Picture living in the heart of the city. What does it look like? If you’re imagining a tiny loft tucked over traffic-packed streets, think again. These five stunning properties prove that urban living can be downright spacious.

Geary House, Toronto, Ontario

Step back in time at this beautiful historic home in Toronto’s Rosedale neighbourhood. Built in 1857, it predates Canadian confederation—but has none of the stuffiness you might expect from an older home. Everything is designed to impress: the main home features a gym, wine cellar, and wood-panelled library, and history buffs will be fascinated by the secret chamber extending under the pool. Set on nearly an acre of land and backed by a ravine, this gorgeous home offers complete privacy just a 10-minute walk from the shops of Yonge and Bloor, and a four-minute walk from Branksome Hall (one of the top private schools in Toronto).

Spectacular Westmount Home, Montréal, Québec

Imagine a classic English private school. Then, add the amenities of a Tuscan retreat—an enormous stone wine cellar, a sparkling turquoise swimming pool, and custom built wet bar. Finally, transplant it to the hills above Montréal. You are now picturing this incredibly polished property in Westmount.

With south-facing views, this property is outfitted with top-of-the-line touches, including a chef’s kitchen with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, solid oak doors throughout, and a gym with steam shower and soaker tub. Standing on the breezy veranda with the Montréal skyline beneath your feet, you may feel a million miles away from everything—but in fact, you’re just five minutes from the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, or 10 from the Atwater Market.

Heritage Gem in Shaughnessy, Vancouver, B.C.

Own a piece of Vancouver history. Located on the edge of Shaughnessy, one of Vancouver’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, this 5,690-square-foot family home offers luxury within easy reach of the amenities of Kitsilano, Arbutus Ridge, and Kerrisdale. Tasteful décor can be found throughout, with heritage touches complemented by modern updates: think attractive-yet-subtle stained glass windows, a beautiful modern kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace flanked by wood panelling, and generous casement windows that open to the professionally-landscaped garden and bucolic outdoor seating areas.

Elegant Wychwood Park Estate, Toronto, Ontario

Step into the pages of your favourite novel at this Wychwood Park property. Built around 1915 and completely restored by the current owners, this home’s well-maintained array of chandeliers, columns, balustrades, wrought iron details, and wood panelling will transport you to days gone by—accompanied, of course, by every modern convenience. Spend mornings reading in the solarium, which features an antique stained glass skylight, and enjoy afternoon tea on the picturesque garden terrace with views of Lake Ontario. Miraculously, The Annex and the Royal Ontario Museum are just 10 minutes away.

Classic Georgian Revival, Cambridge, Ontario

In 1936, a prominent businessman in Cambridge, Ontario, purchased just under three acres of land in the heart of town. Over 80 years later, this solid granite Georgian Revival home in the middle of downtown Cambridge is still in the family, and is as beautifully-kept as the day it was finished. Spacious, well-lit rooms, a trio of wood-burning fireplaces, a large recreation room, and a lovely stone terrace make this the perfect property for both entertaining and family living. Just across the river from Cambridge’s downtown shops, restaurants, and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, this property is a perfect blend of country refinement and urban accessibility.

Large lots, sloping lawns, quiet backyards, and capacious family homes aren’t restricted to the far reaches of suburbia. Every so often, a gem of a property surfaces in a central neighbourhood—the elusive quarry of luxury home-seekers everywhere.

More of an oenophile than an urbanite? Peruse a selection of fine homes located in Canada’s wine regions.

Prefer your home with an elevator, a concierge, and underground parking? Browse listings for Cosmopolitan Condominiums.