Come home to a castle in Crescentwood

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This article was published 12/08/2023 (780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes, even a grand, turn-of-the century classic can need a little TLC to restore it – and in some cases take it beyond – its original grandeur.

That was the case with 12 Ruskin Row when it was purchased by an discerning couple back in 2017, says Becky Parkes of Royal LePage Dynamic Realty.

“Let’s just say it needed a little attention,” she says of the two-and-a-half storey home, which was built in 1910. “The current owners could have torn it down and built a new home, but they loved the home and wanted to not only restore it but make it even more spectacular.”

As it turned out, the restoration/updating process took about three years to complete.

When all the dust had settled, the massive home had been re-imagined and completely remodelled by Harris Builders from top to bottom.

“It was a challenging project,” says Becky, who’s marketing the home with her husband, Garry. “The owners kept what they could, such as original hardwoods, which were matched when required. The fireplace in the living room is original, as is its gold crown molding in the ceiling. The pocket doors and William Morris tapestry walls in the dining room are also original.”

Suffice it to say Harris Builders pulled off the vision of the owners and then some.

Literally every room in the home – and there are many of them – is richly finished and visually stunning.

Imagine, for instance, walking from a smashing foyer into a music room complete with grand piano, gleaming hardwoods – and an extravagant, wet bar on the back wall for good measure.

Or, finding yourself in a gorgeous formal dining room with multi-beamed, white ceiling and magnificent chandelier after wandering over from the living room with its ornate ceiling and classic fireplace.

That’s just the start of the home, says Parkes.

“There’s also an impressive library, a solarium that leads out to the backyard – and a restored conservatory with its own heating and cooling that you can grow plants or enjoy a meal in. Every space is special.”

Perhaps no area of the home is more special than a jaw-dropping kitchen/family room area that was skillfully (and artfully) added to the rear of the home, in the process adding about 2,000 sq. ft. to the home’s square footage.

“Previously, the area was used as a summer eating area,” she says. “The island kitchen is a chef’s dream complete with a butler’s pantry, high-end appliances, skylight, and gorgeous finishes such as a custom plaster hood fan, gold backsplash tiling and spectacular quartz countertops. There’s also a wonderful banquette eating area to the rear.”

Then, there’s the family room.

“It’s truly stunning with its high ceiling and all the natural light that comes in from all the windows that surround it. Its double-sided custom Venetian pearl plaster fireplace looks incredible, too. There’s also a beautiful loft above that looks down on it.”

Head up to the home’s second floor, and you find a laundry room, two large secondary bedrooms, luxe four-piece bath and, of course, the primary bedroom.

“The outgoing owners spared no expense here. There’s a gorgeous fireplace, hardwoods floors, and two large windows that let in a good amount of natural light. The six-piece ensuite features a heated tile floor, two-side entry steam shower with heated benches, a gorgeous vanity with dual sinks – and a free-standing air jet soaker tub set in an alcove with Venetian pearl plaster walls.”

Yet another elegantly curved staircase leads up the home’s third floor, which is occupied by three more bedrooms, a four-piece bath – and an absolutely fabulous family room.

“It offers not only a spacious living area with media room, but an island with quartz countertops, two beverage fridges, microwave, dishwasher, and large custom pantry. It’s a perfect kid’s area.”

Finally, there’s the resort-like backyard, which comes with a pool, hot tub, multiple sitting areas – and a double garage with an 802 sq. ft. guest house above.

“It’s beautifully landscaped and comes with a firepit in addition to the pool and hot tub. It’s your own private retreat. And if you like to work out, there’s even a gym downstairs.”

Parkes says the home – with sits directly across from storied Peanut Park – is a true masterpiece.

“Classic elegance and modern living come together here perfectly in a great location. It’s everything you could want in a high-end home, and more.”

lewys@mymts.net