Relocating to Kingston, Ontario doesn’t sound too shabby – especially if it involves moving into a just-listed, architectural dream of a mansion that's jam-packed with all the nice-to-haves you never knew you were missing in your life. This means everything from a home spa retreat to a bowling alley from Germany. Sign us up (in our dreams).
With a price tag of $25,000,000, the sprawling property at 81 King Street East sits on a half-acre lot and features a sophisticated blend of history and heritage, with all the modern-day trappings suited for the 1% set. The stately home was first constructed in 1841 by John Watkins and has undergone an extensive four-year renovation that saw elements of the property, like its woodwork and ironwork, meticulously restored. Behind custom wrought iron gates and a perfectly manicured lawn with pristine fountains, the timeless home checks all the luxurious boxes of refined, five-star, and design-forward living. This means features like grand staircases, stained glass, exposed interior brick, a dramatic stone fireplace, soaring ceilings, stunning chandeliers, custom built-in shelving, and even a wood-panelled elevator.
The home features five large primary-bedroom suites with private bathrooms. In total, there are nine bathrooms.
The chefs in the home – and those of the hired variety, as well – will appreciate the property’s large, two-storey gourmet chef’s kitchen. Dramatic, yet inviting and homey, the kitchen features a stone wall and fireplace, wood ceiling beams, and top-of-the-line appliances.
Those with a soft spot for good old-fashioned books will gravitate to the home’s incredible two-story library, which is lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves full of books and backed by a 20-foot bay window. The space is punctuated by a 900-pound Austrian crystal chandelier and a cast iron spiral staircase imported from Italy that leads to a dreamy mezzanine.
Specs
- Address: 81 King Street East, Kingston
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 9
- Size: N/A
- Price: $25,000,000
- Listed By: Barry Cohen, RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc.
Outside, a charming wrap-around veranda makes an inviting spot to enjoy a meal or glass of wine. A heated saltwater lap pool sits tucked away at the back of the home in its own private oasis.
Meanwhile, if the weather doesn’t allow for a pool day, there are plenty of things to do inside. A sure crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages, the home boasts a fully automated two-lane bowling alley imported from Germany that’s complete with bowling shoes and a retro snack machine.
For a post-game wind-down, the lower level features a home spa retreat, complete with a hot tub, sauna, and massage area, and a transformed two-storey stable that sits poolside.
Our Favourite Thing
Our favourite thing about this home is its unique and central library. Not only do the book-lined walls offer a classic and historic juxtaposition to the home's modern elements, the spiral staircase up to the library's second storey adds a whimsical touch that makes book lovers want to explore -- then curl up with their favourite hardback for hours (as the rain taps away on the massive bay window and the fireplace blazes below, ideally).
Other notable talking points of the home include 27 HVAC zones, radiant floor heating, advanced automation, and a three-car heated carriage house (AKA garage) that is wired for electric car charging.
Though this home is the type you’d never want to leave, it’s conveniently located just steps from the waterfront and Kingston Yacht Club and is close to Kingston's sights, sounds, and tastes.
WELCOME TO 81 KING STREET EAST
EXTERIOR
ENTRANCE
HALLWAY + DECOR
KITCHEN
BATHROOM
LIBRARY
BOWLING ALLEY
POOL
