Condos
Inside A Warm And Sophisticated Waterfront Penthouse In Burlington, Ont.
Updated on November 17, 2023
Set against the sparkling backdrop of Lake Ontario, it’s easy to forget you’re a quick seven-minute walk from Burlington’s main drag. Bridgewater Residences on the Lake is an impressive, new two-tower project perched east of Spencer Smith Park, with direct access to Brant Street Pier and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a walking and cycling paradise. Attached to The Pearle Hotel & Spa, where you can enjoy lakeside dining, staycations and spa treatments, the spot attracts downsizers seeking luxury vacation vibes year-round.
“We’ve always loved this part of Burlington,” says Lino Losani, who purchased this penthouse, preconstruction, in 2016 with his wife, Denise. “It’s close to family and has the perfect combination of magnificent views and a vibrant, walkable location.” Having worked on Lino and Denise’s Ancaster, Ont., home more than a decade earlier, Karen Shearim, partner and lead designer at Barnard & Speziale Design was the obvious choice to personalize the couple’s well-appointed, 3,200-square-foot penthouse. “I’ve had a long working history with the design firm,” says Lino, who is the president of Losani Homes, an upscale custom builder. “Karen knew us and knew what we were looking for.”
The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath unit took three years to complete and has floor-to-ceiling windows, three balconies, guest quarters and two entrances.
Scroll down for a look inside!
To keep the look clean, Karen tiled the main living space in a glossy white porcelain, then added flourishes with pops of gold, ochre, walnut and Sahara Noir marble. A walnut door in the main entry makes a ho-hum closet look like a work of art. “I’m a craftsman, so the workmanship was of utmost importance. The closer in the foyer has a 60-40 split starburst door with halfmoon pulls. It’s an art piece all on its own,” says Lino.
“With any condo, you have to deal with concrete walls, plumbing that can’t be moved, and heating and cooling systems that have big, utilitarian doors,” says Karen (pictured right with Ashley). “The key is to find creative ways to deal with them.” To mask a heating and cooling unit, Karen built a magnetic wall panel out of walnut that be removed for maintenance but looks like an intentional part of the design.
The couple wanted a bold look that was completely different from their former home. “Lino’s house had a very Tuscan feel,” says Karen. “He wanted something fresh and contemporary for the condo that would match their new lifestyle.” The design brief was simple: the team would create a space that felt modern and sophisticated, but still warm and inviting. To reflect the couple’s love of music, a baby grand piano and Lino’s extensive guitar collection — including one previously owned by Carlos Santana — are displayed like art.
“This is easily one of the best views in the city with Lake Ontario and the park, pier and Skyway bridge,” says Lino. “It’s breathtaking; spectacular day and night.”
“When we entertain, we usually all end up in the kitchen,” says Lino.
“My wife adores it. She loves to bake, so the extra ovens and counter space are perfect for her,” he adds.
Karen had an intricate walnut ceiling feature built over the dining table to help with acoustics and tie in the angular walls.
“The wine room is like art for us, along with providing storage for wines from our travels,” says Lino of the feather mosaic tile installation.
“I love the rich colors in the office,” says Karen. “The ochre against the walnut is such a warm combination.”
“The powder room is small, so it gave us the opportunity to do something bold and dramatic,” says Karen. A faux finish on the walls was created using black paint and gold leaf.
“The principal suite has a completely different feel from the rest of the space,” says Karen. “The color palette is more tonal, and there’s lots of texture to make it feel sophisticated and comfortable.”
The tub is the centerpiece of the luxurious ensuite.
The serene guest bedroom was designed with Lino’s parents in mind. “The spare bedroom means a lot to us, because we designed it based on my parent’s tastes and potential future needs,” says Lino.
Black cabinets and graphic mosaic wall tile give the laundry room a high-contrast look.
The secondary entry features closed cabinets for extra storage.
Lino and Denise have embraced downsizing and fallen in love with the new space. The closeness to the lake and being able to easily lock the door and go when they want to travel are great selling points. “The space is comfortable, bright and fun,” says Lino. “It incorporates our tastes and personalities, and the craftsmanship is pure artistry. Plus, it has the perfect combination of magnificent views and a vibrant, walkable location.”
Alex Lukey