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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

What townswhip property would be complete without 28 parking spots, a Drake-inspired staircase, a zebra-stripe powder room and displays for sneakers?

By Sana Maqbool
Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Neighbourhood: Rural King Price: $31,998,000 Size: 20,000 square feet Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 8 Parking spots: 28 Real estate agent: Eugene Kaplun And John Sun, RE/MAX Realtron Realty


The Place

A massive six-bedroom, eight-bathroom, three-story house in Rural King that was inspired by the Louvre. Gated, surrounded by forest and huge in every way, the home is a new build with old-world motifs. It’s equidistant from the downtowns of both King City and Aurora and a short drive from Highways 400 and 404.

The History

The current owner began building this mansion in 2016 and completed the project six years later. Essentially a bunker, the house was designed to withstand climate disasters, including floods and Category 7 hurricanes: it stands atop the highest hill in the area, with its lowest level still above grade; it eschews wood and drywall for insulated concrete, which allows the HVAC systems to operate at 70 per cent capacity compared to the average home; and the multi-tiered roof was bolted down to counter violent winds.

Related: $9.9 million for a Cape Cod manor in Oakville with an old-timey vault and a waterfall transported from Muskoka

The Tour

Here’s the view from the street. The property is surrounded by high fences and mature trees and is set back from the street for privacy and quiet.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

The heavy front doors with multi-point locks lead into the foyer, wedged between two closets and floor-to-ceiling windows. The majority of the house’s floors are covered with porcelain tiles.

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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

A reverse angle reveals the custom one-piece staircase that’s similar in style to those found in Drake’s home.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

To the left of the staircase is the library, which features white-oak floors, walnut cabinets and a built-in desk with smoked glass.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

At the opposite end of the library is a gas fireplace with a marble surround for cozy reading.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Tucked behind the library is a secret meeting room. Its soundproof walls are ideal for private conversations.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

One room over is the powder room, with funky zebra-stripe diamond patterning.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Here’s a peek inside the sitting room.

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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

And here’s the living room, situated to the right of the sitting room, with a marble-encased fireplace. The doors behind those curtains lead to the backyard.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Next is the dining room, which has a floor-to-ceiling wine rack. The open concept style connects this space with the living room and sitting room, giving an illusion of a long corridor.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Believe it or not, this is the kitchen, inspired by Versace. It’s equipped with seemingly endless bespoke storage, new Thermador appliances and another fireplace.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

This angle shows off the 21.5-foot ceilings and two jumbo islands.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

There’s also a unique faucet that resembles a ship’s steering wheel.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Here’s the in-law suite, also on the first floor.

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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

It has an ensuite bathroom with a double vanity and white all over.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Moving to the second-floor landing showcases the staircase’s elegant wrought-iron railings. Note the elevator in the distance.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Here’s a closer look at the elevator, which connects the main bedroom with all three levels.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

The main bedroom has two entrances into the walk-in closet.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

The owner would often herd guests through the main bedroom to reach the terrace on the other side of those enormous French doors (more on that later).

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Like a Yorkville boutique, the walk-in closet features a vanity, an island with a display case for treasured possessions and wall upon wall of frosted-mirror closet doors.

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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

How about those displays?

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

The ensuite bathroom, meanwhile, has a back wall divided into three sections: a walk-in shower with a built-in bench, a soaker tub, and a water closet with a glass door.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Now for the basement, which is the estate’s fun zone. First we have the theatre room, with tiered rows of reclining chairs.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Next, the second kitchen, which has a wine rack as long as a bus and more Thermador appliances. The entire basement has 13-foot ceilings.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

This is the basement gym.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

And this is the parking garage, with space for a whopping 28 vehicles and a desk for getting some work done while admiring them.

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Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

The terrace provides a great view of the pool, cooking area and cabana. It also acts as a shaded dining area.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Inside the cabana, there’s a kitchen, a full bathroom and a lounge next to the gas fireplace. In the summer, the doors can slide open, transforming the space into an indoor-outdoor room.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

Finally, here’s an aerial view of the grounds.

Surreal Estate: $32 million for a palace in Rural King that can withstand a Category 7 hurricane

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

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