BY G INA MAKKAR // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDY MACKAY

DreamBUILDING A “VERSAILLES! It is wonderfully beautiful! You gaze and stare and try to understand that it is real, that it is on the earth, that it is not the Garden of Eden – but your brain grows giddy, stupefied by the world of beauty around you, and you half believe you are the dupe of an exquisite dream.” – Mark Twain

The couple’s vision comes to life in the magnificent main hallway.

BELOW LEFT: The large study on the main level is made private with

beautiful glass panelled doors. BELOW MIDDLE: History springs to life in the artwork throughout

the home. BELOW RIGHT: The murals continue through to the

upper level landing.

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TThe home on Rocmary Place rises from the landscape like a dream.

Wrought iron gates emblazoned with a delicate gold leaf pattern open like a gateway to a palace in an area that is often called the Bridle Path of Vaughan.

Beyond the gates, stately columns, imported marble statues from Europe and an elegant balcony greet visitors. The balcony was inspired by the couple’s vision of a special place to share their first married kiss on their wedding day.

Inspired by annual visits to Paris, the couple began the journey of taking a little bit of their dream and making it a reality here at home. “We fell in love with the architecture, especially after visiting Versailles Palace. We wanted to capture the beauty of this type of architectural style within our home.”

As with any build, planning something this size had its challenges. Though they originally anticipated two years, it was almost five before the project was complete. “It was an amazing experience with many great memories, challenges and laughter during the construction phase. There were times that it became overwhelming. My then fiancé would remind me that we were building the house to have our wedding kiss on the balcony. As a woman and a romantic, it definitely kept me motivated.”

Beyond the gates, 24,000 sq. ft. of splendour awaits. A grand main hallway, seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, three kitchens, a dining room, study and loft are among the well-appointed spaces. The Venetian costumes the couple wore on their wedding day are now on display in the master suite. The lower level boasts an indoor pool, wine cellar, billiards room, theatre, Ferrari room and a party room. To furnish the large home, the homeowners defined their vision for each room and spent a lot of time looking for just the right pieces to complement each space.

With many captivating elements throughout, it’s hard to take it all in. Of all the spaces, the homeowner’s favourite is the main entrance. “The main hall is truly a great work of art! You can’t help but feel good when walking in this space. Everyone is in awe when they walk into the main entrance.”

Tibor Hargitai of Artside Murals Inc. was commissioned to create the murals for the main entrance. “This space is a mural painter’s dream,” says Tibor. “One can showcase a full arsenal of techniques.” The details are everywhere. Columns, panels and some of the mouldings are marbleized. Others are gold-leafed. It took 12 months to complete and every square centimetre is covered with acrylic paint, which Tibor says lasts the longest on walls.

TOP LEFT: A lounge area in the study is a comfortable getaway to unwind from a fast-paced life. LEFT: Sumptuous fabrics and intricate trim work create a dreamy setting in the dining room ABOVE: Plenty of windows and lighter cabinetry and finishes in the kitchen juxtapose nicely with the darker elements of the home. OPPOSITE TOP: A four-poster bed, an elegant chandelier and the costumes worn by the couple on their wedding day all contribute to the romantic master bedroom sanctuary. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Old-world elegance radiates from the elegant vanities and rich gold accents.

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The theme in the hall is “celebration of life.” At 30 feet high, the ceiling takes viewers back to the ancient times of the gods and heroes who are entertained and celebrated by mortals. Bulkheads depict artifacts that are remnants of the upper ceiling mural. Musical instruments, armours and weapons are arranged in a still life form.

In the second floor hall, five large paintings on canvas reflect a later time period. Traditional, idealistic landscapes depict the aristocracy enjoying life while horseback riding, enjoying picnics, dancing and music in nature. Here is where the late Baroque Era connects with the times of Versailles in the main floor with its five Rococo paintings on canvas. “Here we are greeted in the highest order, as the king’s guards on horseback await our arrival at the gates of Versailles,” says Tibor. There is a point where all the artwork comes together and can be seen in one place in the main hall.

The paintings on canvas are glued to the wall, a technique reminiscent of an old masters oil painting. Tibor says an advantage of this process is that it can be painted off site, installed on curved walls and is easy to relocate.

“This hallway is not an ordinary one,” says Tibor. “The entire house is a thorough testament of the free and gutsy thinking and personality of its dreamers and creators: the owners who were not afraid to follow their hearts.”

For Tibor, the work he does is as much for the space as for the people who occupy it.

“I love painting, and I love the fact that each home and owner is unique. By having them involved, I feel together we create their masterpiece.”

When working with clients, he approaches every project much the same way. He offers complimentary consultations and prepares sketches to ensure that clients are clear about the concept, time and cost involved before making a decision.

“We most definitely recommend the artist, Tibor,” says the homeowner. “He is amazing. He is so easy to work with and will make anyone’s visions come to life.” OH

The home is now for sale with agents Ora Sibilia and Michelle Schipper of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

ABOVE: The indoor pool area rivals a luxury resort, with a hot tub, his-and-hers change rooms and an expansive lounge area. RIGHT: The heated Ferrari room was customized with a checker board floor, racing mural and mirrored wall.

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