Regal, Not Rigid: $25M Kingston Mansion Is A Rarefied Gem

It’s the timeless details that make some mansions feel like regal works of art: ornate glasswork, intricate panelling, elaborate ironwork, dramatic entranceways, and staircases that are just as stunning as they are functional. Drawing inspiration from historic techniques while incorporating modern comforts, these homes are defined through classic architectural principles, meticulous craftsmanship, and the strategic use of refined materials.

If this iconic collaboration of style sounds like your idea of luxury living, an iconic Kingston mansion (81 King Street East) could be your next home. That is, if you can afford the stately home's $25,000,000 price tag.

Behind a set of custom wrought iron gates and a perfectly manicured lawn (complete with a pristine fountain, naturally), the sprawling home at 81 King Street East — Kingston’s most prestigious address — immediately commands an air of sophistication.

Its rich exterior elements — stone columns, pitched roofs, decorative shingles, iron roof details — fill the imagination with thoughts of times past. First constructed in 1841 by successful Kingston business man John Watkins, the residence has undergone an extensive four-year renovation that was more of a glow-up than a total transformation – one that revitalized the home’s original splendour, including its woodwork and ironwork, while adding luxurious modern conveniences and indulgences.

Set on a half-acre lot, the five-bedroom, 10-bathroom home houses grand staircases, ornate stained glass, exposed interior brick, a dramatic stone fireplace, soaring ceilings, stunning chandeliers, custom built-in shelving, and even a wood-panelled elevator.

Aesthetics aside, the home has everything you need for a well-rounded luxurious lifestyle, and more. This means everything from an indoor home spa and outdoor saltwater lap pool, to a swoon-worthy chef’s kitchen. The large, two-storey chef’s kitchen boasts a stone wall and fireplace, wood ceiling beams, and top-of-the-line Wolf and Subzero appliances.

Specs

Address: 81 King Street East, Kingston
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 10
Size: N/A
Price: $25,000,000
Listed By: Mark Franks, Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.

The home’s arguable crown jewel, though, especially for avid readers and scholars, is the dreamy two-storey library. 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, bookshelf-filled mezzanine. While cozy and inviting, this space is perhaps the most regal and stately feeling in the entire home.

But regal doesn’t have to mean rigid – not at this mansion. Case-in-point: A fully-automated, two-lane bowling alley imported from Germany, complete with bowling shoes and retro snack machines filled with convenience store go-tos. Outside, an inviting wrap-around veranda offers a charming, country-like vibe to the peaceful property -- one that inevitably calls for a glass of wine. Around the back, the pristine pool features a transformed and rustic two-storey stable that offers a waterside escape.

Our Favourite Thing

What we love most about this home is its one-of-a-kind central library. Imagine: walls brimming with books, creating a timeless feel against the Kingston mansion's contemporary style. A dreamy spiral staircase winds up to the second level, inviting guests to discover new reads. It's an absolute dream for anyone who loves books, a place to spend hours curled up with a favourite story, ideally with the rain tapping on the large bay window and a cozy fire crackling below.

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.

While this regal residence is one you may not want to leave, it’s conveniently located just steps from the waterfront and Kingston Yacht Club (so pack your yacht, too) and is close to all of downtown Kingston's sights, sounds, and tastes.

WELCOME TO 81 KING STREET EAST

EXTERIOR

ENTRANCE

KITCHEN

BED & BATH

LIBRARY

storeys.com

BOWLING ALLEY

POOL

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.

Listed Luxe

Regal, Not Rigid: $25M Kingston Mansion Is A Rarefied Historic Gem

The iconic Kingston mansion features regal details alongside luxury amenities, including an automated bowling alley.

Specs

WELCOME TO 81 KING STREET EAST

EXTERIOR

ENTRANCE

KITCHEN

BED & BATH

LIBRARY

BOWLING ALLEY

POOL

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