Raffles House

This sophisticated 1930s Georgian home has been restored meticulously to fuse contemporary living with timeless neoclassical architectural details providing a modern sophistication reminiscent of a London Townhouse. From the moment one approaches the brick and limestone home, it is apparent this is a unique proposition. The pristine mahogany front door with leaded transom and sidelights is flanked by symmetrical etched limestone plaques, one of which features the house number and the other the house name: “Raffles House.”

Set on a quiet corner capturing western and southern exposure, this beautiful property enjoys a picturesque English hydrangea garden and fabulous light conditions. Southern light fills the house throughout the day and the backyard is delightfully sunny. The private south-eastern terrace off the kitchen is ideal for barbecuing and dining alfresco. There is also a beautiful south-western terrace off the other side of the kitchen. There are two driveways for convenience, both of which are comprised of elegantly detailed stonework.

Inside, every detail has been attended to. From the nostalgic pull doorbell to the jewelry-like door handles with Art Deco eschutcheons to the sophisticated plaster mouldings courtesy of Hayles and Howe, nothing has been overlooked. The current owners renovated the home extensively, down to installing new leaded windows with mahogany window frames to retain the original elegance and character of the property. The brick and limestone exterior details are punctuated by copper roof elements over the kitchen and garage, as well as copper downspouts.

The gorgeous foyer features large-format marble floor tiles and a stunning crystal light fixture. The main floor has been designed so that each space is welcoming and usable on a daily basis. The spectacular living room features a breathtaking custom-designed limestone fireplace with an ornate screen designed by a California-based artist. Above the mantle are gorgeous tiered mouldings. The living room has jatoba floors, built-in speakers and views of the streetscape and south-eastern terrace. The dining room also enjoys jatoba flooring, which is also echoed in the stairs on the second floor and the handrails.

The spectacular limestone-clad Downsview kitchen has been designed to accommodate for beautiful light conditions throughout the day while retaining privacy. A jaw-dropping cupola over the centre island features leaded windows that filter light into the space. The kitchen also enjoys granite counters and backsplash, as well as radiant-heated marble floors.. The high-end appliances include a Wolf gas range and professional hood fan. The centre island offers a raised area for counter seating. Two breathtaking symmetrical mahogany doors flank the kitchen, each leading to a beautiful stone terrace. A fabulous sunroom / family room with large western-exposed windows and a private powder room complete the main floor.

The second floor offers three well-sized bedrooms. The primary suite enjoys treed views and a gorgeous marble ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub, separate shower and heated towel rack. The two additional bedrooms share a lovely full bathroom with elegant subway tiles offset by inlaid mosaic detailing.

The third floor offers an additional two bedrooms and a fabulous full onyx bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub. One of the bedrooms currently serves as a study and provides private treetop views, an opening skylight and amazing natural light. In addition to accessing the garage, the basement features a spacious family room with marble floors - perfect family space. The well organized storage room and a dream laundry room with marble counters and floors complete the basement.

This unrivalled Rockcliffe Park offering seamlessly incorporates Art Deco elements, classic design features, a phenomenal layout and exquisite light conditions to yield a rare gem.