December 29, 1998
The ultimate in Lightfoot memorabilia
$3.88 million asked for icon's Rosedale digs
By Tony Wong
Toronto Star Business Reporter
taken from The
Toronto Star
If you know a big Gordon Lightfoot fan, the ultimate
souvenir is available.
We're not talking about a package of compact discs or posters. You'll
need a few million dollars. It's Lightfoot's Rosedale home, which has
been placed on the market at $3.88 million.
For that princely sum, you get a 7,500-square-foot mansion on one of the
toniest streets in Rosedale, complete with six bedrooms. There's also
the recording studio on the ground floor where Lightfoot has spent the
past 25 years creating his music.
If that's not enough to make you haul out your dusty copy of "In
The Early Morning Rain," wait until you hear who your neighbours
will be.
You'll be surrounded by the rich and famous, including retired Gerald
Emmett Cardinal Carter and mega-luxury-home realtors Harvey and Elise
Kalles.
In typically discrete fashion, you won't find who owns the home in any
of Kalles' sales literature.
"They're very public figures, but they're also very private in
their home life," said Elise Kalles, who is listing the home.
Kalles said her favourite feature of the century-old Tudor-styled home
is the family room, which she describes as "absolutely magnificent
with hand-carved beams and a breathtaking, oversized mantle
fireplace."
Lightfoot's music studio, off the living room, offers a garden view
framed by antique bevelled, stained-glass windows.
The Star's pop critic, Betsy Powell, visited Lightfoot at his home
earlier this year and described the surroundings:
"Leather furniture, shag throw rugs and a covered snooker table say
'70s, while a baby stroller parked in the front lobby and swing set in
the well-tended backyard point to signs of young life. Beside the gold
records hanging on the walls are photographs of children."
The 60-year-old Lightfoot and his wife, Elizabeth, intend to stay in
Toronto after the home has been sold, Kalles said.
Although Lightfoot's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, his fans have
remained faithful through the years, rekindling their bond with the
singer at his annual Massey Hall concerts.
Lightfoot has also suddenly found himself hot again with a remake of his
hit ballad "If You Could Read My Mind," one of the hit songs
from the disco-era movie 54.
