House of the Week: $3.9 million for a lakefront Cobourg heritage home with an old-school panic room

Location: Cobourg Price: $3,950,000 Size: 6,196 square feet on an acre of land Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 7 Parking spots: 12 Real estate agent: Janice Williams, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The place

A six-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront Victorian sitting on an acre of land. The property comes with enough room for 12 cars, six bedrooms and panoramic views of Lake Ontario. Protected under the Ontario Heritage Act, it’s within walking distance of several parks, and motorists are a short drive from Highway 2, the 401 and the Cobourg train station. 

The history

After being commissioned and built by a local doctor in the 1880s, the home was purchased in 1898 by banker Edward Osler, the namesake for this corner of town. It remained in the Osler family for 115 years before it was sold to costume designer Suzanne Mess. In 2021, the place was purchased by its current owner, who immediately added stables, a two-car garage and plenty of modern design accents. Now, the home is back on the market.

Related: $2.4 million for an Old East York detached with a curated tree collection out back

The tour

Fenced off from Cobourg’s lakefront trail and the surrounding neighbourhood, the home comes with acreage you’d expect for a public school. 

Here’s the view from the wraparound veranda, which looks out on Lake Ontario.

In the foyer: a double front door and original pine floors that are now heated. 

The wood staircase, with its regal bannister, is also original.

The living room, to the right of the entrance, is equipped with an antique marble fireplace, a frilly chandelier and several windows.

Could there be a better place for a grand piano? 

Now for the corner dining room. It has two walkouts to the veranda, defined by their double doors and transom windows. 

Turning around reveals the kitchen, with built-in European appliances, a full-size wine fridge, a marble island and gold accents. 

The double gas oven and cooktop is a prize for any chef. 

Down the hall is this lounge and workstation. 

This bookshelf conceals a hidden office, which is rumoured to have originally been used as a panic room.

Moving upstairs via the winding staircase is a treat. 

Here’s one of the six bedrooms, designed as a guest room or kids’ room. Note the vintage display cabinet. 

It has its own ensuite bathroom, with a glass shower and porcelain detailing. 

Here’s another one of the bedrooms. 

The main suite, meanwhile, overlooks the lake and comes with a walk-in closet and an ensuite.

Here’s that walk-in. 

The main ensuite has a soaker tub, a double vanity, porcelain flooring and a rainfall shower. 

The view from the veranda is particularly beautiful at dusk. 

Finally, here’s a shot of the estate from the water.

Have a home that’s about to hit the market? Send your property to realestate@torontolife.com.