After almost 40 years together, Joey Miller and Bruce Hunter finally found their “dream cottage” in an unexpected place. With panoramic views of the city’s skyline and spectacular greenery, their penthouse 20 storeys up provides the best of both worlds. Making the move from a house to a condo was a major downsize, but the move from southern Casa Loma to the bustling corner of Yonge and Eg meant finding their hidden haven.
For years, Miller says they had been saving up for a dream cottage, but after seeing the city from new heights, they realized their quiet escape was much closer than they thought. It took $1,233,500, which was $3,500 over the asking price, for the couple to lock down their home.
After living in all types of houses, both agree that — as they’ve grown older — downsizing has increased the value of their real estate investments. The labour-intensive maintenance involved in the upkeep of a detached house, like yardwork, became a burden. Moving in the fall sealed the deal, ending the need for shoveling heavy snowfall, plus the killer view didn’t hurt.
“The view is almost 180 degrees,” says Hunter, an interior designer now doing philanthropic work. “You can see the skyline, but it wasn’t about that for me. I wanted to see the seasons, so what we look out on is a canopy of trees. Flowers and new shoots in the spring, a dense canopy of dark green in the summer, and right now the trees are ablaze with oranges and yellows.” And the view isn’t the only perk to living 20 storeys above 70 Roehampton Ave. As a theatrical musician, Miller says it was important not to be boxed in by his neighbours. With plenty of sectioned-off rooms and a bevy of walls, the space gives off a house vibe, a rare find for condos. “It feels more like a house,”
Miller says. “The ceilings are 10 feet high, and every room has a floor-to-ceiling window.”
“I’m waiting for the impact of moving from our house to this condo,” Hunter says. “But it hasn’t happened yet. There’s a wonderful disarming quality; you can feel the stress of the day just falling away.”
Forest Hill’s castle in the sky
This Park Avenue–inspired penthouse is one classy casa. With a wraparound terrace, two balconies and optional private elevator, it just oozes elegance.
| LISTING PRICE $2,554,000 | |
| ADDRESS 336 Spadina Road | INTERSECTION Spadina & St. Clair |
| SIZE 2,415 square feet | AGENCY Sotheby's International Realty |
| SPECIAL FEATURES Two- storey penthouse with library, centre island in kitchen, ensuite bathroom with double vanity and oversized shower. | |
The Top of North York
As a corner suite, this top spot boasts a spectacular view from almost every room, not to mention it is close to prime Yonge and Sheppard hot spots.
| LISTING PRICE $1,250,000 | |
| ADDRESS 100 Harrison Garden Boulevard | INTERSECTION Yonge & Sheppard |
| SIZE 2,083 square feet | AGENCY Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd |
| SPECIAL FEATURES Corner suite with huge terrace, stainless steel appliances, barbecue gas hookup, 10-foot ceilings and includes two parking spaces and two lockers. | |
Amongst the trees in Thornhill
This sweet suite is all about luxury: not only does the private patio overlook a magnificent ravine, the concierge is at your service 24 hours a day.
| LISTING PRICE $1,799,000 | |
| ADDRESS 7071 Bayview Avenue | INTERSECTION Bayview & Steeles |
| SIZE 2,999 square feet | AGENCY Re/Max Ultimate Realty Inc. |
| SPECIAL FEATURES Designer suite with private patio, in-suite washer and dryer, surround sound and barbecue hookup. | |
