The Oxxford: An Exceptional Penthouse in the Heart of the City

"More than just a beautiful residence equipped with countless exceptional amenities and custom features, it offers a lifestyle unlike any other property in the city."

Inside the historic Oxxford building, located in Southern Ville-Marie, is one of the city's most unique and contemporary penthouses. A former trouser factory dating back to 1904, the beautifully brick-clad edifice was restored and redesigned in 2008 by architecture firm  Campanella et Associés in conjunction with interior designer Christian Bélanger and Monreal-based fashion designer Philippe Dubuc. The resulting development features 23 sophisticated loft-style residences cleverly tucked behind a turn-of-the-century facade. This particular unit, on the building's top floor, is split into two distinct levels and with its southern exposure, has some of the very best views of the Old Port.

The Oxxford’s positioning on St.-Timothée, a small and lesser-known street, makes the luxury building somewhat of an undiscovered gem. Passing through the automated iron gates and through the spectacularly arched brick tunnel makes one feel like they’re uncovering a secret and arriving at a residence more appropriately suited to London or New York. Moreover, with indoor parking and direct access to the highway, The Oxxford is one of the most convenient and accessible luxury residences in the city centre. It’s exactly these qualities that attracted the current homeowner, a professional in the entertainment industry, to the residence when it appeared on the market in the middle of the pandemic. In a moment where home buyers seemed to be fleeing the city in search of more traditional homes in the suburbs and countryside, he recognized the rare opportunity before him — the opportunity to acquire one of the city’s more unique two-storey penthouses.

The first of the home’s unique and luxurious features is the central elevator which opens directly into the penthouse. Arriving at the residence, it’s impossible not to be taken in by the light and scale of the space. With soaring 16-foot ceilings and an entire back wall made of large format windows overlooking the expansive back patio and offering panoramic views of the Old Port and St. Lawrence River, the home leaves all who enter with a lasting first impression. Coming from the entertainment industry, hospitality is a major focus for the current homeowner and the spacious indoor-outdoor orientation of the upper level offers a perfect environment for hosting. From the temperature and humidity-controlled wine cellar which offers storage for up to 500 bottles and a small collection of cigars, to the generously sized and professionally equipped kitchen (which is exclusively outfitted with Wolf and Subzero appliances) hosting lavish events and entertaining a crowd is a breeze. In the warmer months, the double-sized patio can open up to become an extension of the living space making it possible to host upward of 100 guests or more comfortably. Outside, there is a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and all the infrastructure needed to install a spa. While the upper level has a suite of unique features, not the least of which include the exquisite quartz countertops in the kitchen or the custom-made wood and epoxy dining table, the most impressive feature is the integrated wiring built into the soft close cabinetry which allows a DJ to connect to the sound system built-in throughout the home.

Moving downstairs, by way of the captivating and meticulously engineered floating glass stairwell (a renovation that was completed in 2013), one arrives in the more reposed and tranquil living quarters. This level includes two bedrooms and a spacious living room which is equipped with a rare 100-inch television, integrated sound system and another custom wood and epoxy table designed to match the imported Brazilian hardwood flooring that runs throughout the residence. The spacious guest room, which could easily be used as an office or studio, benefits from tremendous natural light. The primary bedroom, however, steals the show. With customizable sound and lighting (a feature that extends throughout the home) which is controlled by an app, the room’s ambiance can be fine-tuned to match the moment. Passing through the bedroom’s walk-in closet, one arrives in the elegant and oversized primary bathroom. Taking cues from luxury hotels, the primary suite offers a spa-like retreat from the rest of the home. What’s most impressive about this home, however, is the peace and quiet that can be enjoyed throughout despite its close proximity to a major thoroughfare. Thanks to the highest quality sound insulation, residents can enjoy all the benefits of the Oxxford’s location without experiencing any of the perceived downsides.

When it comes to penthouses, luxury is a term that gets bandied around but luxury isn’t just a pricing tag — it’s an experience. That’s the promise of this residence. More than just a beautiful residence equipped with countless exceptional amenities and custom features, it offers a lifestyle unlike any other property in the city. From the unique history of the building to its exceptional location which offers both privacy and convenience the exceptional penthouse of the Oxxford is the very definition of luxury.