Canada's Most Lavish Real Estate

So I thought it would be fun to check out exactly what is for sale in Canada at the moment for real estate. In these times of economic hardship, it should be easy to find a real bargain when looking to trade up houses, right?

Right. In fact, during my search, I found a few homes which had been reduced by a million dollars or more. And in those cases, how can you go wrong?

During my search, I saved a few of my favorites for you. This collection is by no means the most expensive homes on the market, as there were several in the $40 million range. Also, bear in mind that these homes are currently what's listed on the market. I am sure there are some equally nicer homes in Canada that I am not aware of. Anyway, enjoy!

The first home I found that I really enjoyed is located just outside of Calgary, Alberta.

24 Woodland Place - $10.5 Million

This home sits on a whopping 2,000 acres of land, and the living area is around 10,500 square feet.

The house features Travertine floors, custom blacksmithing on the interior and exterior, a billiard room and 22' bar for home entertaining, as well as a 9,000 bottle wine seller for the closet alcoholic.

Once you have finished consuming several bottles of your no doubt, hideously expensive wine, feel free to dive into the indoor salt water pool. And, since the home is 100% automated, you can probably program it to contact 911 should you be at risk of drowning.

If Woodland place just doesn't shake your tree, then the next item on your Christmas list should be:

Ghost Lake Manor ~ $10.5 Million (Reduced from $12 Million)

Ghost Lake Manor really is for tree huggers. Nestled on 117 perfectly manicured acres just outside of Calgary, this home is what dreams are made of.

With a modest 5 bedrooms, this home features 9 bathrooms spread out on an 8300 square foot floor plan.

Ghost Lake Manor isn't just picture beautiful, it's also perfect for the antisocial person. Featuring it's own indoor pool in a stunning solarium, completely appointed full sized theater, 2 story library, on site workshop and personal tennis court, you never have to leave the house. And for pure convenience, there is a separate butler's suite so that you can keep your contact with the help to an absolute minimum.

Moving to the West Coast, you can purchase this cozy home in Vancouver on Selkirk Street.

3719 Selkirk Street ~ $15 Million

The outside of the Selkirk looks small and unassuming, but with a $15 million price tag, you not only need to be loose with the wallet, you need to be in good physical shape. The house is a massive 10,000 square feet with 3 stories, which means a lot of stairs and long hallways.

The Selkirk features mahogany and marble floors throughout. Perfect for smashing those fragile heirlooms during lovers' spats. Then feel free to cool off in the indoor pool, or stroll around the 23,000 square foot gardens featuring your own pond.

If you get tired after all of that strolling, take a break and relax in the luxurious movie theater or one of the 7 expansive bedrooms.

If the Selkirk is a little too modern for you, go a little further up the Vancouver coast and check out Panorama Drive.

2888 Panorama Drive ~ $18 Million

This 13,000 square foot home is perfect for the lumberjack in you. It features a hardwood and stone interior in 13,000 beautiful square feet. If you feel that you still haven't used up enough timber, then check out the floors on the indoor basketball court or the expansive bar in the billiard room.
Still not impressed? Invite your friends over for some free spirited frivolity in the air hockey arena, and full sized movie theater. If the weather is nice, try spending some time around your outdoor fireplace which over looks the marina with a 270 degree view of the coastline. Or strut your iron pumping skills in the gym.But, like all good lumberjacks, you probably like solitude. The Panorama is perfect, as it has a hidden passage to the wine cellar and guest accommodations. Perfect for hiding out when the local missionaries are banging on your door with the newest copy of The Watchtower.

If the violent ocean waves make you sea sick, travel eastward to the Belle Province of Quebec and purchase The TuLyons instead.

1903 Chemin de Bord-du-Lac Road ~ $27 Million

The TuLyons has got to the crown jewel of Quebec. An ideal home for those of you that just need to feel pretty.

The TuLyons, a lakefront property, has 31,000 square feet of French inspired elegance. Show off your stylish digs by inviting half of Montreal. You can put them up in your 9 bedrooms and they'll never have to fight over the shower with 14 bathrooms.

While your guests are making themselves at home by sampling bottles from your wine cellar in the specially built "wine tasting room", you can be fashionably late for your own party by taking your time being pampered in your personal spa, which features an indoor pool and hot tub, and calming massage room.

When you feel sufficiently magnificent, you can make your grand entrance into the ballroom, where your guests are no doubt awaiting your arrival. And you needn't worry about that lousy drunk who thinks he's going to drive home after having one too many. You've locked away his car in one of the 3 garages which house 8,000 square feet of performance vehicles.

If you are not done impressing your guests after your extravagant party, why not extend the festivities into a whole weekend? Your guests will lose track of the time when they are enjoying your personal art studio, golfing room, 2 story library, billiard room, 10,000 square foot gardens or built in salt water aquariums.

And after all of that, don't worry about making a mess. Your hired help have the good life too. There are built in maids quarters, and an elevator built into the main home so they don't have to lug their supplies up the stairs!

As you can see from the selection of these bargain priced homes, there has never been a better time to buy a home in Canada. If you would like even more information on these modest digs, check them out on www.mls.ca. All of the homes listed are on there, and they have many more photos for you to check out.