This fully updated and extraordinarily renovated home is tucked into a quiet enclave named “The Pocket”, one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in east Toronto.
As you walk around the streets and laneways of The Pocket, widely recognized for its vibrant and positive community spirit, you will arrive on Ravina Crescent, a curving, lightly trafficked street capped by mature oaks and maples. Ravina backs onto Phin Park with its many amenities, a thriving public school, an expansive dog park, community gardens, and an innovative miniature forest of native plants.
Finally, under the canopy of a towering maple, you will arrive at 57 Ravina in all its splendour. From the front door clear through the open concept main floor with sightlines to the back yard, you will enter a space worthy of Architectural Digest thanks to the recent renovation designed by Architect Wanda Ely. The home itself is contemporary but timeless, with lighting and design elements that call back to early modernism.
The elegance of the art deco metal dividing screen in the Front Foyer sets the stage for the home’s luxury and sophistication. The first floor is defined by high-end walnut millwork by Harvest House that ties together an understated but professional-quality kitchen with a welcoming living space featuring a gas fireplace framed in Loire Valley sandstone. This Open concept design deftly creates a space in which cooking, relaxing and entertaining all take equal priority.
The fireplace is the focus of an intimate gathering space at the front of the house, providing a relaxing vibe. Walnut millwork, accents of brass, soft fabrics and wall coverings all create a rich palette of materials contributing to this home’s sophistication.
The Kitchen and Dining area are merged seamlessly through careful design to accommodate a casual, welcoming “Chef’s Table” style of hosting, a great way of combining entertaining and efficiency in floor space, a must in any Toronto home. A dramatic ‘floating’ ceiling plane with recessed lighting defines the space above the chef’s table, effortlessly illuminating the entire space without the need of a grid of pot lights. Creating an extra warm glow above the table are three angled brass pendants, punctuating a space that is predominantly defined by strong horizontal lines.
Expansive Caesarstone countertops and a long tempered glass backsplash open up into a servery/bartop area as the kitchen meets the living room. Above the backsplash, which reflects the green foliage in the back yard, a celadon green glazed ceramic tile pops against the rich walnut open shelving that allows for perfect placement of your favourite dinnerware. A bank of deep, full height cabinetry conceals appliances and pantry storage using the same language of walnut divided with horizontal brass pulls. Functionality and storage are in every detail including the interior divisions and storage solutions, completing the package of thoughtful design from inside to out.
The back entrance Foyer with its light marble flooring boasts large sage green closets with storage for all the coats, bags, shoes, and necessities needed for an easy exit to the parking area.
The Back Garden is a beautiful and practical space that unfolds over three levels, comprising a deck, a patio with tasteful sun and shade perennial gardens, and a generous lower volume that accommodates entertaining, gardening, and parking protected by a sliding gate in white cedar. The upper and lower patio feature updated interlocking brick.
The opulence continues as you ascend the staircase to the second floor. A black powdered steel and oak art deco-inspired staircase is flooded in light from the vented skylight above, illuminating a textured wall covering that evokes a soft plaster finish.
The upper bathroom is a true spa sanctuary where cascading light from a long, hidden skylight creates a soothing waterfall effect on the feature tile. A floating vanity and storage in the tub area feature brass pulls and walnut finishes in keeping with the design of the first floor. An extra deep and long airjet tub soothes as it affords views from the skylight above. The bathroom is completed by a vast walk-in steam / shower room with wraparound bench seating subtly lit from below. Heated marble floors run throughout the bathroom and shower.
The primary bedroom awakens in the warmth of nature, gazing out the large light filled windows to the beautiful tree where you may hear the gentle song of one of the neighbourhood’s many birds. The vaulted ceiling and built-in shelving in the primary are key design elements, and the detailed light maple millwork draws the eye to the windows and provides interest in all seasons. In keeping with the rest of the home there is an extra-large closet with still more storage space above.
A home is not complete without a bonus space or, in this case, bonus spaces! A basement with great ceiling height completes the home and can be utilized as a library, office or an extra bedroom with its own ensuite. The 3 piece bath in the basement has a generous walk-in shower and a dramatic black and white design with brass accents. The Laundry Room of course will not disappoint with plenty of space for washing, folding AND hanging, and the adjoining Pantry area with sous chef counter and lots of space for additional storage mean that the cabinets upstairs can remain uncluttered no matter how extensive your collection of cookware and ingredients. The basement is warm, dry, comfortable, and clean with its bright white walls, integrated shelving, and laminate flooring.
With light passing through east and west windows you will never be without sunlight on your face in this East End HOME.
The 2018 renovation took the basement, main floor, and upstairs bathroom down to the studs. Entirely new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems were installed. The basement was dug down to create extra headroom, and fully modern waterproofing and insulation were installed. The renovation was thoroughly documented, providing peace of mind as well as ease of maintenance.
Finally, the tidy utility room contains a large sink, whole-house reverse osmosis water filter, heat pump, and on-demand tankless water heater.
