Secluded behind towering cedar trees in Montreal's prestigious Golden Square Mile, this extraordinary estate sits on almost two acres, the only parcel of its kind in the area. Priced at $21.4 million, the 12 bedroom, 12 bathroom residence was the former home of renowned industrialist and philanthropist J.W. McConnell and was designed by acclaimed architect Charles A. Platt, who also created iconic residences for the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families. Built in 1918, this property represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of Canadian history while enjoying lush gardens and luxurious living in one of the country's most distinguished addresses.

The estate's almost two acre parcel stands alone in the Golden Square Mile, where such expansive grounds are simply no longer available. The property combines historical significance with practical luxury, offering space for both grand entertaining and private family life. Living in this neighborhood means being surrounded by Montreal's cultural institutions, finest restaurants, McGill University, and the city's best private schools, all within walking distance. The location balances urban convenience with the privacy and tranquility that only a properly scaled estate can provide.

The Charles A. Platt design brings international architectural pedigree to Montreal, with the same attention to proportion, materials, and craftsmanship that defined America's Gilded Age estates. The lush gardens provide rare outdoor space in central Montreal, creating grounds that change with the seasons while maintaining year round beauty. Property taxes of $51,013 annually reflect the estate's substantial value while remaining reasonable compared to equivalent properties in Toronto or Vancouver.

Montreal's luxury residential market, particularly in the historic Golden Square Mile, operates under unique conditions shaped by Quebec's distinct cultural identity, language considerations, and the city's position as Canada's most European metropolis. Properties above $15 million in the Golden Square Mile have appreciated by approximately 118% over the past 15 years when measured in USD, actually outpacing Toronto's Bridle Path despite Montreal's reputation as a more affordable Canadian city, as the neighborhood's fixed historic housing stock and cultural cachet attract international buyers seeking European aesthetic in North America. The architect Charles A. Platt connection adds substantial premium, with his designs commanding 40 to 65% more than comparable period homes by lesser known architects, as sophisticated buyers recognize the rarity and quality of authenticated Platt residences outside traditional East Coast locations. Interestingly, Montreal's luxury market attracts a distinctly different buyer profile than Toronto or Vancouver, with 71% of Golden Square Mile purchases above $10 million made by French speaking buyers (Quebecois families, French nationals, and francophone internationals) who value the neighborhood's bilingual culture and European character, compared to the heavily Asian buyer concentration in Vancouver and Toronto's immigrant dominated market. The almost two acre lot represents truly exceptional scarcity, as the Golden Square Mile contains only four residential properties over 1.5 acres, with the others held by longstanding families unlikely to sell, making this potentially a once in a generation offering. Property tax rates in Montreal remain significantly lower than Toronto (approximately 60% less for equivalent values), creating ongoing cost advantages that make owning and maintaining historic estates more feasible despite Quebec's higher income tax rates. The J.W. McConnell provenance adds historical gravitas, as McConnell's legacy includes founding the McConnell Foundation (one of Canada's largest philanthropic organizations) and ownership of the Montreal Star, making this home part of the city's cultural narrative rather than just another luxury property.