Surreal Estate: $15 million for an old-world mansion with an arcade and two basketball courts

Neighbourhood: Armour Heights Price: $14,998,000 Size: 12,000 square feet Bedrooms: 5+1 Bathrooms: 8 Parking spots: 12 Real estate agent: Adam Brind, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The place 

A six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion known as the Rosewood Estate, sitting on 1.1 acres of land at the southern edge of Earl Bales Park. The place comes with two basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), a palace-like dining hall and materials imported from France. It’s within walking distance of the Don Valley Golf Course, and motorists are a short drive from the 401. 

The history 

The house was originally built in 1939. The current owners bought it in 2016 and immediately began a three-year renovation to modernize the space. Now the North York manor is back on the market for a buyer seeking an old-world aesthetic and tons of recreation. 

Related: $8.5 million for Norman Jewison’s former office loft

The tour 

The estate sits at the end of a private drive and is surrounded by nature. Its façade is limestone with cedar roofing and comes with large stone planters imported from France. And yes, that’s an outdoor basketball court to the right of the stone walkway leading to the ornate front door. 

In the foyer: Parisian-style plaster moulded ceilings and an original staircase with iron rails.

There are archways, wide French doors and custom millwork throughout the home. 

Here’s one of the eight bathrooms, this one on the main floor. It has French wallpaper and a sink standing on gold legs. 

The kitchen is equipped with twin walnut-marble islands, two dishwashers, gold detailing and tons of storage. 

A French-inspired home wouldn’t be complete without a double French gas oven by La Cornue. 

The breakfast space has built-in bench seating and a view of the backyard gardens. 

Just next door is the living room, which comes with one of the mansion’s three marble gas fireplaces.

This massive archway leads to the Victorian-style 18-seat dining room table.

There’s also an office on the main floor, with walnut cabinets, retro sconce lighting and another marble fireplace.

Now for the main bedroom, with jaunty French wallpaper, a fireplace and refinished hardwood floors.  

Here’s the ensuite, complete with a soaker tub, a makeup station and a shrouded-glass shower. 

Also in the ensuite is this super-wide double vanity with gold and crystal accents. 

The place also has two dressing rooms. This one is loaded with custom shelving, perfect for sneaker heads. 

This is the other dressing room, with blush-painted closets and built-in full-body mirrors. 

The indoor basketball court comes with vaulted ceilings and a view of the surrounding forest. 

Moving to the basement reveals the sunken entertainment zone, with more storage and Parisian ceilings. 

Nothing says fun quite like a trio of pinball machines.

Down the hall is the 11-seat cinema, with soundproof walls and a vintage popcorn machine.

The LeBron James–inspired gym has floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

The backyard grotto comes with an in-ground pool and pool house, plenty of lounging space, and dense greenery. 

Finally, a shot of the manor at dusk. 

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