Located at the tree canopy level of a sloping ravine, this modern open floor plan addition and remodel enjoys a magnificent view of Lake Ontario above the trees. The original house containing three kitchens and a disproportionately small second floor was completely gutted. In order to add space for a bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, without exceeding the maximum area permitted by the zoning by-law, a section of the first floor was removed. The sum of the added and subtracted floor areas maintain the required square footage of the original house.
We are proud to have this house featured in the magazine,Toronto Home
Thank you to Larry Arnal, Jocelyn Mongroo and Rusty Anfang for the photography.
Staging by Mari Blair and Sharon Bowering (master bedroom and ensuite bathroom).
The focus of the two-storey foyer is an open tread walnut staircase with a stainless steel and glass guard. The main staircase is perched on a cantilevered platform which is used as a bench for seating at the front entrance.
The floor to ceiling glass provides a beautiful view of the forest canopy below and the lake beyond from the family room. The expansive two two-tiered terrace is accessed through patio doors.
The U-shaped basement staircase winds around a walnut “block” which houses coats and shoes accessed from three floor levels. Two coat closets are accessed from the first floor, a large shoe closet from the mezzanine garage level and an additional shoe and coat closet from the basement level.
Lowering the floor of the sunken living and dining area separates the formal and informal areas while providing a higher ceiling. The fireplace is clad in Carrara marble. Walnut, Carrara marble and white Corian are consistent finishes that provide a cohesive flow throughout the house.
The sunken dining and living areas are distinct spaces from the family room and open kitchen.
The walnut pantry features an illuminated alcove and concealed pull-out wine storage.
The walnut and white Corian kitchen overlooks the family room with ravine and lake views. A window that runs the full length of the sink counter sits on the counter bathing the kitchen with natural light.
The cylinder shaped sink and faucet is by Aquabrass and adds an interesting compact form to this small powder room.
The master bedroom and private terrace have a view over the forest to Lake Ontario. An open entryway to the ensuite is along the glass wall.
A Carrara marble-clad wall framing the Caicos egg-shaped bathtub by AquaBrass is the vista from one of the master bedroom entrances.
The toilet alcove with a lake view is tucked behind the vanity wall in order to afford privacy. The vanity block cantilevers past this partition to lengthen the counter without extending the mirrored wall which would have visually enclosed the space.
The original dated quasi-Spanish style façade was modernized with a small glass addition, providing extra space for the custom staircase.
A glass addition to the entryway physically and visually expands the foyer, providing extra space for the custom staircase.
The home is designed to integrate with its natural environment. Large tiered terraces on each level cascade down the ravine providing multiple levels of outdoor space to enjoy views.