Description
Welcome to Darby Lane. An extraordinary property of distinction named for its sprawling acreage and its abundance of deer and other wildlife that roam the property year-round. They enjoy the idyllic artesian well located in the property's natural bush. The name Darby Lane is inspired by the old country estates and deer parks (Darby) that scatter the English Derbyshire landscape. Situated on approximately 39 acres with just over 600 feet of frontage along Grey Road 40, Darby Lane was designed by architect Jack Arnold and constructed in 2005 by the present owners (principals and operators of Van Strien Developments). Hidden from sight, as you approach the home down a private, tree-lined driveway, subtle intrigue gives way to a grand artistic design expression that pairs perfectly with its surrounding property. Adjacent to the residence, with its own private drive, is a 3,000-square-foot heated steel-clad building that could serve as a storage building, horse barn, workshop, or pickleball court for future property owners. Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, just a minute's drive due South from the shores of Georgian Bay and situated just 2.5 km from Georgian Peaks Ski Club, 1.8 km from the Georgian Bay Golf Club, and 4.5 km to downtown Thornbury, you won’t find a better setting or location for your elevated lifestyle. This Luxurious English Country Manor features five bedrooms and six bathrooms measuring approximately 4,490 square feet above grade, plus approximately 1,675 square feet of finished (raised) basement. The attention to detail throughout the home is unparalleled and the artistry of design is impossible to ignore. A South facing great room boasts oversized windows, a soaring vaulted ceiling with reclaimed beams, oiled ash wood plank floors, and a massive custom original Rumford wood-burning fireplace. Overlooking the great room is an opulent chef’s kitchen with luxury Viking and Bosch appliances, integrated John Boos butcher blocks, an oversized (12.5 foot) cherry island with carved legs, marble and stainless steel countertops, a walk-in pantry, and hand-shaped limestone tiled floor. Built for entertaining, the signature sunken dining room with seating for eighteen faces onto a private courtyard with a walk out to the saltwater pool, pool house & outdoor seating areas. The ceiling is clad with reclaimed wood salvaged from a local barn. A reclaimed brick masonry wall with original Moet & Chandon French champagne riddling racks custom mounted to the wall adds to the overall ambiance. Oversized single-hung windows envelop the room, allowing for enhanced summer dining. A generous size antechamber leads into the primary bedroom, which is located on the main floor; a see-through Town and Country natural gas fireplace connects both rooms. There is a 5 piece ensuite that leads to a generous walk-in closet and through to the laundry room. The main floor enjoys multiple walkouts to the backyard and the front terrace area, including from the spacious mudroom with heated floors. A private powder room with hand-shaped limestone tiles and a copper sink finishes the main floor. Within the second story lies a 225-square-foot loft overlooking the great room below that serves as library/office space. Two well-appointed bedrooms, each with its own ensuite washroom, complete the second story. Situated above the garage is a fourth bedroom guest suite, accessed via a separate stairwell, and features vaulted ceilings, a natural gas fireplace, an independent HVAC system, a spacious walk-in closet, and an ensuite washroom with heated floors. Perfect for a live-in nanny, teenager retreat, or in-law suite. The fifth bedroom is situated on the lower level and shares a four-piece washroom with the adjacent games room, rec room, bar, and gym. The 9’ ceiling height and 35” tall windows (which look out above grade without needing window wells) make this space hardly feel subterranean. The house includes a slate 4.5’ x 9’ Olhausen pool table. The exterior cladding combines tumbled Ottawa Valley Limestone and wood siding with a wood shingle roof. An attached oversized 936-square-foot garage has been partitioned for two cars. The garage is insulated and drywalled. A stairwell has been incorporated into the garage leading directly to the basement. The outdoor oasis will wow your senses. A gorgeous 12’ x 20’ heated saltwater dipping pool with a new luxury liner is the focal point of the courtyard, surrounded by manicured gardens and an equally impressive pool house. The patio is surfaced with cut limestone derived from the nearby Owen Sound Ledgerock quarry. Beyond a mature emerald cedar hedge is a large fenced-in dog run. Darby Lane is the epitome of luxury set in the most idyllic setting. See for yourself.
