A Bespoke Classic Contemporary Restoration In Deer Park

This five bedroom residence is a shining example of what emerges when you brush historic housing with a contemporary transformation through extensive renovations that remain respectful of a home’s roots. Much like us, housing evolves over time, and renovations give a home a chance to re-invent itself in modern context, both functionally and with style.

Located in idyllic Deer Park, where century homes celebrate its merchant class past while modern amenities serve its coveted midtown locale, this upscale borough has it all. It’s charming, chic and convenient. While most of the housing stock was constructed during the late 1800s through to the first third of the 20th century, over the years it’s evolved with urban infill townes and desirable luxury condominium buildings. Greenery is plentiful, with vast canopies of trees, ravines and lots of wide open green space winding through and around this neighbourhood. Despite it’s pastoral intonations, it’s very much connected to urban life, where its’ tree lined streets intersect with bustling St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Street.

Situated just north west of Yonge and St. Clair, this stately home is arguably at the axis of some of the finest retail and dining in the City of Toronto. Although there are homes that feature proximity to amenities as part of its finer qualities, this home’s prime location kicks that up to a whole new level. It absolutely bursts at the seams with possibilities for exploring and truly embracing the pedestrian lifestyle. Literally within a 10-minute walk from your front door are dozens of eclectic eateries and many of life’s retail necessities. Savoury spot, Delica’s Kitchen has fresh fare of all kinds. Meet friends for tapas at Cava. Linger over a cup of coffee at Aroma Espresso Bar. Also in this immediate radius are Shopper’s Drug Mart and Loblaws, your most convenient neighbours for your everyday life. And note it’s just up the hill from the Summerhill Liquor Store, the beloved five bandits and the delectable Terroni Cafe!

Commuters will love how close this home is to the streetcar line on St. Clair and St. Clair Station, for a vast number of transportation options is just over a ten-minute stroll away.

When it comes to being able indulge in outdoor activity right near home, this home has some spectacular offerings.  A 10-minute walk north will land you in Oriole Park, which features grassy areas to run and play, playgrounds, tennis courts, a splash pad, a wading pool, a clubhouse and a baseball diamond.  Also within walking distance is Kay Gardner Park and Trail, offering miles of scenic outdoor space in which to hike, run or stroll.

Another bonus to this AAA location is the wide selection of reputable schools.  A 15-minute walk away is Brown Jr Public School, offering French Immersion programming, as well as the opportunity to swim and visit the library once a week as part of their regular routine.  A ten-minute walk away are Deer Park Junior and Senior School, which offers programming from JK all the way through to Grade 8. If private schools are of interest, prestigious Upper Canada College and The York School are a short walk away.

Renovated and restored in 2012 – under the keen eye of reputable Architect Peter Higgins – this property underwent a million-dollar year-long comprehensive rebuild with permits. This included taking significant portions of the house down to the studs and bricks and structurally re-engineering the house, including installing metal reinforced I-beams, new joists and underpinning the basement to have 10′ ceilings and radiant heated floors. The property has all new building components including new electrical, foam spray insolation, 2 on demand water heaters, central air, roofing/eavestroughs/drainage/snowmelt wires and plumbing upgraded from the street. Several of the original radiators were retained and incorporated into a new boiler system, and nearly all the fenestration was replaced with Triple R rated Anderson Windows save for a few character windows to honour the architectural history of the residence. A new rear addition expanded the foot print of the residence, while a redesigned roof line with 2 new dormers and a terrace perch expanded the third level to accommodate a bespoke master suite. There are many new comprehensive systems for peace of mind and convenience including 2 sump pumps, converting the 2 original fireplaces to gas, central vacuum and security systems and wiring the house for technology in all rooms – including a Crestron household operation system (controls lighting, temperature and music) with multiple built-in speakers inside and out.

From the moment you walk through the front door into the elegant foyer with its classic floor tiles and wood wainscoting, you’re transported into an era of understated elegance. What I especially love is how this home is a series of articulated living spaces which seamlessly flow. From the centre hall with vintage stair this home radiates to a formal living room with bay window, gas marble fireplace and custom shelving. On the other side a gracious dining room with venetian plaster walls, recessed lighting and wood paneling connects to an expansive chef’s kitchen with sitting area that walks out to a terrace through banks of wood French doors. Note the custom plaster crown moldings and coffered ceilings, quality dark-stained white oak floors, the abundant built-in speakers and the discreet powder room tucked off down a corridor next to the stairs leading to the lower level.

For those who celebrate food, nothing beats this dream kitchen. Fitted with the best of the best appliances, including a Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf gas range with pot water tap and Miele micro/steam ovens + dishwasher, this kitchen for culinary convenience has duo-tone cabinetry, marble counters and plenty of custom storage. Several original vintage glass windows were incorporated into the shaker design cabinets, fusing olde world charm with modern conveniences. I love the white open shelving and leaded glass cabinets covering the radiators next to the French doors, and don’t miss the hidden beverage fridge located in the custom built-in cabinetry wrapping the dining banquette!

On the second level landing, past the vintage stained glass window, four bedrooms – the one with the gas fireplace is currently used as a media room – accommodates the largest of families. Each bedroom with exceptional natural light has wood floors, custom closets or built-ins, and Restoration Hardware rods with designer draperies. One bedroom has a 3-piece ensuite, while the family bath boasts a large glass-wrapped shower and generous storage including glass shelving unit. Designed with a nod to yesteryear, I adore the subway tile detail, oversized rainshower head and vintage patterned floor tiles!

Up the stairs past the vintage cabinet, the top floor master sanctuary is a sun-drenched treetop aerie. Tucked under the eaves, new dormers create architectural intrigue and well-proportioned spaces, including a spa ensuite behind sliding pocket doors featuring a soaking tub, double vanities and a massive steam/rain shower with body sprays, sound system + aroma and light therapy system. A generous his/her walk-through closet has an abundance of built-in shelving, storage and hanging options. I love the French doors which connect to a private sun-drenched terrace overlooking the roof tops of adjoining homes. How romantic!

The lower level, which was underpinned and dug down to have 10 foot ceilings, is currently configured as an income supplement. Having a separate entrance from the rear, this one bedroom suite with 3-piece bath, designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and open plan living/dining area is currently rented until September 1st for $1700 a month inclusive. The current tenants would like the option to potentially extend their stay while they renovate their residence directly next door, who are transforming their recent elegant acquistion into their family residence. Once vacant, this suite – boasting radiant heated concrete floors – could be reconfigured and connected to the rest of the dwelling by removing the steel stud framed walls at the bottom of the landing from the main house. Just ask Steve if you require more information on how to execute this.

For those who desire a ‘cottage in the city’, this property has been professionally landscaped with some spectacular details. Along with restoring the garage with ample shelving (or park a fourth car), a new driveway with stone paving accommodates three cars in the winter, and two in tandem behind the expansive swing gate leaving room for seasonal entertaining. Secured with tall cedar fencing, the private deck and stone terrace boast two exterior gas lines – one for the barbecue and the second for a gas fire pit or gas lanterns. The secluded raised rear terrace features a generous hot tub and an additional seating area (including built-in speakers), ideal for barbecues and summer fetes. There’s also comprehensive irrigation and lighting systems in both the front and rear of the property.

Check out this beautiful video of the property:

If you desire an exceptional home that honours its past with modern-day panache, then 6 Walmsley Boulevard is worth your consideration. Fully detached, with private garage accessed from an unusually wide mutual drive, this executive residence is available for occupancy in 90 to 120 days.

Want to know more about this unique urban home and one of the most coveted pieces of Toronto real estate? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more info!