38 Alwington Ave

Even a short visit to 38 Alwington Avenue, just west of Kingston's downtown core (most of that distance is along the waterfront!), feels restorative, the equivalent of a well-earned holiday. I can only imagine how life-changing it would be to actually call it home, and perhaps to spend work hours in the lifted-from-Manhattan studio space (with its heated concrete floors) at the foot of the garden, or to swim lengths in a pool so stylish its twin must surely stretch out atop some new Caribbean hotel. It is a fresh way of living on offer here, a set of life-dreams made real. The original house dates to the nineteenth century, though you'll have a hard time finding the evidence. Every surface, every window opening, every floor and ceiling has been re-thought and re-engineered. Light has been drawn into each space as naturally as water falls into a pool. The main floor living space is bisected on one side by a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and on the other by the sort of bathroom that feels more art installation than domestic convenience. The kitchen (what a kitchen!) is down one step and has a heated floor, accents of citrus and wood, as well as stainless appliances. The dining table feels rooted to the space, integral, and will stay behind. Laundry is tucked nearly mischievously around the corner. The principal bedroom has enough vaulted ceiling to hold all your dreams, and a steel staircase describes tight circles down to the outside deck and that absurdly lovely pool. There are two other bedrooms, and a main bathroom so glamorous I've seen it co-starring in a dozen French films. In short, it is a modern sort of marvel, a home that doubles as a set of elegant mathematical proofs and unimpeachable architectural gestures. It is also possible - and this is the very best part - that it is your next home.