A LASTING SANCTUARY
Modern, two-storey house custom-built for couple to include a heated garage, upstairs laundry
Location 11 Thirty Second St., Long Branch, Etobicoke, Toronto Price $2.198 million
The owners Matt and Carrie White’s modern-style home in Long Branch has deep personal meaning for them. They had the home custom-built, tailored to their wants and needs. They’ve raised their six-year-old daughter there and hosted family celebrations.
Their first home was a small bungalow next door. They shared a driveway with a senior couple, who lived in a 1900s’ bungalow at No. 11 with no basement. When those neighbours decided to sell, the Whites bought the house, to avoid any future conflict over the driveway, and rented it out.
“As time went on, we decided we wanted a new place,” White says. “There were a lot of new builds happening in the area, but we couldn’t afford those, so we decided to tear down the old rental house and build a new one in 2017.”
White worked closely with architectural firm Ambient Designs and builder Danny Molinari of Parma General Builders to design the modern, two-storey house. His priorities and those of his wife were: a heated, insulated garage, upstairs laundry room and a main-floor entertaining space. The open-concept kitchen-family-room-entertaining space has double doors, which open to the deck for three-season indoor-outdoor living.
“That space is my favourite part of the house, especially in summer, when we can open the doors,” says White. “We worked hard on landscaping the backyard, and it’s a relaxing oasis. We have a fenced backyard, a firepit and a covered roof over the deck with dimmable lights.”
The couple also loves the master ensuite bathroom, with its double vanity, double walk-in shower and a big soaker tub.
With a traditional roofline, the house looks modern. There are 12foot ceilings on the main floor, and nine-foot upstairs, where there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The walkout basement has large windows, 10-foot ceilings and in-floor heating. The basement has a gym, plus guest bedroom and bathroom. The house’s lot is 27.5 feet wide, which allowed for wider hallways.
After 14 years in Long Branch, the family is moving to Oakville, where White grew up, to a new home they are building. It will have both space for them both to work from home and a bigger yard.
Leaving won’t be easy. “We enjoyed how walkable this neighbourhood is. There are a lot of younger families moving in, and we’ve made a lot of good friends,” says White.
The realtor says “This home radiates a unique warmth, meticulously designed by the homeowners with a profound and heartfelt vision to establish a lasting sanctuary for their family,” says Natalie Costello. “Every detail was thoughtfully considered, with no corners cut and no expense spared, reflecting their commitment to comfort, safety, and longevity for generations to come. It stands as a testament to intentional living, where each space was curated to enhance their family dynamics, a rare find in today’s market.”
Highlights
■ Custom-built with nearly 3,500 square feet of living space
■ Three bedrooms, four bathrooms
■ Finished basement with high ceilings, in-floor heating and walkout
■ Chef’s kitchen with custom maple cabinetry and quartz countertops
■ Open-concept main level designed for entertaining, opening to expansive terrace
■ Walkable neighbourhood with easy access to transit, parks, shops, schools, restaurants.
“In this home, our daughter took her first steps, had her first birthday party, and had all her major milestones here,” says White. “It’s been really special to us.”