Stunning mid-century modern Toronto time capsule house by architect Gardiner Cowan

Buckle up and get ready to take a ride through this 1960 Ontario time capsule home, built by Toronto architect Gardiner Cowan. The home is brimming with natural materials — like douglas fir, mahogany, stone, grasscloth and tile — and an open and airy floor plan with lofty cathedral ceilings. The use of earthy materials and spaciousness of this home create a soothing effect similar to being out in nature itself.

From the property listing:

• Price: $1,999,999
• Year built: 1960
• Square footage: 5,914
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 3

Mid Century masterpiece completely preserved.

Circa 1960 by Toronto architect Gardiner Cowan complete with post and beam (douglas fir) architecture, cathedral ceilings, multiple split level, nanny/in-law suite with separate entrance, solid mahogany cabinetry and custom millwork throughout.

Architect had profound respect for special dynamics of the exceptional land on which it was built. The house draws in the lush outside, engaging all the senses via its windows, multiple levels, multiple fireplaces and its undeniable flower and the ‘ease of life’ you imagine your life to be, were it your own. Long sigh.

Unbelievably grand and yet undeniably inviting, comforting and welcoming. This house was made to entrain. The flow is among the most intelligently well planned, well thought out and functioning space.

You may never want to leave.

Can we talk about the awesome idea of continuing the grass cloth wallpaper onto the doors of the closets in this house? And how about all of that built in shelving?

There’s even hidden storage areas throughout the house — like this hidden china cabinet in the main wall of the dining room.

Midcentury realtor — and fan of Retro Renovation — Alex Brott also wrote poetically about the property on her blog:

Into Mid Century Design?  You are about to have a religious experience.

Real Estate Porn watchers (you know who you are), I know it’s been slow this year.  But what I have for you today, is no joke.  I can’t even describe the effect this house has on some people.  They walk through…silent…speechless…In a daze…Confused…And then on the drive home, they call me to ask if they dreamt it.

Oh no, Mi Amors.  You are not dreaming.

This is a completely preserved, and remarkably maintained, Mid-Century extravaganza.  Circa 1960, by Canadian architect Gardiner Cowan, all nearly 6,000 square feet of 31 Edenbrook Hill, would melt butter.  Douglas Fir Post + Beam architecture, cathedral ceilings, multiple split level, nanny/in-law suite with separate entrance, solid mahogany cabinetry and custom millwork throughout.  F-I-V-E bedrooms.  Parking for a whole fleet of little deuce coupes (about 6 cars).  The house was built with respect to natural land dynamics, and designed to catch the light in the morning, afternoon and evening.  Remember light??

Then there is this bedroom — first of all, I love how the wallpaper doesn’t just cover the walls, but also the entire ceiling.

Next, the built-in desk and shelving is a fantastic use of space. And ohhhh do you see what I see?

A midcentury doll house! LOVE. The dollhouse looks like it might be home made. I’m going to put attempting to recreate this adorable house on my list of things to do — I must have one!

There are so many great natural textures going on in this house. They greet you as soon as you step into the entryway — natural stacked stone wall, grasscloth wallpaper, warm wood paneling, clay tile — and they all work together so nicely to create harmony throughout the home.

While most of the home’s decor is neutral — a surprising pop of lime green can be found in the lower level. The vivid green carpeting and matching seating area work to continue bringing the outdoors in — acting as an extension of the leafy green world outside.

And over in the game room — look at that wall of pinch pleats!

Being able to see floor plans of the time capsules we feature is an added bonus that really helps us get a feel for the way the house flows without stepping foot inside.

Mega thanks to reader Ryan for pointing us in the direction of this timelessly beautiful home.

Link love:

• Property listing website for 31 Edenbrook Hill
• Retro realtor Alex Brott
• Photos courtesy of Robert Holowka – Birdhousemedia.ca

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