Rosedale Ravine Elegance

What was the challenge?

These clients purchased this neglected property for its beautiful location in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Canada. Perched on the ravine, it gave them a country feel in downtown Toronto. The house was built in the 1940s but had been partially renovated in the 1980s. Fairmont was tasked to renovate the home in a way that made the most of the view and outdoor space, modernized it with the latest in smart home features and showcased their sense of style.

This unique setting brought with it heavy regulations. They had lengthy discussions with the various City Agencies that regulate this property about the possibilities for the exterior of the home but ultimately opted to replace the existing decks and patios with modern materials, including glass rails to maximize the view.

They opened up the rear of the house by replacing the bank of French doors with lift & slides and shades that retracted out of sight, we also replaced the skylights, making the large kitchen, family, breakfast area light and bright, enhancing the view of the ravine.

What was delivered?

The main floor was designed for entertaining with both a formal dining room, living room and bar separated from an open plan kitchen, breakfast and living area, with a butler’s pantry in between. There is also a powder room close to each space.

The property was decorated with a neutral palette, designed to highlight our clients’ artwork, with pops of colour in the bar, wine cellar and office, the latter including a mirrored ceiling to double the impact. There are also a wide variety of textures throughout in the soft furnishings, light fixtures and decorative pieces.

The general floorplan remained close to the original and some features were restored rather than replaced, such as the dome ceiling in the dining room, the vaulted ceiling in the bedroom, the coffered ceiling in the family room and the brass stair rail. The exterior of the house and windows were restored but the original elevator was replaced as this was found to be more economical than repair.

The basement now encompasses a gym, recreation area and wine cellar whilst the second floor has three bedrooms, each with its’ own bathroom and closet. The master bathroom already housed a sauna so we updated it and installed a more efficient heater. Both floors have laundry rooms for convenience. The main and second floor decks were renovated to provide for the highest level of outdoor living and entertainment, with TVs, fireplaces, pergolas and bars.