BUNGALOW BY THE LAKE
$ 4.5- million Île- Bizard bungalow is all about space and spectacular views
You pass through an arched gateway and follow a winding drive guarded by two stately, bronze lions. There is a pond with a fountain and expanses of manicured lawns, flower gardens and mature trees.
It might feel as if you are wandering through a tranquil park, insulated from the tumult of the city. In fact, you are experiencing the “front yard” of a 462,000- squarefoot estate set back from Chemin du Bord- du- Lac in Île- Bizard. The listing price is $ 4,450,000.
Selling agent Marie- Yvonne Paint has seen her fair share of elaborate homes and gardens over the years, but when she arrived at the estate’s gate for a first visit, she was amazed.
“It was out of this world,” Paint said. “The grounds are beautifully manicured and I think the thing I found most impressive is that the land is flat, which means the view is exceptional no matter where you are in the house. It’s like you’re living right on the water.” Oh yes, the view. The property slopes down to 620 feet of shoreline along the Lake of Two Mountains with a private boat dock. There is also a tennis court and a large swimming pool.
The grand lake view can be enjoyed from the stone patio off the dining room, the rooftop terrace or, in less clement weather, from the expansive and covered back veranda or even within the intimate confines of a wooden gazebo installed near the shore.
Generous windows installed the length of the house both flood the interiors with natural light and frame the beauty of the exterior landscape.
A bronze reproduction of Michelangelo’s David greets visitors as they round the circular driveway to reach the front door of the sprawling one- level home that was built in 1965 by a contractor who owned a concrete business.
“You can say the build is very solid,” Paint said with a laugh.
The one- level home’s uncluttered f acade communicates a solitary sophistication that sets it apart from the current, showier, luxury- home trend of the twoor three- storey brick- and- stone palace.
The bungalow by the lake has had four owners. In 1998, the third owners, a couple with young children, brought in an architect to do major work on the 3,500- squarefoot interiors.
More work was done after the current owners bought the house in 2002.
They immediately refreshed the landscaping, replaced the roof in 2013 and in 2014- 2015, knocked down interior walls to create a family- friendly open format in the common areas and renovated the three bathrooms, two powder rooms, five bedrooms, den and living room.
The kitchen with glass- fronted cabinets and l arge central island with a prep sink has granite countertops and limestone tiles. It opens onto a family room with eating area and a lounge with a fireplace — one of five fireplaces in the home.
There is a billiard room and, in the finished basement, a wine cellar and a 445- square- foot storage room.
“It’s what I would call a convivial home,” Paint said.
“All the living is done on one level, which is ideal for a family with young children.”
The master suite is capacious with an elegant fireplace, a generous walk- in closet and an elaborate
Roman- referenced master bath finished in wood and marble with a heated floor.
Even the garages make a statement. There are two heated garages — main floor and basement — which can accommodate at least 10 vehicles.
The 1,100- square- foot main- floor garage is so spic and span, with big windows, plenty of interior lighting and luxurious flooring, it could easily be repurposed in a pinch.
“For people who love to entertain, it would be a great place to host a large party,” Paint said.
“It would also make a spacious playroom for the children.”
Selling agent Marie- Yvonne Paint, Royal LePage Heritage, 514934- 1818