An Estate of Classic Grace
This $28.88 million French provincial chateau exudes timeless elegance as it both fits in with and stands out in its upscale Toronto setting.
By Susan Kelly | Photography by Kia Nikan
This exquisite chateau poses something of a paradox. On the one hand, it is all spacious, sumptuous elegance, fitting right in with the other gated multimillion-dollar estates in Toronto's toney Bridle Path neighbourhood. After all, discretion is required in this highly exclusive and sought-after area, past and present residents of which are said to include Drake, Céline Dion, Mick Jagger and the late Gordon Lightfoot.
On the other hand, while giving a nod to historic architecture found in provincial France, the mansion’s design has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it a standout. “It’s a stunning property, inside and out,” says Barry Cohen, listing agent and President of Cohen Homes & Estates in Toronto, “a tribute to the genius of its builder, the legendary Joe Brennan.”
Brennan gained a reputation as a “custom design guru,” designing and building luxury homes and condominiums in the city and beyond for more than 35 years. In the 1990s, he put his inimitable signature on this chateau, which subsequently received tasteful updates to keep it modern and relevant. At more than 20,000 square feet, the mansion is truly palatial in size: there are eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, with a separate two-bedroom apartment above the garages.
"When you walk up the grand spiral staircase with ornate wrought-iron handrail, it's like traveling in time; you feel like you're in an historic European castle."
The grandeur begins at the stone and wrought-iron entry gate, around which flourish mature trees and beautiful landscaping. Proceeding along a heated driveway and walkways, a gracefully arched double-door entry appears. Over it, the striking stone facade is complemented by a mansard roof with dormer windows and the period touch of ivy-clad turrets. The magnificent foyer assures a grand entrance, with a soaring beamed cathedral ceiling for an airy ambience. The focal point: an ornately carved marble fireplace, a 15th-century antique imported from France.
The main-level living areas lie off the foyer, each of impressive proportions and featuring high ceilings and fireplaces. They include a paneled library, whose French doors lead to the stone terrace, and living and family rooms, the latter with striking paneled ceiling with inlaid walnut wood. Leaded windows, solid oak doors and intricate ceiling mouldings abound, touches that enhance the elegant chateau look.
“There are stunning ornate details in every room, including the dining room, which features a unique honeycomb-patterned ceiling and slate floors,” Cohen says. A fully-equipped gourmet kitchen is complete with a recessed paneled archway that leads to a service hall. Custom solid-wood-framed cabinetry and granite countertops are designed for both efficiency and visual warmth. The same goes for the richly burnished durable terracotta floor tiles, a look now very much in vogue. Original to the home and heated, they extend underfoot into the adjacent light-filled cozy rotunda breakfast room.
“The home’s most striking feature is a turret lined with softly textured stone walls,” Cohen notes. It serves a practical purpose as well, providing access to the upper levels. “When you walk up the grand spiral staircase with ornate wrought-iron handrail, it’s like traveling in time; you feel like you’re in an historic European castle.” Along the way, leaded-glass windows admit light, while overhead an impressive chandelier hangs from the dramatically domed ceiling.
The spacious second-floor principal bedroom suite is entered through double doors. Serenity is assured with designer wall treatments, high ceilings and a gas fireplace with an elaborate stone mantle. French doors lead out to a balcony overlooking the rear gardens, as does the fabulous window-lined rotunda-shaped sitting room topped with a domed ceiling. Two elegantly appointed walk-in closets are at the residents’ disposal, as is a sumptuous six-piece ensuite bathroom, with heated marble flooring and tiles, and every luxury amenity.
A recreation area is found on the third and uppermost floor. “It includes a bar area, billiard room and indoor hockey rink, a nicely unexpected feature,” Cohen notes. Another recreation room, with a lounge area and exercise and media rooms, is located in the lower level. There is also a large wine cellar that can hold more than 2,000 bottles, and a tasting room.
At 85 The Bridle Path, the home is in a prime location facing the lushly verdant Toronto Botanical Gardens. As well, the property features two acres of custom landscaping, with an abundance of mature trees and gardens. Among the many upscale outdoor-living amenities, the grounds include a spacious terrace, a swimming pool with a deluxe pool house, hot tub and professional-level sports court.
“The genius of this palatial estate’s design is that it offers so much expansive living space but is also a very warm and welcoming family home,” Cohen says. “Blending timeless French provincial architecture with modern updates and amenities, it truly does offer the epitome of luxury living.”