News

20 HUNTERS GLEN

AURORA, ONT.

WHAT: A family house designed in the 1980s by venerable Canadian architect Ron Thom. The four-bedroom home is set on a shallow ravine and surrounded by two acres of gardens.

ASKING PRICE: $1.395-million

TAXES:

AGENT: Marsland Real Estate Inc. (Chris Marsland)

Not surprisingly, Robert and Kathi Alexander were a bit daunted at the prospect of asking Ron Thom - the architect whose work includes Massey College and the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo - if he'd be interested in designing their house.

But the couple had admired Mr. Thom's overhaul of the home of a friend, who assured them the architect was approachable. "He loves doing houses," the friend said.

The Alexanders soon found themselves touring the countryside with the venerable architect, who helped them to settle on a site.

"We chose this lot after we'd taken him to look at a lot of them." Ms. Alexander remembers of the experience a little more than 25 years ago.

The lot, which is striking because of its tall trees and rolling land, was located near Aurora in a planned subdivision of upscale country houses at a time when "estate" developments were an untested concept. The community, called Hunters Glen, is still distinctive for its twisting roads and bucolic landscapes.

"It's probably one of the nicest because of the lay of the land," says Chris Marsland of Marsland Real Estate Inc. "Here the roads do meander and follow the curve of the land."

Mr. Thom is well know for his affinity for the Canadian landscape. He came to national prominence with projects such as the design of Trent University. But he also gained a reputation for doing private residences, including one for Murray and Barbara Frum.

The planning and design of the Aurora house took about a year, and construction lasted about nine months. It was finished in 1982.

During the planning, Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Thom for a bathroom and bedrooms that took full advantage of the morning sunlight.

And, while she wanted to be able to see people coming to her front door, she didn't mind being hidden from neighbouring houses. "I don't care if I see the street or the street sees me," she said at the time.

So, the house was designed to invite the daylight in and allow its residents to enjoy full views of the landscape.

On the main floor, the living room, dining room and kitchen look out over the grounds. A few steps lead up to the mezzanine, which has a library open to the living room and an art studio tucked away behind. The upper level contains a private master suite with a fireplace in the bedroom and a walkout to a sun deck.

With its many angles, open spaces and levels, the house is not typical. For example, a staircase leads from the main level to the library, which is open to the living area below. A twist in the staircase takes residents up another level to the master bedroom.

"A lot of people are thrown by the design because it's so unusual. They can't wrap their heads around it," Ms. Marsland says. "Once you've seen it, it all flows very logically."

The southern portion of the house includes an atrium that allows light to flood into the kitchen and the bathroom above. The atrium reaches 16 feet at its apex.

Because of the banks and berms of the landscape, however, the kitchen is not visible from the road. The large master bathroom also faces south and overlooks the atrium. "Although it's open, you have total privacy," the agent explains. "It's nice to have a bathroom where you can see the sky and the sun."

The master suite also includes walk-in closets tucked into the corners of the roof. "There is not an inch of space wasted in this house," she says.

Downstairs, the spa has a hot tub and cedar-lined sauna. A set of doors opens to a rock garden.

"You have an absolutely beautiful view from all the rooms in this house," Ms. Marsland notes.

This same level also includes a workshop, wine storage space and a dark room. An indoor garden visible from the stairs and living area above also brightens the downstairs.

On the adjacent level, the outer walls of the three bedrooms are angled to provide corner windows overlooking the gardens.

Eventually, the Alexanders also turned part of the lower level into an in-law suite with a private entrance. "It's perfect for a nanny or home office because you have that door so that people can come in and out without disturbing the family," Ms. Marsland says.

The two-acre lot verging on a ravine has been a key feature of the property for the Alexanders, both avid gardeners.

The house is neither fussy nor ostentatious, Ms. Marsland notes, and its contemporary design never seems dated. "All of these big windows are timeless and, of course, you have the beautiful views. It's a very peaceful house. It flows nicely. It's practical. It's functional."

Ms. Marsland thinks the house would suit a family well. Parents with very young children, however, likely wouldn't like having the master suite separated from the other bedrooms, she says, but for a family with older children, the arrangement is ideal.

The offspring and their friends could stay downstairs "without getting on their parents nerves and vice versa."

The house could be expanded easily, Ms. Marsland adds. For example, the main-floor laundry room could be moved downstairs so the kitchen could be extended.

The agent points out that highways 404 and 400 are easily reached; travel time to downtown Toronto is about 45 minutes. Buses and trains also run throughout the area.

For those seeking recreation, Aurora is in the middle of equestrian country. The house is not far from the noted Beacon Hall Golf Club, and Lake Simcoe is about a 30-minute drive away.

The Alexanders, who raised their children in the house, would like to see another family take it over. Some homes in the area have been torn down to make way for massive new dwellings, but the couple hope that their Ron Thom original will remain.

The amenities

The 4,535-square-foot house has an open-concept floor plan with living space spread over several levels. There is an atrium whose ceiling rises to 16 feet, and the mezzanine includes a library and art studio. Large windows provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The master bedroom has a totally private ensuite bathroom that overlooks the living room.

Downstairs, a spa area has a shower, hot tub, and sauna with a walkout to the garden. There also is a large wood-working shop that could be turned into a playroom.

Outside, the landscaping includes an ornamental pond with waterfall, a vine-covered gazebo and beds of perennials. A curved driveway leads to a private forecourt and three-car garage.