Toronto Life: Cottage of the Week



July 13, 2023

As Featured in Toronto Life Magazine

1040 Skeleton Lake Road, Muskoka Lakes

List Price $4,250,000

Listing Agents – John Aben, Broker , Mark Aben, Broker

Harvey Kalles Real Estate, Muskoka

View this property feature on Toronto Life here

View the full listing and video tour here

Request more information by calling 705-788-4770 or by email at info@abenteam.com

About the Property

Nestled amidst the rolling hills, fields, and valleys of Muskoka’s hamlet of Raymond stands an exquisite English Manor house crafted in the Tudor style. This exceptional home has been fastidiously designed and now lovingly restored to fulfil the vision of its original owner.With its charming, mullioned windows, the honey-hued facade radiates a warm and inviting ambiance, gracefully blending with the natural surroundings. Its timeless elegance captures the essence of a bygone era. Sloping roofs that are newly shingled, stately beams and chimneys add a touch of grandeur to the Manor’s exterior architectural composition.

The meticulously manicured grounds, featuring flagstone masonry, well-maintained paths and trails traversing 99 acres of beautiful dale climbing to 90-foot cliffs, and delightful flower gardens and borders, offer enchanting retreats to embrace the tranquillity of Muskoka’s famed nature. A stunning backyard oasis features a recently installed 42 ft. long in-ground, heated, salt swimming pool and hot tub spa, setting an incredible backdrop for leisure and entertaining. The outdoor dining and lounge area provides sweeping views in utter privacy.

Step Inside the Manor

Inside the Manor, refined elegance and timeless beauty is entirely encompassing. History exudes from the ornate hardware of doorknobs that once graced the doors of Toronto’s King Edward Hotel to the immense chandeliers and antique lion oak-carved sconces. Many of the Manor’s sourced features chronicle the landmarks of early 20th-century Toronto: four French tapestries from a prominent Toronto families estate; lead ornamental windows and interior oak doors from the Rosedale mansion; stained glass inserts from the now demolished Warwick Hotel; glazed oak door to porch from Union Station; walnut doors in principal suite from Eaton’s department store; and walnut wall and ceiling panels from the Lord Simcoe Hotel, CIBC Toronto executive offices and Bank of Montreal boardrooms.
Truly a testament to craftsmanship, the Manor embodies significant historical charm. Its restoration by the current owners has been one of fidelity to the original vision, enlivened with updated, modern elements.

Each of the Manor’s entrances is grand and has been updated with a bright wash of colour, complimenting the impeccable wood finishing, restored doors, and, at the main entrance, etched, bevelled, and zinced glass windows.

Ample space for coats, hats, shoes, and boots is available in entrance vestibules, closets and ‘mud room.’ The inlaid floors lead to the parlour flanked by French 17th century 5×10 foot mirrors (new glass) and centred around the vast wood-burning fireplace.

Opposite the parlour is the Grand Hall, with an impressive, vaulted ceiling. The Grand Hall also features a stately fireplace, three spectacular antique pendants, and a raised library centred around a stunning 8 x 5 ft stained glass window depicting Charlemagne and Alcuin. The stained glass throughout the library and other areas of the vast residence infuses the interior with a kaleidoscope of colours casting ethereal light patterns.

The majestic formal dining room with a coffered ceiling and intricate cabinetry is accessible from the library. A servery connects the dining room and eat-in kitchen, updated with top-of-the-line appliances, an island with seating areas, and a beautiful view of the property’s front and rear yards.

The mezzanine features a ‘secret’ walkway adorned with two Juliet balconies overlooking the parlour and library, offering enchanting views and a sense of connection between the spaces.

There is an office space, a chess board inlaid on the floor, a games area, entertainment, and access to the newly constructed ‘bonus’ space above the garage that is ideal for guests.

Expansive and luxurious, the primary suite is a sanctuary of comfort and indulgence. With its large ornate fireplace, sizeable sitting area, step up to an elevated area for the bed, two walk-in closets, and vaulted ceilings, this primary suite is remarkable. So, too, is the ensuite bathroom with a spacious shower, two striking sinks, a free-standing bathtub below leaded glass windows, and marble flooring. One of the two sunroom areas is accessible from the principal suite leading to one of the Manor’s two decks. There is a complete laundry closet in the bedroom wing of the Manor and another in the area off the kitchen.

Additionally, two well-appointed bedroom suites each offer soaring ceilings, beautifully modernized ensuite bathrooms and a walk-in closet for the comfort and privacy of your guests.

Request more information by calling 705-788-4770 or by email at info@abenteam.com