WatersEdgeNorthumberlandModern

Northumberland has deservedly evolved in the past decade to Toronto's premier satellite bedroom community - spanning just 45 minutes to just a tad more of Highway (401) driving; although at any given work day, there may be a couple of hundred commuters on the Via Rail platform shuttling merrily along to Union Station.

In the last five years or so, Real Estate value in the region has accelerated "exponentially" from the "usual and nominal" Ontario Hamlets'/Towns' pricing. Culturally rich, it is indeed a destination of choice among Toronto's Cognoscenti. Words get out to the far corners of Europe as well, as evident by various direct relocations to the area.

Not surprisingly, it is riding on the coattails of Toronto's "exploding price levels"; increasingly lavish and opulent, yet one can still enter the luxury market at a fraction of Toronto prices. Of course, Toronto, in turn, is rapidly catching up to the World Markets as we just recently pushed beyond the $15 million mark for an individual home.

A couple of years ago, at Christie's Chicago PowWow, I belief I was witness to the announcement of the World's first single family home listed at the US$100 million mark.

Inevitably, the styles have also evolved from the basic traditional century homes, to McCreery House that I listed and sold several years back - as noted by the Globe and Mail, which was perhaps the turning point to "contemporary opulence"; and, in the last year or so, I have received requests for even more minimalist modern architecture.

The Walker-Kempthorne Residence reminds me of Malibu - my halcyon days in California; with expansive coastal view looking back at Toronto. Mr. Walker, an industrial designer from OCAD, teamed up with Toronto's Architect of note, Colin Graham - although I am sure Ms. Kempthorne's Art History background has strong influence judging from the final outcome; and created "simple living" in the Country leveraging the properties' vantage points for the panoramic views of Lake Ontario from all principal room. The Ceiling/Roof Lines rise towards the Cliff, making each motion of drawing up the drapes a theatrical experience revealing mother nature's grandeur on an operatic scale. Yes, you can see the CN Tower....

As if to challenge an associate's remark just a few weeks back, that "it's not possible in the Canadian North, the Residence also have an open stone courtyard, complete with a fire pit accessible from both the Living Space and Master Bedroom. The Maple Floorings almost appears to extend through the Glass Walls to the wraparound IPE Wooden Deck that widens from the two entry points from the Living Room to form an alfresco lounge overlooking Lake Ontario. Of course, there is also an "Coffee Deck" from the Master Bedroom completely private from the rest.

To top it all, there is a ribbon of river stones snaking through the width of the property as a final touch to this unique natural and architectural gem.

A Glimpse into Northumberland

Tap into what the cognoscenti have known for several years, a little bit of insider information if you will - Port Hope and Cobourg are turning into bedroom communities of Toronto. Just an hour of highway driving east of Toronto on HWY 401, they are rare in Ontario towns that have proactive Heritage Conservatories that prevent bulldozing of Century Homes for Parking Lots - "managed growth" is a term that comes to mind.

And it is a good thing. Together with Grafton, steeped in history, they were the playgrounds of the Rich and Famous since the early 1800's. That would explain all the majestic estates in the surrounding countryside. With the proximity to Rochester via ferry, a lot of American steel money had poured into the area.

Northumberland County, wherein lies Port Hope and Cobourg, benefits from the growing trend of "city folk" moving out from the hustle and bustle in the "big smoke" to somewhere quieter and safer. With the Internet revolutionizing the way we do business and communicate, many have taken advantage of what telecommuting has to offer. When we placed the Director of Marketing for a major National Bookstore in Grafton close to 10 years back, he traded his home in North York for a 100 acre farm with a restored Century Home that once belonged to the Masseys for $550,000. I am sure it's at least double now.

Northumberland County is only part of this phenomenon of "managed growth", although Port Hope, being the closest, has positioned itself to be a gateway of sort. Port Hope, indeed, is unique with it's water frontage, Yacht, Golf and Country Clubs, developed cultural events and mildly eccentric denizens. Cobourg has an active Marina and cafes and shops with more contemporary flair. (They even have sushi every Saturday night at The Oasis!) We have the Big Apple in Colborne that opens year round attracting millions. And Brighton turning into a well received retirement community - great success in the development of Brighton-by-the-Bay by a REIT. Then Prince Edward County, with picturesque Picton, is turning into the other Wine Producing region. After selling The Hillcrest in Port Hope to an area Spa, I see a few more popping up that provide a variety of alternatives and choices. Another client from the U.K., now a good friend, has set up another one in Brighton. This is quite special - as influenced by her background as a hotelier in Africa and her son as an impresario in the entertainment/music industry in the U.K. and New York. Then there is Trenton and Belleville, led by one of the most dynamic Economic Development Boards in the person of Chris King; and Kingston, which is experiencing phenomenal growth.