1502 Lakeshore Road E, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Once heralded as the priciest residence in Canada, this estate was later demolished to pave the way for an upscale condominium project. What led to the downfall of Oakville, Ontario’s iconic Edgemere Estate? Nearly ten years ago, this vast 14-acre property boasting close to 1,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline had an asking price of $45,000,000 CAD, a record high for private homes in the country. However, as property values in Vancouver, British Columbia, surged, that record has since been surpassed multiple times. The year was 2008, and due to a limited buyer interest, the estate was eventually sold to developer Mark Hewitt for $35,900,000, who then revealed his plans to transform the land into a luxury condo development featuring 30 units with prices ranging from $2,700,000 to $6,900,000. The Edgemere Estate’s history extends back to around 1907 when a Toronto jeweler, James Ryrie, purchased the property to construct a country home. He enlisted renowned landscape architect Charles Ernest Woolverton to design unique gardens and ponds, many of which still adorned the estate alongside the main house.
The massive 32,000 square foot stone mansion was built in the early 1990s by Peter Gilgan, the head of one of Canada’s largest construction firms, Mattamy Homes. This luxurious residence featured 9 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a 20-seat home theater, a games room, and exquisite details seldom seen in contemporary homes. By 2018, Gilgan’s net worth stood at $3.4 billion. The expansive grounds included a baseball diamond, a rock waterfall, a swimming pool, a gazebo, a guest cottage, and stunning views of Lake Ontario. Following the divorce of Peter Gilgan and his wife in 2007, the estate was listed for sale. After the property’s acquisition by Mark Hewitt, there was a live auction conducted by Abbey Demolition to auction off as many furnishings and architectural elements as possible. Their Facebook page features over 100 pictures showcasing various furniture, fixtures, appliances, windows, and other distinctive items that were available. The redevelopment of what was once an esteemed property encountered pushback from the local community. Despite this, according to Dicenzo Homes, the construction progressed with 12 units being built on the grounds before the project went into receivership. The second phase of the plan looked to restore several historic landscape elements, like a tea house, a greenhouse, and a gatekeeper’s cottage, although it remains unclear if these structures were ever rehabilitated. Below you will find a remarkable collection of images capturing the former glory of the Edgemere Estate, along with two related videos.
