Surreal Estate: $8.5 million for an old-world compound up the street from Casa Loma

Neighbourhood: Casa Loma Price: $8,588,000 Last sold for: $6,260,000 in 2021 Size: 8,300 square feet Bedrooms: 5+1 Bathrooms: 7 Real estate agent: Donna Thompson, Harvey Kalles Real Estate

The place

A five-plus-one-bedroom, seven-bathroom home just north of Casa Loma, with a 16-by-66-metre back lot overlooking the tree-filled Nordheimer Ravine. The place also has a lower level built for help staff, with a separate entrance, a summer kitchen and a laundry room. It’s within walking distance of St. Clair West station, and motorists are a short drive from both Vaughan Road and Avenue Road. 

The history

The current owners, a young family, bought this property in 2021. They’re now looking for something smaller as the kids approach adulthood. While various owners have renovated over the years, the majority of the house’s original elements remain intact, including its hand-painted cupola.

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The tour

The home faces south and has a plaza-like stone driveway. Both the front and back gardens are equipped with in-ground sprinkler systems. 

Here’s a first look into the home from the front door. That’s the office on the left and the main suite at the end of the hall. 

This reverse angle shows the foyer. Yes, that’s a creepy calavera sitting on the right. 

The house’s most stunning feature is this hand-painted cupola, inspired by Italian architecture.

Here’s that office, with a marble fireplace, intricate wainscoting, wide-plank oak hardwood and built-in bookshelves (not pictured).

In the kitchen: Sub-Zero fridges, a Wolf stainless steel gas cooktop, a Miele dishwasher, custom cabinets, quartz counters and a marble backsplash. 

The farmhouse sink contrasts nicely with all the opulence. 

The current owners removed all the house’s window coverings for maximum natural light and spectacular views. 

Almost every room in the house faces the backyard thanks to the building’s tall and slender design. 

The living room comes with a gas fireplace surrounded by French antique marble.

This is the formal dining room, with yet another fireplace. 

There’s also a two-piece powder room on the main floor. 

Now for the main bedroom. Lined with a wall of windows, it’s large enough to set up a lounge or workspace. 

It also has two walk-in closets.

Here’s the main ensuite bathroom, with dual vanities, a hot tub and marble all over.

The rest of the bedrooms live on the lower level, hidden from street view and built along the grade of the ravine. 

This is the second kitchen, which is ideal for summer dining on the back patio. It comes with an LG fridge, a Miele dishwasher and a Panasonic microwave. 

Just next door is the fitness room.

Here’s a look at the family area.

Down the hall is the climate-controlled wine cellar, enclosed with bespoke wrought-iron doors, oak shelving and coffered ceilings.

The bedroom down here has a large closet and could be converted into an office or a storage room. 

The laundry room has Samsung machines. It’s accessible from a separate entrance.

Here’s a view of the rear of the home—almost like a heritage apartment building you’d expect to see in Yorkville. 

The property backs onto Nordheimer Ravine, a surreal escape steps from the city. 

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