$13 million Toronto mansion is like stepping into a bygone era

It's kind of surprising Toronto's 1 Edmund Gate doesn't already have a proper name, a commemorative plaque, and a few half-whispered legends attached to it. Built between 1928 and 1929 for Hume Blake , the main house and guest house were originally titled Residence on the Hill , according to a letter written by Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow. And honestly, that name alone tells you everything you need to know about the kind of estate this was meant to be. The family room. Together, the buildings form a stately — and increasingly rare — example of Georgian Revival architecture in Toronto, a style defined by classical detailing, symmetry, and balance, with a kind of quiet authority that modern builds just don’t replicate. A powder room which is not a black and white photograph. The home was designed by Donald Mackenzie Waters , an Ontario-born architect whose prolific career spanned both residential and commercial projects in Toronto and beyond. The dining room. His work is known for refined proportions and timeless elegance, and honestly? They just don't make them like this anymore. An aerial view of the estate. Set on an astonishing 1.12-acre lot (yes, acres — in Toronto), the estate is tucked away on a secluded street near Casa Loma and feels entirely removed from the city. The front gates. Mature trees, sweeping lawns, and lush gardens create a sense of privacy and tranquillity that's almost unheard of this close to downtown. The main hall. The main residence spans more than 6,500 square feet and leans fully into old-world grandeur. The library. On the main floor, you'll find stately formal rooms clearly designed for entertaining, hosting, and impressing. The family room with bay windows. Throughout the house, there are soaring ceilings, oversized windows, ornate ceiling medallions, chandeliers, and classic crown mouldings. The dining room. There also seems to be a fireplace in almost every room, giving the whole place the vibe of a very expensive period drama set. The kitchen. And while the finishes may be dated and the kitchen probably needs new everything, the bones are undeniable. A sitting room. This is the kind of solid construction that makes many modern luxury homes feel flimsy by comparison. A bedroom. In total, 1 Edmund Gate has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Another bedroom. Fair warning, though: this is not a turnkey mansion. An ensuite bathroom. The home is being sold "as is, where is," which becomes immediately apparent once you clock some of the wallpaper choices. Another bathroom. That said, the listing openly invites a new owner to restore and reimagine the estate. A bedroom. This could mean preserving its historic charm or carefully blending heritage architecture with contemporary design. The coach house. Beyond the main house, there's a separate coach house offering flexibility for guests, staff, or a very enviable work-from-home setup. The indoor pool. There's also a private, enclosed indoor pool — a throwback luxury feature that feels delightfully extravagant and perfectly in keeping with the home's era. The garage. The gardens may be the quiet star of the show. The gardens. Expansive, lush, and park-like, they reinforce the feeling that this estate was designed as a retreat. A bedroom. In a city dominated by glass towers and rapid-fire flips, this Georgian Revival estate is a rare reminder of a time when homes were built to last, impress, and endure. An exterior view of the house. 1 Edmund Gate is listed for $13,250,000 .