink and seating for two 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_14/ may12hotwannis_14 0 0
The kitchen island has a cooktop, a built-in microwave, a prep sink and seating for two
135150 The kitchen, main floor 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_15/ may12hotwannis_15 0 0
The kitchen, main floor
135146 The master bedroom has a separate dressing room and an ensuite bathroom 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_19/ may12hotwannis_19 0 0
The master bedroom has a separate dressing room and an ensuite bathroom
135145 The master bedroom, upper level 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_20/ may12hotwannis_20 0 0
The master bedroom, upper level
135144 The massive glass shower contains a rain-style showerhead and a spot to sit down 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_21/ may12hotwannis_21 0 0
The massive glass shower contains a rain-style showerhead and a spot to sit down
135143 The ensuite bathroom also has a spa tub, heated ceramic floors and a double vanity 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_22/ may12hotwannis_22 0 0
The ensuite bathroom also has a spa tub, heated ceramic floors and a double vanity
135142 An upper level bathroom with heated floors 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_23/ may12hotwannis_23 0 0
An upper level bathroom with heated floors
135140 The laundry room and mudroom can be accessed from the garage 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_24/ may12hotwannis_24 0 0
The laundry room and mudroom can be accessed from the garage
135139 The basement currently contains a large play area, with a walk-out to backyard and pool. It could easily be converted into a suite, as it has a kitchenette with a counter and fridge, and a three-piece bathroom 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_25/ may12hotwannis_25 0 0
The basement currently contains a large play area, with a walk-out to backyard and pool. It could easily be converted into a suite, as it has a kitchenette with a counter and fridge, and a three-piece bathroom
135138 The basement 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_26.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_26/ may12hotwannis_26 0 0
The basement
135137 The basement bathroom 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_27.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_27/ may12hotwannis_27 0 0
The basement bathroom
135136 The backyard has a 400-square-foot cedar deck, a landscaped area and a heated swimming pool 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_28.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_28/ may12hotwannis_28 0 0
The backyard has a 400-square-foot cedar deck, a landscaped area and a heated swimming pool
135135 The backyard 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_29-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_29.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_29/ may12hotwannis_29 0 0
The backyard
135134 The backyard 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_30-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_30.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_30.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_30/ may12hotwannis_30 0 0
The backyard
135132 The pool and deck 9 Annis Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_31-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_31.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/may12HOTWAnnis_31.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-9-annis/slide/may12hotwannis_31/ may12hotwannis_31 0 0
The pool and deck
This is the toughest one yet on TL. Firstly, cant we just say its located in Toronto since theorectically speaking Scarborough no longer exist? The finishes look basic, even the hardwood floor looks cheap and basic and that wood panel in the ceiling, whats that about. Dont know about over $1.5mil for this pad, its a tough call..I think it needs some serious staging with the appropriate right furniture to get this house off the market.
I definitely agree above with the right staging that the house could have a lot of potential.
Hmm.I think this is one of the nicest best bang for your buck home that TL has posted.
way to light every photo so that it looks like an artists’ rendering of a home not yet built.
@ Rita – it’s funny cause it’s true!
Omg – FLW is turning over in his grave. This house is hardly even a hint of FLW’s work. Not great architecture.
really? why always so negative peeps. this is a beautiful house. sheesh its hard to make TL readers happy. And Paul- not sure how much you know about reno’s but there is NOTHING cheap about this house or any of the materials that were chosen. Quartz, Cork, heated floors, a billion pot lights and 3 skylights. if you think this is poor quality, you’ll never find happiness…
looks like a pretty nice house
tfarih…. are you the listing agent or the owner? Read & look again.. I think Paul’s comments were good, not being negative but constructive… yours seems to be the negative bashing type. Focus on YOUR opinion and the house and not other readers… its cheap dull wood and floor for an over $1.5 mil house!!
This is a beautiful house located in Toronto.
Try findig a house like this anywhere else in the city at this price !
What happened to the writer with the snarky comments? I miss them!
Whoever listed this should fire their staging company. FLW wouldn’t be too pleased. Warm on the outside, cold on the inside. Still a good bargain for the dough. And ya, I miss the snarky writer! Was waiting for a couple of good jabs at this place.
Ditch all the furniture OBVIOUSLY, but the house has such potential. Enough said just WOW.
— We’re looking at re-locating to Toronto and have been house hunting for awhile– have seen many houses that have been the same or more $ that offered much less–If west end wasn’t our target area this would definitely be one we’d check out– beautiful rooms and design– love the main floor areas– kitchen, as well as the view of the house from the street and the backyard.
re: Joan Cait,
You can buy a non-descript older builder home, knock it down and rebuild something like this or better for this price. West-end(etobicoke) is full of them.
Toured the house – nice but not worth $1.6MM. Oh, maybe that’s why the price was dropped to $1.525MM.
One block north the neighborhood is run down.