This Magnificent $15M Montreal Mansion Has a Political Past

Offered by broker Christina Miller, this 11,489-square-foot, five-bedroom mansion was the home of Canadian Senator Leo Kolber, who passed away at age 90 in January 2020. The posh abode was designed by architect Erol Argun, whose work includes Montreal’s Tour Bell Media.
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The grand foyer boasts a 20-foot-high oculus and inlaid wood floor. As the listing puts it, the entrance “sets the scene for a house that will impress!” The foyer accesses the formal living room, in addition to a vestibule (which “makes a handy coat check, convenient for formal events”) along with a spacious powder room.
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According to The Globe and Mail, Senator Kolber and his wife, who passed in 2001, were big entertainers and “dinner parties and fundraisers were not rare occasions” within the home. Areas such as this grand, formal living room once welcomed a who’s who of Montreal’s political movers and shakers.

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“A majestic double dining room offers charming character, from its coffered ceilings to it floral wallpaper, built-in glass cabinets and fireplace,” says the listing of the absolutely mammoth dining area.
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The contemporary kitchen features custom wood cabinetry from Wood-Mode, along with a large marble-topped island containing a built-in gas range and second sink. The countertops and backsplash are also marble.

A pair of huge rounded windows flood the kitchen with natural light. In addition, a butler’s pantry connects the kitchen to the formal dining room – very handy when hosting large dinner parties.

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Adjacent to the kitchen is this breakfast room, ideal for enjoying informal meals in a casual-chic setting.
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Off the kitchen and adjacent breakfast room you’ll find this informal dining area. Honey-hued wood flooring extends throughout the entire space, from the kitchen to the dining area.

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This room was known as the “Big Red Room” by the family, according to The Globe and Mail, and was the space in which the Kolbers spent the majority of their time. Plus, when Senator Kolber’s good friend Pierre Trudeau dropped by, this was the room in which they would sit and “share an intimate conversation,” where “a dish of caviar often sat between them as a flame crackled in the fireplace and snow matted the windows.”

Within the “Big Red Room” (AKA the library) is this hidden wet bar, which features pocket walls that can be opened onto the large reception room. This, the listing describes, is “an innovative and convenient feature for parties.”

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In addition to the formal living areas, this more-casual family room is situated right off the library. A large floor-to-ceiling bay window allows natural light to flow in. This room also leads to home’s bedrooms.

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“The well-designed master suite includes a sweeping master bedroom, two fireplaces, two luxurious walk-in closets and two full bathrooms,” is how the listing describes this sumptuous master bedroom.

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One of two walk-in closets, this all-white one is larger than some condos. It has plenty of space to serve as a dressing room as well.

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Boasting dramatic red-hued marble on the floor and countertop – as well as surrounding the tub and standalone shower – the spacious master bathroom makes an amazing first impression.

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As the listing points out, the lower level of the home features two more bedrooms, which are described as “perfect for children or guests.” This one features a distinctive matching wallpaper-and-curtains combo.

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Another of the home’s five bathrooms (six if you count the powder room off the foyer), this one features an all-white motif with accent wallpaper.

The home’s staircase is truly magnificent, with wooden bannisters and moulded wood filigrees. Two double-height windows allow light to flood in from the outdoors.
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Situated in the basement, this home theatre has also been used as a gym, hosting an array of fitness equipment. It’s currently set up with built-in audio-visual equipment, outfitted with comfortable chairs and a popcorn machine. Also on the lower level is a large wine cellar with made-to-measure shelving units and the capacity to store up to 1,000 bottles of vintage vino.

“Just like the indoors, the outdoor spaces were also conceived for entertaining,” declares the listing. “A cozy outdoor seating area is situated right outside the dining room, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. With its ample room, this large property has been used for formal events, large garden parties or simply to relax by the pool with friends and family.”

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Adjacent to the heated pool is this custom-made gazebo, complete with a bar, a dining space, a kitchen and a bathroom.

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