This $8.5-million Forest Hill jigsaw is the site of Toronto’s first-ever garden suite

Neighbourhood: Forest Hill South Price: $8,500,000 Size: 7,760 square feet Bedrooms: 6+1 Bathrooms: 7 Parking spots: 8 Real estate agents: Barry Cohen, RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc.

The Place

A seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom zen hideaway sandwiched between Bathurst and Spadina in Forest Hill, this property is defined by its wacky steel-framed structure. It’s also home to Toronto’s first-ever approved garden suite—itself a modern and elegant building standing in the backyard. High-tech doohickeys—a built-in sound system, automated lighting, heated floors—characterize the main house, which also comes with an elevator for humans and a basement lift for vehicles. Residents are within walking distance of both Cedarvale Park and the recently renamed Cedarvale subway station. And motorists are a quick drive from Allen Road.

Related: $3.3 million for a modernist marvel uptown with poolside change rooms and a wine cellar that glows

The History

The current owner, an architect, built the house to be his private residence. He applied for garden suite permits in 2022 and was granted the city’s first approval by 2023. Now, he’s selling the architectural standout to focus on his next project abroad.

The Tour

Out front, the home’s kooky façade is joined by a heated driveway and a handy EV charging port.

The foyer reaches two storeys and has a custom jumbo mirror.

Those delicate-looking flowers in the foyer are sneakily made of copper.

Around the corner, residents will find this great glass elevator and the entrance to the powder room.

Here’s that powder room. Notice the glowing quartzite counter?

As for the front room, it’s flanked by a double-sided gas fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling window wall overlooking Forest Hill.

In the dining room: a copper chandelier imported from Italy, polished concrete surfaces and a massive quartzite art piece on the wall.

There are more imported light fixtures in the kitchen, plus custom cabinets with built-in Miele appliances. Note the milk steamer and coffee station.

Nearby, a fishbowl-like breakfast nook faces the backyard and garden suite (more on that later).

The living room, meanwhile, features a natural stone wall with a gas fireplace, all of it contained by impressive 21-foot ceilings.

See?

Now for the main suite. It has built-in speakers and remote-controlled blinds covering large sliding glass doors that open to a private balcony.

A cozy fireplace completes the suite.

Here’s a peek at the ensuite bathroom and dressing room. How about that massive tiered marble vanity?

The ensuite’s shower is equipped with massage jets and doubles as a steam room.

Yes, the ensuite also has a zen bath cave.

Heading to the basement highlights its wet bar and wine rack. This space leads to the underground garage and car lift.

Nice convertible.

And there’s a movie theatre down here, with soundproofing, surround sound and a 100-inch screen.

Moving outside showcases the backyard. That in-ground pool with a waterfall feature and blue porcelain decking is heated.

The garden suite hugs the rear of the property and comes with an outdoor grill.

Inside the garden suite, guests or renters will find a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom and on-site laundry.

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