Surreal Estate: $4.8 million for a Niagara-on-the-Lake mansion next to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Location: Bevan Heights, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Price: $4,888,000 Previously sold for: $1,315,000 in 2021 Size: 7,900 square feet Bedrooms: 4+1 Bathrooms: 7 Real estate agent: Anna Phinney, Phinney Real Estate

The place

A recently renovated four-plus-one-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s tranquil Bevan Heights community. The three-storey standout comes with a pool in the back and an adjoining 800-square-foot garage. The one-acre property overlooks the Niagara Escarpment and is flanked by ancient oak, maple, spruce and walnut trees. The Bruce Trail also runs directly behind the property.

The history

The original bungalow that sat on this land was built in the 1950s. In 2021, the current owner—a local contractor—bought the property with the intention of building a stunner from scratch. With renos finally complete, they’re looking to sell and start a new creative project.

Related: $6.2 million for an après-ski haven in the Blue Mountains with a CrossFit gym

The tour

An aerial view of the property shows its lush surroundings. The nearby Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, with hundreds of tree species that compose the oldest forest ecosystem in eastern North America.

Here’s the façade, clad in energy-efficient panels. That garage on the right is fully insulated and heated.

The foyer has 20-foot ceilings and white oak flooring.

Turn around to see this lounge space, heated by a three-sided natural gas fireplace.

Just beyond the lounge is the dining area, in view of the neighbourhood.

In the kitchen: a 13-foot quartz island, an oak ceiling accent, wall-to-wall storage and a built-in Fisher and Paykel fridge.

Then there’s the great room, defined by its 20-foot ceilings and view of the backyard and escarpment.

A quick step outside reveals the 1,100-square-foot composite deck.

Don’t forget the moody powder room on the main floor.

There’s also a 200-square-foot office on this level.

The main bedroom is 400 square feet.

Its ensuite bathroom has in-floor heating, a soaker tub, a double vanity and a massive open shower.

This is one of the three secondary bedrooms.

Here’s another ensuite bathroom, with a floating vanity and sharp tiling.

And here, yet another ensuite bathroom, equipped with marble floors, a shower with a rainfall head and a soaker tub overlooking the dense forest.

Moving to the basement shows off the 500-square-foot rec room, with a quartz bar.

Now the back of the home—decks, patios, manicured gardens and, of course, the pool.

Note the pool shed—and the unbeatable view of classic Canadian nature.

The backyard gently rolls down into the escarpment.

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