An over $12 million Toronto home draws inspiration from a famous Rome hotel

Toronto's Rosedale neighbourhood is no stranger to multimillion-dollar mansions, but every once in a while, a home comes along that manages to stand out even among its very wealthy neighbours.

And 38 Edgar Ave. is certainly one of them.

The sprawling home, currently listed for $12,200,000, combines traditional architecture with contemporary design and a few unexpected international influences.

The formal living room. 

Most notably, according to realtor Jeannine Volpe, the home was designed by architect Stuart Watson, who drew inspiration from luxury hotels around the world, including the Bulgari in Rome and the Pendry in New York.

"The intention was to respect the heritage architecture while bringing in contemporary elements that reflect both the global vibe and the lifestyle of a Rosedale resident," Volpe told blogTO.

The front entrance. 

From the outside, 38 Edgar Ave. maintains the stately appearance you'd expect from a Rosedale mansion.

The family room with the wood screen that extends up to the second floor. 

But inside, things get considerably more interesting.

The centre hall. 

The home follows a traditional centre-hall layout, with generous principal rooms that include a formal living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a spacious dining room.

The dining room. 

However, the marble-trimmed doorways inspired by the Bulgari Hotel in Rome bring a touch of Italian luxury to the interiors and really set this place apart.

A microcement fireplace in the primary bedroom. 

Meanwhile, microcement fireplaces, custom panelling and what Volpe describes as a "stunning wood screen" that extends from the main floor through the second floor add a more contemporary feel.

The living room. 

The result is a home that feels decidedly more interesting than your basic luxury mansion.

The view to the backyard. 

At the back of the house, the design opens up into a bright family room and kitchen overlooking the landscaped garden.

The kitchen and family room. 

And the kitchen is every bit as fancy as you'd expect in a $12.2 million home.

The kitchen. 

Designed by Italian kitchen manufacturer Scavolini, it features all-glass cabinetry, marble countertops, maple millwork and high-end Gaggenau appliances.

But the materials weren't just chosen because they look expensive. According to Volpe, the wood and other finishes were carefully selected to create a connection between the home's interiors and the surrounding landscape.

The catering kitchen. 

For example, the bookmatched marble in the kitchen is intended to evoke the branches of Rosedale's established trees.

There's even a separate catering kitchen, because apparently one luxury kitchen just isn't enough.

The primary bedroom. 

Upstairs, the primary bedroom overlooks the garden.

The primary ensuite. 

It comes complete with a walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite bathroom.

A bedroom with an ensuite. 

Two additional bedrooms on this level have their own ensuites, while a study at the front of the house opens onto a terrace.

The third-floor bedroom. 

The third floor is arguably one of the home's more charming spaces, with a bedroom described as a "treehouse," plus a flexible office or lounge and a second laundry area.

The lower level recreation room. 

Downstairs, the lower level offers even more living space, including a large recreation room, a room that could function as a music studio or bedroom, and additional storage.

The third floor office and lounge space. 

There's also a private two-bedroom caregiver or in-law suite with its own sitting room, bathroom and rough-in for a future kitchenette.

The back of the house. 

But perhaps the biggest selling point is waiting outside.

The pool and patios. 

The landscaped backyard features limestone detailing and a striking deep blue concrete swimming pool that looks like something you'd find at a boutique Mediterranean resort.

The garage. 

The property also includes a detached two-car garage, with additional space beyond it and prepared plans for a potential garden suite, subject to the necessary approvals.

A home office with a terrace. 

All told, 38 Edgar Ave. is a pretty impressive example of what happens when traditional Toronto architecture meets contemporary design and a healthy dose of European luxury.

The view from the dining room into the catering kitchen. 

And with an asking price of $12.2 million, it's certainly priced like a five-star experience.

A bedroom on the second floor. 

It's also a staggering 76 per cent jump from the $6,925,000 the property last sold for in 2023.

The open-concept family room and kitchen. 

Of course, the home has since undergone an extensive rebuild, which helps explain the ambitious new price tag. But it's still a pretty eye-watering difference, even by Rosedale standards.

An aerial view of the house and neighbourhood. 

Whether buyers think all those luxurious upgrades justify the extra $5.3 million remains to be seen.