In the Press

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT: LUXURY PENTHOUSE LIVING ABOVE THE LIGHTS OF TORONTO

Read the latest from Leverage!

Perched high above the hustle and bustle of Toronto’s entertainment district is an elevated, serene private penthouse sanctuary.

The soaring floor-to-ceiling windows offer unmatched views of Toronto, the iconic CN Tower, and Lake Ontario. Experience luxury living at its finest in this incredible, meticulously crafted home.

The penthouse is the perfect canvas for the visual story of the owners’ life experiences and travels, as carefully selected and imported pieces offer a constellation of high-end finishes throughout the home. No detail was overlooked – even the ceiling paint was specifically chosen to highlight the shimmering blue of Lake Ontario. The modern marble chimney breast and fireplace from Chesneys and specially sourced brass library lights from Hudson Valley Lighting speak to the owners’ eye for detail and passion for quality touches.

From the show-stopping white lacquered bookcases to the designer details punctuating every room, this penthouse is a study in modern grandeur and timeless elegance. The well-appointed kitchen is an entertainer’s dream, featuring top-of-the-line Miele appliances, expansive marble countertops, and sleek cabinetry designed by Angelo Violo. The home was featured in House & Garden, offering personal insights from owners Gary Searle, vice president of Kravet in North America, and his partner Leighton McDonald.

The penthouse invites stylish entertaining with an open-plan living and dining area, as well as a Sonos sound system, wine fridge, and automatic blinds. With charming touches like a wallpaper-covered jib door to the kitchen, the home is equally suited for intimate dinners as well as spirited events. Guests and visitors will marvel at the astonishing year-round views in every room throughout the space.

The south-facing balcony overlooks the CN Tower and a panoramic view of the city, and additional balcony spaces offer views of Lake Ontario. You can simultaneously experience the energy of the city and the relaxation of the lake from these stunning outdoor spaces. The views shift with the time of day and season, offering an ever-changing experience that adjusts throughout the day, from the tranquility of dawn to the glittering nighttime city lights.

The designer primary suite oasis features a spa-inspired ensuite bathroom, two walk-in closets, and extraordinary west views of the city, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spacious guest suite is ensconced with natural light and tastefully designed with elegant finishes. The space also offers a private home office with a large balcony overlooking spectacular west views.

The prestigious building includes a host of amenities, like a fitness center, indoor pool, concierge service, and more. The Festival Tower is located above the Bell Lightbox Theatre which is the home to Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Residents enjoy their own private theatre room that can accommodate up to 50 seats completed with a bar and lounge area. The TIFF Bell Lightbox, located in Festival Tower, is the year-round home for the festival and features five cinemas, two galleries, and a film reference library.

Step outside the building into the heart of Toronto’s fine dining, shopping, and theater district, and step inside to experience modern luxury in a private haven above it all.

PROPERTY DETAILS:

UPH1 – 80 John Street Toronto, ON M5V 3X4 

Offered at: $4,195,000

Offered by: Brayden Irwin, Lome Irwin

Bedrooms: 2+1

Bathrooms: 3

Total Square Footage: 2,765

 

Photos by: Hagop Anjrkouchian

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: North Toronto home sells after asking price cut twice| Published April, 2023

44 Sherwood Ave., Toronto

Asking price: $2,589,000 (March, 2023)

Previous asking prices: $2,749,000 (June, 2022); $2.9-million (May, 2022)

Selling price: $2,589,000 (March, 2023)

Previous selling prices: $1,212,000 (September, 2013); $902,500 (July, 2006); $462,000 (November, 2003)

Taxes: $10,180 (2022)

Property days on market: 47

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

The kitchen has been updated with bench seating and stainless steel appliances.

This four-bedroom house only collected one offer over six weeks on the market last spring, even after the asking price was reduce from $2.9-million to $2.749-million. The sellers turned that offer down and decided to bide their time. A spike in sales this March pushed them to relist at a new price of $2,589,000. Within days, they had three bids, one of which met their target price.

“Right as the market was starting to shift and rates were starting to rise, the sellers weren’t prepared to sell it, so we took it off the market,” said agent Brayden Irwin.

“At the end of January, the Bank of Canada announced they were going to hold interest rates, so all of a sudden, we started to see more activity on the buy side. And for the first time in a while, we saw properties selling fairly quickly in multiple offer [scenarios], so we thought it was a good time to bring the property back to the market.”

There are two entertaining areas on the main and lower levels.

What they got

This two-storey house was built in the 1940s and has been recently modernized with hardwood flooring throughout and an updated kitchen with bench seating and stainless-steel appliances.

There are two entertaining areas on the main and lower levels.

The major attraction upstairs is a primary bedroom with sky lights, a walk-in closet and the largest of the home’s four bathrooms, plus a deck overlooking the back yard and the larger deck and stone patio below.

The 25- by 185-foot lot also offers parking.

The major attraction upstairs is a primary bedroom with sky lights and a walk-in closet.

 

The agent’s take

“[Most] buyers were growing families looking for more space, and there were some people who were in a larger home and looking to downsize but stay in the neighbourhood,” Mr. Irwin said.

“The main-floor layout was a bit unique because we didn’t have a kitchen with a family room off the back, it was almost like a den between the dining room and kitchen.”

An upstairs deck overlooks the back yard and the larger deck and stone patio below.

All assets by SOARE PRODUCTIONS

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Prime Riverdale home with plunge pool gets two offers| Published February, 2023

6 Albemarle Ave., Toronto

Asking price: $2,195,000 (October, 2022)

Selling price: $2,266,500 (October, 2022)

Taxes: $8,436 (2022)

Days on the market: 13

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

Open entertaining area with a fireplace, skylights and a private terrace.

This more than 20-year-old house is an anomaly in Riverdale with its two-bedroom plan and in-ground pool. The kitchen and bathrooms were somewhat dated, so the price was set conservatively at $2,195,000. Two offers were tendered, with the higher going $71,500 over asking.

“October was kind of a transitional market in the east end, around Withrow Park, Broadview and Danforth [avenues],” said agent Carol Lome.

“There were three houses [listed] in the area, and interesting enough, they all went in multiple offers.”

What they got

In a prime Riverdale location set high above a short street running west from Withrow Park, this two-storey house has 1,705 square feet of living space, including two bedrooms on the main level and a kitchen on the second floor.

Open entertaining areas are located on each level. The smallest one is in the basement, while the largest one is two floors above with a fireplace, skylights, and a private terrace.

The agent’s take

“This house was very unique because it was very much a West Coast [style] home,” Ms. Lome said.

“Once people were inside, they were in awe and couldn’t believe the light and charm. It was like a treehouse, you look into old maples, and the skyline and CN Tower beyond.”

The 29- by 115-foot lot is also six to 10 feet wider than average, allowing for outdoor assets rare in urban Toronto. “It even has a plunge pool in the backyard, so it was ahead of its time,” Ms. Lome said.

“And it had a two-car carport, so there were a lot of people intrigued to do a laneway house.”

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Three-bedroom unit collects two bids and $82,500 premium | Published September, 2022

2727 Yonge St., No. 402, Toronto

Asking price: $2,295,000 (June, 2022)

Selling price: $2,377,500 (June, 2022)

Previous selling prices: $1,817,000 (February, 2020); $1,880,000 (September, 2019); $1,305,000 (November, 2018)

Taxes: $6,060 (2022)

Days on the market: Three

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

The entire unit had a high-end renovation.

This updated, three-bedroom condo in a mid-rise building near Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens had a lot of interest right off the bat, mainly from local downsizers looking to keep a foothold in Lawrence Park.

“There aren’t many [condominiums] in that neighbourhood, and this one was over 1,700 square feet,” agent Brayden Irwin said.

“Overall, in Toronto, there’s less inventory of units of that size, and even less three-bedroom units, many of which have not been renovated or have the same quality in them.”

Within days, the seller had two offers, accepting one that added $82,500 to the asking price.

“It goes to show that it’s not all doom and gloom in the Toronto market,” Mr. Irwin said.

“When there’s good product in good neighbourhoods, people are still looking to buy, and sometimes there are not a lot of options for that type of property.”

What they got

The unit has two access points to a wide balcony.

This more than 20-year-old suite has a laundry room with a sink, a living room with a fireplace and a dining area with one of two access points to a wide balcony.

The kitchen was recently retooled with a nine-foot long island, marble countertops and upscale appliances, as well as hardwood flooring and pot lights.

The primary bedroom contains a walk-in closet and a four-piece bathroom.

The unit includes a storage locker and two parking spots. Monthly fees are $1,655, which pays for 24-hour concierge and use of a gym, pool and rooftop deck.

The agent’s take

The unit features hardwood flooring and pot lights.

“The whole unit had a high-end renovation, so it was quite beautiful,” Mr. Irwin said.

“And it looked out over the treetops east of the building.”

There are multiple exits to two rear decks and a south-facing back yard, abutting the Chatsworth Ravine near Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens.

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Three buyers compete for grand Georgian on uptown ravine lot | Published August 30th, 2022

79 Chatsworth Dr., Toronto

Asking price: $3,579,000 (July, 2022)

Selling price: $3,679,000 (July, 2022)

Taxes: $14,799 (2022)

Days on the market: One

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

 

The three-storey house boasts a formal foyer and classic living and dining rooms.

The action

Agent Carol Lome went overboard preparing this updated, five-bedroom house, from staging the interiors to managing dozens of guests requesting preview tours 48 hours before its formal launch. She took a more restrained approach to the asking price, opening with $3.579-million.

“We didn’t price it a couple hundred thousand below market, which some agents do,” Ms. Lome said.

“It was very well received, and I was a little surprised only because it was the middle of July when it was hot and agents were saying the market is slow.”

In fact, three bidders fought for the property, which sits on a 42- by 265-foot lot abutting Chatsworth Ravine near Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. “There weren’t any comparables in this price range in Lytton Park,” Ms. Lome said.

“It sold the day interest rates were announced.”

Three bidders fought for the property, which eventually sold for $3,679,000.

 

What they got

This three-storey house provides 3,066 square feet of living space with multiple exits to two rear decks and a south-facing back yard.

Parts of the original centre-hall design from the 1920s remain, such as a formal foyer and classic living and dining rooms with a fireplace and wainscotting, respectively. Additional lounging areas include a den and breakfast area off the revamped kitchen, as well as recreation rooms on the second and lower levels.

Conveniences include an 8- by 12-foot wine cellar and five contemporary bathrooms, including a primary ensuite.

Three vehicles can park on the driveway.

There are multiple exits to two rear decks and a south-facing back yard, abutting the Chatsworth Ravine near Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens.

 

The agent’s take

“It’s a very pretty Georgian house with great curb appeal,” Ms. Lome said. “It’s close to the subway and great schools, and it’s on a ravine lot with a lot of tableland.”

~

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/toronto/article-three-buyers-compete-for-grand-georgian-on-uptown-ravine-lot/

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Designer reno pushes north Toronto home’s sale price over $4-million mark | Published August 9th, 2022

4 Blythwood Cres., Toronto

Asking price: $3,995,000 (May, 2022)

Selling price: $4,175,000 (May, 2022)

Previous selling price: $2,805,000 (July, 2017)

Taxes: $12,129 (2021)

Days on the market: Three

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

 

The action

This four-bedroom house hit the market immediately after a fresh renovation with professional staging and the gardens blooming. Several interested house hunters quickly made offers, with one adding $180,000 to the $3.995-million list price.

“This was a house that, no matter when it came to the market, it was special because of the quality of what was done,” agent Carol Lome said.

“This house compared to a new build, and a new build on a 40-foot lot may be $5-million.”

 

What they got

White oak, herringbone hardwood flooring appears in the living room, dining area and family room addition.

 

This two-storey structure contains 2,375 square feet of living space completely refashioned with a Scandinavian design flavour.

White oak, herringbone hardwood flooring appears in the living room, dining area and family room addition. Heated hardwood floors and eight-foot ceilings add another level of refinement to the basement.

Dark granite countertops, flat paneled cabinetry and high-end appliances were used in the kitchen, as well as skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors to a deck, patio, and garage.

Upstairs, the largest bedroom has a walk-in closet and a six-piece ensuite bathroom. It is the biggest of the home’s four bathrooms.

 

The agent’s take

The largest bedroom has a walk-in closet and a six-piece ensuite bathroom.

 

“[The sellers] spent a fortune, from top to bottom, and it had a backup generator,” Ms. Lome said. “It was like a Tesla for a house.”

Outdoor spaces were also finished to a high calibre. “When you sat in the garden, it was like a spa with the water and fireplace features,” Ms. Lome said.

“The garage could be a home office quite easily because it was heated and insulated.”

~

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Midtown Toronto home sold in one day at $355,000 premium | Published June 15th, 2022

111 Strathallan Blvd., Toronto

Asking price: $4,295,000 (April, 2022)

Selling price: $4,650,000 (April, 2022)

Previous selling price: $840,000 (March, 1999)

Taxes: $13,833 (2021)

Days on the market: One

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

This five-bedroom house near the North Toronto Tennis Club and John Ross Robertson Junior Public School had about a dozen buyers drop by on its first day on the market. Two offers came in before the date set to review offers. The sellers accepted an offer that added $355,000 to their $4.295-million asking price.

“We priced it competitively with what was available on the market,” said agent Carol Lome.

“This property was better than one [the buyers] tried to buy a week earlier, so they did not want to miss out on this one.”

The living spaces feature bay windows.

The living room also includes a fireplace.

What they got

This three-storey house from the 1920s has a classic centre-hall plan with a central foyer and formal living and dining rooms with bay windows.

The house sits on a 50- by 135-foot lot and has been recently renovated and expanded, creating 3,258 square feet of modern living space, including five bathrooms and recreation rooms on the main and second levels.

The updated eat-in kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances. There’s also a wine cellar in the basement.

At the back of the house is a stone patio and in-ground pool.

The backyard includes a stone patio and in-ground swimming pool.

Sunlight filters through south-facing windows in the bedrooms and an open principal room. The kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances.

A space on the surface parking spot is included with the unit. Monthly fees of $483 cover all utility costs.

The house includes five bedrooms.

The agent’s take

“It’s a very pretty Georgian house and the landscaping was rejuvenated a few years ago,” Ms. Lome said.

“They had an older pool, which tends to be deeper and larger than newer pools, so it was the full width of the property.”

The tree-lined street and local amenities were also coveted. “Lytton Park – because of the schools and neighbourhood feel – is very much in demand,” Ms. Lome said.

“Strathallan is also a premium street west of Avenue Road, and originally it was the extension of Alexandra Boulevard.”

~

Globe & Mail – Done Deals: Downtown Toronto Townhouse Unit Goes $117,000 Over Asking | Published March 30th, 2021

33 Sudbury St., No. 3303, Toronto

Asking price: $699,000 (February, 2021)

Selling price: $816,000 (February, 2021)

Previous selling price: $517,000 (June, 2016); $245,000 (December, 2004); $149,215 (January, 2000)

Taxes: $2,741 (2020)

Days on the market: six

Listing agents: Brayden Irwin and Carol Lome, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

This two-bedroom townhouse was painted and staged before about 90 potential buyers came through for in-person visits. Anticipating added competition from an influx of new inventory, the realtor moved up the date on which offers would be considered and a total of nine bids were received. A proposal of $117,000 over asking was accepted.

“There was maybe one or two other townhouses on the market at the same time, but leading up to that, there really hadn’t been anything,” said agent Brayden Irwin.

“The week before we saw a townhouse had sold in multiples, so it was our first indication the condo market was showing signs of life.”

What they got

This upper-level end unit is among a long row of one and two-storey townhouses just south of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. It has 885 square feet of living space and a rooftop deck.

Sunlight filters through south-facing windows in the bedrooms and an open principal room. The kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances.

A space on the surface parking spot is included with the unit. Monthly fees of $483 cover all utility costs.

The agent’s take

“There are lots of these floor plans, but what made this so special was the rooftop terrace and also having direct street access,” said Mr. Irwin.

“A lot of people – especially coming out of COVID-19 – were less excited about getting in and out of elevators, and if you had a pet, it made it easier to take the dog out for a walk.”

~

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/toronto/article-downtown-toronto-townhouse-unit-goes-117000-over-asking/

Haven Lifestyles: This Past Week’s Top 3 Homes Sold In Greater Toronto | Posted March 15th, 2021

Toronto’s real estate market is doing exceptionally well, especially in recent months. Just last month, there were 3768 homes sold in the area and the asking price for homes has decreased by 4.5% since February of last year. Meanwhile, the number of homes on the market has increased by 34.4%, according to Redfin’s latest report.

We’ve curated a few of the most recent luxury properties that were sold within the past week, which includes fabulous entryways, crystal chandeliers, and classic interiors.

 

The most expensive home is an elegant 8,400 square foot estate located along Fifeshire Rd. The massive residence was sold last Thursday and originally listed for listed for $9,880,000.

This spectacular home offers tons of natural light with south facing windows as well as a grand marble hall, complete with a classic “Scarlet O’Hara staircase”. Fantastic aspects include heated bathroom floors, vaulted ceilings, a media room, salt water pool and exercise/recreational rooms.

Luxurious amenities offered at 18 Fifeshire Rd include a wine fridge, bosch appliances, custom built-ins, warm drawers, and speakers. When asked about what stood out to the buyers, listing agent Justin Cohen commented “The stunning ravine lot, and size of home is what appealed to the Buyers. Also the above ground basement so it was like an extra floor of living space.”

“We were able to sell it successfully, in multiple offers in only a couple of days because we were deliberate in setting a realistic price that would draw in the most amount of qualified buyers. Also, our 3D virtual tour helped to get serious buyers come see the house right away as they were able to walk through the home online, instantly.”

 

The second priciest residence is an extraordinary 4.1 bedroom, 8 bathroom limestone estate that was sold and originally listed for $7,480,000.

Located at 92 Highland Cres, this “Crown Jewel Of York Mills” offers residents incredibly high ceilings and over 8000 square feet of luxurious living space. The elegant-meets-modern home is decked out in brushed brass accents, white marble, and skylight with crystal chandelier.

Perfect for entertaining and health/wellness obsessives, additional spaces include a huge gym, spa, theater room, and sauna.

 

The third and final luxurious property that was recently sold is a timeless 5 bedroom, 5 bath home in the heart of Lytton Park.

Graciously decorated and tastefully updated, 113 Strathallan Blvd was listed at $3,999,000 and sold for 111% of list in just one day. This charming property includes re-finished hardwood floors, cozy fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The formal living areas and eat-in kitchen are primed for entertaining with impeccable mouldings and granite countertops. There’s even heated flooring throughout the lower level of the home, along with a media room, gym, and wine cellar. The sellers of 113 Strathallan Blvd were represented by Carol Lome of Lome Irwin Real Estate.