Million dollar baby

SPACIOUS AND STYLISH

describe luxurious London home

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

Wide-open sun-drenched spaces contrasting with intimate gathering areas define this southwest London home. “It’s contemporary flair with warmth; this is a combination that doesn’t always mesh but fits together perfectly here,” says John Crosby, sales representative with Royal LePage Triland Realty. He has the two-storey home with three finished levels, which he’s dubbed the Urban Executive, listed at $3.28 million.

The open-versus-privacy mixture is an integral element, says homeowner Marlene*, who designed the home. “We enjoy the openness, but people need to have their own spaces as well.”

The spacious ambiance is evident on entering a two-storey foyer carrying through to the rear dining area. These are complemented by a floating three-level mono-beam staircase, backed by a ledgestone travertine wall from the basement to a secondstorey parapet. A glass-rail catwalk, linking upper-level bedroom wings, overlooks the main floor.

The entry view – stretching from front to back - is impressive, Marlene notes. It’s also designed to capture attention, with accent walls lined by 10-foot vertical oak strips enclosing hidden closets, flanked by a 5.5-by10-foot polished marble panel wall.

A rear family room, adjacent to the dining area, provides a more intimate gathering space and showcases a central waterfall ceiling, with inset oak planking dropping down to an offset fireplace.

The kitchen stretches across the back of the house. Its black-and- 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The home’s curb appeal is enhanced by stark contrasts: white siding with ledgestone accents, black window cladding and an architectural box-out in black stucco. • The backyard’s centerpiece is a 40-foot saltwater pool. • Lush rear yard lawns, enclosed by an 11-foot hedge, offer a secluded retreat. • The open two-storey entrance foyer features accent walls with linear oak strips flanked by a decorative marble panel. • The three levels are connected by a floating mono-beam staircase, backed by a ledgestone travertine wall.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The entrance to a front office off the foyer is situated between oak-lined accent walls that enclose two hidden closets. • A family room, adjacent to the dining area, showcases an oak-lined waterfall ceiling tray, dropping down to an offset fireplace. • The kitchen, overlooking the rear yard, is anchored by an 11-foot waterfall-edged island and features custom cabinetry. • The primary ensuite bathroom incorporates a glass infinity shower and large soaker tub. • In the primary bedroom, a central fireplace is bracketed by oversized windows to the backyard. 

white palette incorporates an 11-foot island, featuring double waterfall edges, as well as quartz countertops and custom cabinetry by London Kitchen Studio. A large walk-in pantry provides storage.

On the upper level, the primary suite wing includes a bedroom, highlighted by a fireplace that is bracketed by oversized windows to the backyard. It encompasses a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom with a glassed-in infinity shower and soaker tub. This suite also accesses a covered front terrace, a favourite spot for family relaxation, Marlene says.

Another favoured place in the primary wing, Marlene says, is a media room, with a television and fireplace. These are set in a feature wall, with Picasso tiling, and overlook the main level through a full-height tempered glass wall. “It’s cozy and a great place to get away from the daily hustle and bustle.”

The home’s lower level is ideally suited for a separate multi-generational suite with the three floors connected by both an elevator and stairs. Intergenerational living was definitely top-of-mind for Marlene in creating the design. “With the size of the house, it just made sense,” she says. This level offers an expansive recreation room with a fireplace and a bedroom suite, with ample space for a seating area, as well as a spacious walk-in closet and four-piece bathroom. There is also an additional bedroom or office/den.

Privacy is key in the backyard retreat, bounded by trees and an 11-foot hedge. “I’m astounded by the privacy,” Marlene says. “You are completely enclosed in a secluded space.” Lawns, gardens and patios, including a covered barbecue terrace, surround a central 40-foot saltwater pool and rear cabana with bar seating. The area also includes an outdoor shower, plus pool and storage sheds. 

*Name changed for privacy.

● FOR MORE INFORMATION

JOHN CROSBY

Royal LePage Triland Realty 519-777-2659 www.johncrosbyproperties.com