This $4M Toronto home is a modern take on a British design classic

Toronto has no shortage of new builds that seem to follow the exact same formula: white oak, white walls, enormous slabs of faux marble and enough pot lights to illuminate a small airport.

But 144 Old Orchard Grove is trying something a little different.

The newly built home in Toronto's Avenue and Lawrence neighbourhood takes its inspiration from classic British design, albeit filtered through a decidedly modern lens.

The view of the house from the street. 

From the street, the five-bedroom home certainly has plenty of curb appeal.

The living room with built-ins and a gas fireplace. 

Imported handmade Mexican brick gives the exterior an almost old-world feel, while black aluminum windows, wood-grain siding and copper accents keep it from looking too traditional. And the attention to detail continues inside.

The family room with under-window built-in seating. 

Designed by Studio Golara around a concept dubbed "Ambient Calm and Design Detox," the more than 4,600-square-foot home is filled with warm woods, natural stone, rich colours and plenty of interesting textures.

The foyer. 

Even the foyer makes a statement, with a nine-foot custom solid entry door and handmade window.

The powder room. 

The powder room is equally dramatic, wrapped in colourful Silk Road wallpaper that's a welcome departure from the beige-on-beige interiors that have dominated luxury homes in recent years.

The dining room. 

You can see the British influence throughout the home, from the rustic wood ceiling beams and wall panelling to more whimsical touches like patterned wallpaper and sink skirts.

One of the bedrooms. 

That being said, it's a very toned-down interpretation of traditional British design, which tends to embrace clashing patterns, layers of colour and cozy, lived-in spaces.

Another bedroom. 

This is, after all, still a brand-new luxury home, and there are plenty of pristine show-home qualities mixed in with all that old-world charm.

The open concept main floor. 

The front portion of the main floor connects the formal lounge, living and dining spaces, which all feel polished without being overly stuffy.

The kitchen and breakfast nook. 

But the kitchen is arguably the real showstopper.

The kitchen with ILVE range and built-in appliances. 

Wrapped in Brazilian green quartzite and century-old barn beams, it's a surprisingly rustic combination for a brand-new Toronto home.

The pantry. 

There's also an oversized pantry, which is perhaps the most overtly British-inspired space in the house, along with plenty of cleverly concealed storage and a cozy breakfast nook.

The round island. 

But perhaps the kitchen's most unusual feature is the round solid oak island.

The main floor. 

Instead of the massive rectangular stone islands that have become practically mandatory in luxury homes, this one looks more like an oversized dining table, creating a natural gathering spot in the centre of the kitchen.

One of the ensuite bathrooms. 

Upstairs, the home continues to prioritize spaces that are both pretty and practical.

The built-in hallway nook. 

There's a built-in hallway nook that could work as a quiet spot to read, work or simply escape the rest of the household for a few minutes.

The primary suite. 

The primary suite, meanwhile, was apparently inspired by the timeless luxury of the Ritz-Carlton.

The primary ensuite. 

And it definitely has that upscale hotel feel, with a spacious bedroom, custom millwork and a spa-like ensuite.

A bedroom with built-in closet and an ensuite. 

Each of the home's bedrooms has its own personality, as well as an ensuite bathroom and built-in closets.

The laundry room. 

Even the laundry room is nicer than most people's kitchens.

The basement. 

Downstairs, things get a little more playful.

The snack bar. 

The heated walk-out basement has a game and media room complete with a snack bar, making it an ideal place for movie nights or entertaining.

A mudroom. 

There's also a second mudroom off the garage and side entrance, plus a legal one-bedroom suite with its own full kitchen, three-piece bathroom and separate laundry.

The backyard. 

Outside, the backyard has been meticulously landscaped with herringbone interlock and features a covered hot tub spa that can be used year-round.

The living room. 

But perhaps the most interesting thing about the home right now is its new listing price.

The family room. 

Just over a week ago, 144 Old Orchard Grove was listed for $4,795,000.

A bedroom with a built-in wardrobe. 

But amid Toronto's sluggish real estate market, that price apparently didn't last long.

The primary suite walk-in closet. 

The asking price has already been slashed by a whopping $800,000, bringing it down to $3,995,000.

An ensuite bathroom. 

That's nearly 17 per cent off the original asking price in a matter of days.

The pantry. 

Whether the dramatic price cut will be enough to lure in a buyer remains to be seen.

The back of the house at night. 

But at least whoever ends up with 144 Old Orchard Grove will be getting a new build that isn't afraid to stray from Toronto's usual luxury-home formula.