Historic Montreal mansion listed for sale at $29.5 million

MONTREAL — A luxury historic mansion for sale in Montreal has drawn wide interest in the Canadian real estate market after being listed at $29.5 million, making it one of the most expensive homes for sale in the country.

The property is in the Golden Square Mile, one of Montreal's most prestigious residential neighbourhoods. It features classical architecture, spacious interiors and gardens that offer a great deal of privacy.

According to a report published Saturday by Daily Hive, the mansion was built in 1918 and was formerly the residence of Canadian industrialist and philanthropist J.W. McConnell.

A mansion more than 100 years old

The mansion is built in a style inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture and combines historic details with modern comforts.

It was designed by the well-known American architect Charles A. Platt, whose name is associated with architectural projects for wealthy American families, including the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts.

The house is at 1475 Avenue des Pins Ouest, on a lot of about two acres, surrounded by trees and gardens.

Its location near Mount Royal and downtown adds to its value, particularly given the scarcity of large residential properties in the area.

12 bedrooms and an exceptional interior

The real estate listing, published through Sotheby's International Realty, states that the mansion has 12 bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and four additional washrooms.

The interior features marble floors and classical decoration, along with doors adorned with artistic paintings and ceilings with finely detailed architectural work.

The house also has a number of traditional fireplaces that suit the building's historic character.

The large bedrooms provide space for living and relaxing, while the luxurious reception rooms reflect the kind of properties built for the economic elite in the early 20th century.

A gym and a glass-enclosed room

The mansion's features are not limited to its large living spaces. It includes a private gym equipped with rowing machines, weights and training equipment.

It also has a glass-enclosed room that lets in natural light and provides a space to enjoy the sun even during Quebec's cold winter months.

The property also includes seating and entertainment areas, among them a space that can be used to receive guests and hold private events.

The outdoor spaces include a large terrace suitable for dining outdoors, and gardens that offer a quiet atmosphere away from the bustle of downtown.

A home linked to one of Canada's prominent businessmen

The property's historical significance comes from its connection to businessman and philanthropist J.W. McConnell, who was born in Ontario and later moved to Quebec.

McConnell was a prominent economic and social figure in Montreal, known for his charitable contributions and his support for various institutions.

This historical background gives the mansion a value that goes beyond its size and luxurious features, as it forms part of the city's architectural and social heritage.

Its design reflects a period in which exceptional residences were built for wealthy families in the Golden Square Mile.

Annual taxes close to $50,000

Despite its luxurious features, owning the mansion requires high operating and maintenance costs.

According to the listing, annual property taxes are about $49,572.

On top of that, a historic building may require spending on heating, maintenance and garden care.

The asking price of $29.5 million is the value at which the property is listed on the market, not the price of a completed sale.