THE BEACHES
Glen Manor house is all about first impressions.
They had no intention of buying a new house, but once they saw 275 Glen Manor, everything changed. “We lived nearby and watched it being built, and although intrigued, had no plans to move,” the homeowner says.
However their agent invited them to take a closer look. “We immediately fell in love with the design, size and spaciousness of this beautiful house,” the homeowner says. “It’s perfect for entertaining. We frequently have large gatherings of our extended family at Christmas when, with ample room for guests to enjoy their favourite activities in the glow of three fireplaces, the house really shines.”
Also ideal for summer gatherings, the property has a backyard retreat that has multiple vignettes for relaxing and entertaining. Patios offer a variety of seating and dining areas and a fountain provides the soothing sound of water. More than $200,000 was spent on designer landscaping.
The home, built in 2006, incorporates a two-storey loggia, an elegant and unusual front entrance to the home. Architect Mary Ellen Lynch says the inspiration for the home was a true classical palazzo, taking cues from 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio.
“The loggia is an ideal setting for quiet reflection and relaxation,” says listing agent Mark Richards of Re/Max Hallmark Realty.
The foyer opens to a wide hall, which leads to an elegant staircase and impressive principal rooms. Fresh interior spaces include sophisticated living and dining rooms, and a kitchen/ family room that has a wall of windows and walkouts overlooking the backyard.
“It is easy to entertain both family and business friends. The high quality of finishes, the attractive layout and the views create an atmosphere conducive to any form of entertainment,” the homeowner says. “Numerous cocktail receptions and dinner parties for business colleagues from around the world are among our fondest memories.”
A private retreat, the master suite has a conservatory ceiling, ravine views and a luxurious ensuite bathroom with honed limestone flooring and tub surround.
The lower level features an “entertainment district” — a sunny room with a fireplace, a media system, a bar and two wine fridges, Richards says. “It’s ideal for game day.” An office, a laundry room and ample storage are also on the lower level. An elevator services all three floors.
The homeowners also love the location of the 54x135-foot lot. The house sits high on a hill overlooking Glen Stewart Park on Glen Manor, a ravine boulevard that runs between Queen Street and Kingston Road in the Beaches. It also has level access from a long private driveway to parking for up to five cars at the back of the property.