Having a Hockey Hall of Famer as a previous tenant apparently wasn’t enough to hit the asking price for a massive Toronto mansion.
The former home of ex-Maple Leafs boss Brendan Shanahan has been sold — but the final price came up a bit short of what was been asked for.
The sprawling mansion in the Rosedale neighbourhood where ‘Shanny’ lived was put on the market in July, with the property listed for $13.95 million.
But, according to real estate website HouseSigma, the mansion sold on Aug. 30 for $13.2 million — $750,000 short of the initial ask.
“Set on an extraordinary 80 x 229-foot lot — spanning over one-third of an acre — this meticulously restored home offers over 11,500 square feet of living space across four levels,” boasts the listing description.
The estate was purchased about two years after Shanahan — who was raised in the south Etobicoke neighbourhood of Mimico — was hired as president of the Maple Leafs in 2014. However, the team won just two playoff series during his tenure and he was let go by the team in June.
The property was built in 1898 for a relative of pork baron William Henry Davies (the man who inspired Toronto to be known as Hogtown) and was designed by renowned architect Frederik H. Herbert. It was later restored by architect William Mockler and another recent previous owner was entrepreneur and author Bruno Gideon.
Years ago, it reportedly was owned by Franklin Jackes, a politician and member of Toronto’s first city council.
The property was sold for $9.15 million in December 2016 by former Bank of Montreal executive Frank Techar.
“This elegant residence showcases original architectural flourishes, including hand-carved mouldings, eight fireplaces, and a dramatic entrance foyer. Soaring ceilings and intricate details throughout preserve the home’s 1890 heritage, while incorporating every modern luxury,” the listing says.
“The home features a huge gourmet kitchen, three outstanding family living areas, spa-inspired bathrooms, and an expansive four-room primary suite. A four-floor elevator ensures effortless access to every level. The backyard is a private urban oasis framed by manicured gardens and offering a magnificent pool and spa, along with multiple terraced patios for entertaining.”
“A gated driveway leads to a detached three-car garage, with parking for up to nine vehicles … This is an unmatched opportunity. A rare chance to own a landmark Rosedale property perfect for grand entertaining and refined daily living. Truly for the most discerning buyer.”
The property has six bedrooms (5+1), nine bathrooms and sits on one-third of an acre of land.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment President and CEO Keith Pelley fired Shanahan after the team’s collapse in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Florida Panthers.
At the time of Shanahan’s dismissal, Pelley said: “Brendan put this franchise in better position in so many ways, but it’s about results and winning.
Shanahan said in his own statement: “I want to thank the board for the tremendous support they have shown me over my tenure. Toronto is where I was born and raised, where my family still lives, and being a part of this historic franchise will always be one of the greatest honours of my life.”
Since parting ways with the Leafs, Shanahan has yet to make his next move career-wise. The New York Islanders reportedly had been interested in his services, but nothing came of it after talks between the two sides fizzled out.
— With files from Ryan Wolstat and Denette Wilford