Toronto's Ultimate Entertainer's Home: A $5.85M Masterpiece Built for Family and Fun
Nestled in a coveted Toronto neighbourhood, 14 Sulgrave Crescent stands as a testament to thoughtful design and family-centric living. With an asking price of $5,849,000, this property offers a rare blend of luxury, functionality, and entertainment potential. The lot spans 90 by 125 feet, with property taxes estimated at $29,243.49 for 2025. Listed by broker Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Inc., this home tells a story of vision and collaboration.
The Vision Behind the Build
When owners Nora Nalbandian and Paul Gulesserian purchased the property in 2009, it featured a modest bungalow. By 2014, they embarked on a complete rebuild, driven by a singular goal: to create a welcoming space for their extended family and friends. "We have big families, we have a lot of friends we’ve entertained," shared Ms. Nalbandian. Their success is evident, with annual events often exceeding 100 guests, from surprise birthday parties to impromptu gatherings that stretch from brunch into the night. "The big joke is, how do we get people to leave? We’ve tried everything, and the only effective one so far is to turn off all the lights," quipped Mr. Gulesserian.
The couple, who work together at Moneysworth & Best Quality Shoe Care—a Canadian manufacturer with products across North America—brought their professional synergy to the project. Ms. Nalbandian serves as president, while Mr. Gulesserian oversees operations, combining management acumen with engineering precision. Growing up in the area, they were drawn to Sulgrave Crescent and enlisted architect David Wooldridge, recommended by Ms. Nalbandian's father. Despite warnings about the stress of such projects, "For us, it was seamless," she noted.
Innovative Design and Future-Proofing
The home's aesthetic marries a traditional exterior with a modernist, contemporary interior, but its true brilliance lies in its functional innovations. The couple prioritized technology and automation, ensuring ease of use and longevity. Key features include:
- Sensor lighting throughout, with LEDs in stair stringers that activate upon movement.
- An elevator accessing all three levels, installed for aging-in-place but currently used for moving holiday decorations or luggage.
- Provision for laundry on all three levels, with plumbing rough-ins on the first floor and basement, and a hidden laundry chute between floors.
- A rear-access garage door to the backyard, allowing for machinery if needed.
Mr. Gulesserian emphasized low maintenance, such as a polished stainless steel kitchen backsplash that reflects light and offers views. "Most people don’t think about the maintenance. It’s like, you know, put it in and walk away," he said, but for them, durability was vital.
The Home Today: A Symphony of Light and Space
Upon entry, the home reveals its unique character. Two entrances lead to a formal foyer, with an office showcasing a beach-themed wall mural and custom-printed surfboards. The main living space features "Hollywood Squares"—a pattern of straight beams that allow light from a double-height window wall to flood inward. Elsewhere, curves dominate, with softened corners, arched windows, and smooth glass railings, a deliberate choice by the architect to avoid straight lines.
A standout element is the stairwell, which curves around an open space, drawing light from skylights over 30 feet above to the basement. "It reminds me of places of worship that draw the light from up high and pull it down to the humans below," Mr. Gulesserian reflected. The living room boasts a hearth-chimney clad in custom charcoal concrete tiles, requiring specialized engineering for support.
Overhead, an inverted coffered ceiling with overlapping boxes and bump-outs creates an organic feel, while hidden speakers make sound "fall like rain." Practicality persists here too, with potlights and fixtures accessible from the attic for easy maintenance. Automation extends to a hidden cooktop fan that rises from the counter and motorized curtains in the primary bedroom suite.
The Heart of Entertainment: A Basement Built for Fun
The basement is the epicentre of family gatherings, far from a typical party room. It features:
- A full bar reminiscent of a café or restaurant.
- Arcade games, pinball machines, table tennis, basketball hoops, and table hockey.
- Sentimental pieces like a pool table from Ms. Nalbandian's parents' first home.
This space has evolved with the family, from children using stools to reach controls to adults reliving their youth. "I mean, we’ve had people over and literally every single piece of equipment is in play," said Mr. Gulesserian. The pinball machines, in particular, captivate all ages, sparking friendly competitions. Ms. Nalbandian recalled, "We had competitions with my uncles and aunts, everyone was dressed in high heels and skirts... They were sitting here in their heels playing basketball, elbowing each other."
In summary, 14 Sulgrave Crescent is more than a luxury home; it's a carefully crafted environment where technology, design, and family joy converge. With its future-proofed features and entertainment-ready spaces, it stands as a unique offering in Toronto's real estate market, perfect for those who value connection and innovation.
