BY PATRICK LANGSTON, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN OCTOBER 17, 2014
A spectacular stone manor with views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills has commanded what’s reportedly the second highest price ever paid for an Ottawa home: $7.675 million. It is also the highest Multiple Listing Service sale so far in 2014.
Sold by Ottawa-based Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, the home was listed at $8.25 million and is in Rothwell Heights.
Built in 2007, it was designed by Ottawa’s André Godin. It’s roughly 15,000 square feet, features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and sits on two and a half acres of gated land. The motor court-style parking area boasts two garages that house five cars and feature extras like heated floors.
There’s also a heated driveway and pathway to the home so guests arriving in mid-winter needn’t worry about ice or snow.
With its monumental stone exterior — the pleasingly asymmetrical elevation and stately chimneys are notable definers — and forests of splendidly moulded dark wood trim inside, the home is “architecturally breathtaking, rich with character,” says Wilson. “It’s rare that you go into a home that’s newly built with a lot of room and feel that sense of warmth. André Godin was given carte blanche with the design.”
Outside, there’s an infinity pool and hot tub, putting green, basketball court, loggia (covered sitting area) with one of the home’s six fireplaces, and an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue.
The property is the third to sell for over $3 million this year, and the seventh to go for more than $2 million. Wilson sold six of those seven homes.
The last time an MLS home sold here for more than $3 million was in 2010 when three were snatched up. Since then, says Wilson, top-end sales have struggled, but the latest sale augurs well for Ottawa’s luxury real estate market.
“I’m seeing a trend in people coming back into the luxury market. People are looking for turnkey and beautiful properties.”
At present, the highest priced Ottawa-area home on MLS is $3.75 million in Manotick. The record for the city’s most expensive sale was set in 2003 when Wilson sold the Rockcliffe Park home of high-tech entrepreneur Antoine Paquin for $8.25 million.
With good prices and value both present, Wilson says now is a smart time to buy into the high-end market.
“We have many international buyers. That helps drive the market.”
Marilyn Wilson has been selling real estate for more than 25 years and owns Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties Inc. Brokerage, an Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. She can be reached through dreamproperties.com.