725 Manor Avenue, Ottawa

Sculptural. Rare. Uncompromising. In the most historic corner of Rockcliffe Park, where grand estates tell the story of our nation's capital, one home rises with quiet authority. This striking contemporary, designed by Barry Hobin and reminiscent of early Prairie- style modernism, is unlike anything else in the city: blending architecture, art, and atmosphere with precision. Framed in granite and light, its vision is at once bold and understated.

The exterior is a study in restraint: clean horizontal lines and flat planes frame expanses of glass. Wide granite steps lead to a grand formal entrance. The same granite—used for polished insets along the stucco-clad exterior and echoed in fireplace mantles and custom stonework inside—connects outside and in with cohesive intent. Sculpted hedges, artful paving, and manicured geometry define the front garden, where a quiet Japanese-inspired feature brings a sense of balance and permanence.

Step inside, where natural light floods the soaring central atrium, bouncing across pale hardwood floors and tracing the elegant curve of a sweeping staircase. Recessed baseboards and custom millwork keep the lines clean and continuous. This dramatic core serves as the heart of the home, reflecting its original identity as a living canvas for art and design.

From here, move effortlessly into the formal entertaining wing, where light pours into a showstopping dining room wrapped in glass on three sides. Perfectly proportioned for hosting at scale, the space is grounded in architectural elegance and softened by designer pendant lighting. Nearby, a discreet party pantry and moody, design-forward powder room add both polish and practicality.

Opposite, the formal living room unfolds—sunlit and grounded by a refined fireplace with a granite surround. A single step leads down into a second, more intimate connected lounge. An unexpected shift in level that creates a sense of occasion—pause to imagine a quiet sidebar during a lively gathering, or a late-night scotch tasting entre amis. Discreet pocket doors allow this entire formal wing to be elegantly closed off or fully opened, depending on the mood—subtly delineating space while preserving the home's continuous flow.

Continue past the atrium into the private family wing, where form and function quietly harmonize. The kitchen is a study in contrast—black and white checkered tile underfoot, a streamlined central island above, and Kuzco pendant lights adding intrigue and balance. A butler's pantry, discreet powder room, and laundry/storage room provide utility while preserving the home's clean aesthetic.

Just beyond, the family area rises two full storeys, framed by a dramatic wall of glass and crowned with skylights, with patio doors to the back. A floating wall introduces a sculptural pause, separating this relaxed gathering space from a more polished adjoining room: a second lounge where the tone deepens. Black baffle potlights are embedded in the ceiling, casting ambient light across a second black granite-tiled fireplace. Recessed art walls on either side create gallery-worthy niches for curation. It's a room designed for comfort, presence, and modern chic.

Ascend the grand staircase to the upper level, where a curved mezzanine encircles the atrium and a sleek steel railing echoes the home's softened geometry. Four bedrooms—two on each side—are framed by impressively tall, floor-to-ceiling custom wood doors that heighten the sense of scale and drama. Float into the expansive primary, with two immaculately designed bathrooms—one in deep black, one in luminous white—featuring dramatic tiling, elegant hardware, and handmade Hubbardton Forge sconces. Dual walk-in closets complete the space. Secondary bedrooms are each accompanied by private baths with art deco accents—one with a striking New York–inspired black-and-white palette and granite detailing.

Between these dreamy retreats, two private terraces—one expansive with an electric pergola, the other more secluded—perch high above the surrounding landscape. From this elevated vantage point, vistas extend over the majestic grounds of the Apostolic Nunciature: rolling lawns, formal gardens, and curated green space that reflect the storied dignity of this diplomatic enclave. It's a rare sightline in Ottawa—quietly powerful, deeply serene, and anchored in the natural and cultural legacy of Rockcliffe Park itself.

Descend to the lower level, where the design language continues with bold checkered flooring and recessed baseboards throughout. A spacious laundry room, abundant storage, an additional bedroom with Jack-and-Jill bath, and versatile living areas allow for total flexibility: gym, studio, lounge, or cinema space.

Finally, step outside. The home is framed by landscaping that subtly echo the tones of art deco and mid-century modernism found within and beckons guests with a sense of grandeur. The rear yard is ready for intentional design—whether a serene garden retreat or a bold modern poolscape, the canvas is yours.

Undoubtedly, this is not simply one of Rockcliffe Park's most exceptional homes—it is a landmark in modern Canadian architecture. Singular in vision. Uncompromising in execution. And destined to endure.