Real Estate Industry News

When privacy is a priority, there are certain enclaves where high-net-worth individuals congregate. In Ontario’s greater Toronto area, a stretch of Forest Ridge in Richmond Hill fills the bill.

The large estate homes there, sheltered by 200-year-old trees, attract the likes of corporate CEOs and NHL hockey players.

“It is in a well-established sanctuary of both mature and newly built homes,” says Patricia Sun of Barry Cohen Homes. “Its residents prefer the privacy of each estate home as well as easy access to Toronto.”

At the top end of the housing market for the neighborhood is the nearly 2-acre estate at 33 Forest Ridge Road listed at CAD 22 million or slightly less than USD 16.4 million. Sun is representing the property with Barry Cohen, also with Barry Cohen Homes.

“While it is the most expensive home listed in Richmond Hill, it is certainly justified by the space, material and features,” Sun says. “The entire property is gated with a large heated circular driveway that can accommodate over 20 vehicles.”

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As impressive as the palatial mansion is from the outside, with its graceful columns and scrolled balcony railings, the more than 22,000 square feet of interior space contains an array of amenities that put it over the top.

Perhaps the most unexpected is the two-story indoor water park complete with a waterfall. Rather than being hidden away, the feature can be viewed from glass walls in the grand piano/billiards room and the two-story living room.

A games room, extensive bar, gym and theater with velvet-lined walls round out the interior amenities on the home’s lower level. Outside the landscaped grounds contain multiple waterfalls and a forested treehouse with a zipline.

Designed for grand entertaining as well as family life, the home sets the stage for what lies beyond with a solid wood double-entry door adorned with custom glass and metal details. The circular two-story foyer features a crystal chandelier, domed ceiling with skylight, heated marble tile flooring and a double marble staircase with elegant wrought-iron railings.

The foyer opens to a formal dining room, the adjacent butler’s pantry and kitchen. Dining room details include ornate ceiling molding, three chandeliers and marble tile walls and floor.

The kitchen comes complete with marble counters, top-end appliances, ivory-tone wood cabinets and a center island. The butler’s pantry contains a wine rack, lighted glass front cabinets and prep kitchenette with a refrigerator, wine fridge and oven.

Three sets of French doors off the living room open to a stone terrace looking out onto the backyard. The circular library/office is wood paneled with floor-to-ceiling wood shelves, gas fireplace and a coffered wood ceiling. Curved windows overlook the front yard.

Upstairs, a domed ceiling sitting area, Juliet balcony and expansive dressing room make up the primary ensuite.

“Each of the five bedroom suites feature soaring ceilings and opulent ensuites,” Sun says. “There is also a 2,500-square-foot self-contained apartment for independent living of additional guests or family members.”

There are a total of 10 bathrooms. An elevator accesses all levels of the home.

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