House of the Week: $2.9 million for architectural elegance in the middle of Mississauga (no, really)
ADDRESS : 1420 Birchview Drive
NEIGHBOURHOOD : Lorne Park, Mississauga
AGENT : Jennifer Rebecca Labrecque, Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
PRICE : $2,950,000
THE PLACE : A massive, contemporary stunner in Mississauga’s ritzy Lorne Park neighbourhood (an area so Beemer- and Botox-filled it has its own housewives reality show ).
BRAGGING RIGHTS: Architectural exceptionalism. Mississauga is well known for its cookie-cutter subdivisions, but this place breaks the mould: the sharp, clean-lined design was inspired by modern American (Frank Lloyd Wright) and cutting-edge Japanese (Tadao Ando) design, and brings together unique materials like Brazilian Ipe wood, weathering Corten steel and Cleveland sandstone.
BIG SELLING POINT: The wraparound rooftop terrace overlooking the leafy lot. At 1,800 square feet, it’s larger than most downtown condos and can host summertime barbecues for you, your friends, your kids’ little league teams and everyone else in the neighbourhood all at the same time.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER : The large, flat, pool-perfect backyard sadly lacks a pool! Which, in this part of Mississauga, is as conspicuous as not driving an SUV.
BY THE NUMBERS :
• $2,950,000
• $23,858 in property taxes
• 5,700 square feet (not including the 3,400-square-foot basement)
• 1,800-square-foot wraparound rooftop terrace
• 5 bedrooms
• 5 bathrooms
• 3 fireplaces
• 2 skylights
111420 Lots of trees 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_33-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_33.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_33.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_33/ jan12hotwbirchview_33 0 0
Lots of trees
111419 Huge backyard 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_32-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_32.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_32.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_32/ jan12hotwbirchview_32 0 0
Huge backyard
111418 Covered back patio 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_31-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_31.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_31.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_31/ jan12hotwbirchview_31 0 0
Covered back patio
111417 The Abominable Snowman! Tread carefully, or he’ll wake up 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_30-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_30.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_30.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_30/ jan12hotwbirchview_30 0 0
The Abominable Snowman! Tread carefully, or he’ll wake up
111416 What’s that in the corner? 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_29-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_29.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_29/ jan12hotwbirchview_29 0 0
What’s that in the corner?
111415 Sitting area in the guest bedroom 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_28.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_28/ jan12hotwbirchview_28 0 0
Sitting area in the guest bedroom
111414 That nook is begging for a bookcase 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_27.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_27/ jan12hotwbirchview_27 0 0
That nook is begging for a bookcase
111413 Lots of closet space 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_26.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_26/ jan12hotwbirchview_26 0 0
Lots of closet space
111412 All of the upstairs bedrooms have access to the terrace 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_25.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_25/ jan12hotwbirchview_25 0 0
All of the upstairs bedrooms have access to the terrace
111411 Nice bath 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_24.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_24/ jan12hotwbirchview_24 0 0
Nice bath
111410 Large guest bedroom 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_23.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_23/ jan12hotwbirchview_23 0 0
Large guest bedroom
111409 Oh look, a tea party 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_22.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_22/ jan12hotwbirchview_22 0 0
Oh look, a tea party
111408 The master ensuite has everything, even a bidet 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_21/ jan12hotwbirchview_21 0 0
The master ensuite has everything, even a bidet
111407 An animal is eating that chair! 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_20/ jan12hotwbirchview_20 0 0
An animal is eating that chair!
111406 Master bedroom with Poliform walk-in closet 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_19/ jan12hotwbirchview_19 0 0
Master bedroom with Poliform walk-in closet
111405 A stately home office with its own private entrance 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_18/ jan12hotwbirchview_18 0 0
A stately home office with its own private entrance
111404 Climbing the walls 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_17.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_17/ jan12hotwbirchview_17 0 0
Climbing the walls
111402 Bathroom 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_15.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_15/ jan12hotwbirchview_15 0 0
Bathroom
111401 The sideboard has a heated counter to keep food warm 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_14.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_14/ jan12hotwbirchview_14 0 0
The sideboard has a heated counter to keep food warm
111400 Dining by the fire 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_13.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_13/ jan12hotwbirchview_13 0 0
Dining by the fire
111399 Wall-to-wall French doors leading to the backyard 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_12.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_12/ jan12hotwbirchview_12 0 0
Wall-to-wall French doors leading to the backyard
111398 The 11-foot ceilings are for really, really tall people 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_11.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_11/ jan12hotwbirchview_11 0 0
The 11-foot ceilings are for really, really tall people
111397 Sunken living room 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_10.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_10/ jan12hotwbirchview_10 0 0
Sunken living room
111421 The pantry has a built-in wine fridge 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_34-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_34.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_34.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_34/ jan12hotwbirchview_34 0 0
The pantry has a built-in wine fridge
111396 Everything is smooth, shiny and new 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_9.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_9/ jan12hotwbirchview_9 0 0
Everything is smooth, shiny and new
111395 Custom Varenna kitchen 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_8.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_8/ jan12hotwbirchview_8 0 0
Custom Varenna kitchen
111394 Glass + steel + wood = contemporary design 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_7-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_7.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_7/ jan12hotwbirchview_7 0 0
Glass + steel + wood = contemporary design
111393 A feature wall for featuring art 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_6.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_6/ jan12hotwbirchview_6 0 0
A feature wall for featuring art
111392 It would be fun to slide across the polished floor in sock feet 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_5.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_5/ jan12hotwbirchview_5 0 0
It would be fun to slide across the polished floor in sock feet
111391 Front foyer 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_4.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_4/ jan12hotwbirchview_4 0 0
Front foyer
111390 Monumental terrace 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_3.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_3/ jan12hotwbirchview_3 0 0
Monumental terrace
111389 Dramatic entrance 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_2.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_2/ jan12hotwbirchview_2 0 0
Dramatic entrance
111388 Nice lines 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_1.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_1/ jan12hotwbirchview_1 0 0
Nice lines
111422 1420 Birchview Drive https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jan12HOTWbirchview_intro.jpg 656 415 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-1420-birchview-drive/slide/jan12hotwbirchview_intro/ jan12hotwbirchview_intro 0 0
Stunning… love at first sight!
Absolutely stunning.
Beautiful contemporary home.
Decor is fabulous, many iconic pieces.
I live less than a block from this house. I drive a 2006 Rav-4. Yes, Lorne Park is a nice neighborhood but dont believe the exaggerations of our community in this article.
Best house I’ve seen in this series. The owner’s lack of interest in their backyard is an obvious sore thumbs but the house itself if unbelievable! Maybe worth moving to Mississauga for (maybe).
Wow! I loathe Mississauga, but this house is gorgeous!!
Perfect backyard for the one who wish to create their own touch to this gorgeous home creation…I think the future owner will have a very comfortable and warm life something many of us deserve…WOW it’s just beautiful!Genius architecture!Dreamy living –
I don’t usual dig the “uber-clean-lines-’cause-no-one-farts-in-here” look, but WOW if I had the dough, I’d be 905-in’ it. This home is stunning.
…I don’t “usually” spell USUALLY without the “ly”…
Wow.. nice indeed…. funny thing, you notice the property tax ? realistic for a $3mil home versus in toronto it would be like $8000… Hope Ford sees that our property taxes need to be increased and leave services for poor people alone. PLEASE INCREASE MY PROPERTY TAX DEAR MR. MAYOR!!!
What a spectacular home! By far the best home showcased on this house of the week series. So refreshing to see something creative instead of the giant cookie cutter monster homes that are going up like bad weed all over. Its a total “Ballers Pad”! I love how they were able to mix the modern elegance with the warm touches of wood. BRAVO!
Interesting Design. Love the flow of the place. Great job!
Must buy my lottery ticket now! This is a spectacular home and well worth the price. I agree with Tod, Toronto’s property taxes are way too low and need to be increased 5% every year to get to 905 levels.
Exquisite contemporary design. Fine materials, distinctive craftsmanship and high style providing the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Breathtaking! Entertainer’s dream home!
After reading the comments on that link to the RogersTV show, Lorne Park sounds like a terrible place to live. The house is beautiful though.
This house was designed, built, and belonged to the Late Great King of Clubs. Arguably the pioneer of what today is known as the “Club District” in the City of Toronto. You won’t find a man this talented in 10,000 cops or 100,000 beauracrats. He was my friend, and I’m sad that he’s gone.
I really have nothing to say about this other than WOW!!!
Yeah, wow but doesn’t any one else find this place a little cheesy? Perhaps it is the decor.
http://www.themash.ca
Love this place. Dude Cheesy? Really where abouts do u live exactly and what makes u such a connaisseur of cheesiness??? Cheesy as in Stilton or Beemster perhaps..Your blog is also lame all u do is bash properties and their agents. Try writing something positive for once I dare u!
No pool ???
I love this place! Also, whoever did the captions for all the photos is my new best friend. I was only clicking through the slideshow to read them. “Oh, look a tea party”
I like this is so nice.
No one can understand this design because they were not part of the process of building BIG BROTHER Birchview and little brother Birchview. Believe me we were there every step of the way. All 3 of us!!