Every once in a while we get an invite to visit a penthouse for sale somewhere in Toronto, and we are always intrigued to check out both the interiors and the views from these special units. This week we got a chance to pop into 3203 at 33 Mill Street, a.k.a. Pure Spirit, the first of the towers in Toronto's Distillery District. The unit, facing southeast, is unique in the building: the custom-designed suite is one of two units created from three on the original floor plan by the current owner. Come on in…

Dining and Living Space in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

Above, we are looking across the Dining and Living area looking southeast. That's Clear Spirit beyond the windows to the east, and the Harbour and Lake Ontario to the south of course. Nine foot ceilings and all-glass exteriors means the roomy 1044 square foot unit feels positively expansive.

Living Space and east view in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

Above, the seating area, while below, the custom kitchen with integrated German appliances is accented by blue and green tiles which repeat the colours of the sky, lake, and parks to the south.

Custom Kitchen in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

Office and east view in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

Above, the second bedroom in this suite is used as an office. Below, its bathroom features a large soaker tub.

Bathroom in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

Master Bedroom in suite 3203 at 33 Mill

The master bedroom faces the lake. To the right though, you can see into the master bath and a bit of its huge shower.

Balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Above and below, the suite features a long 200 square foot balcony running the length of the east side of the unit.

Balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Harbour view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

From the south end of the balcony, the harbour, lake, and park views provide a spectacular panorama.

Lake view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

North view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

To the north and east, the panorama becomes endlessly fascinating: over the next several years the Distillery District will be knit into the fabric of the city as the West Don Lands are developed to handle the needs of the 2015 Pan Am Games: a dozen new buildings and beefed-up infrastructure will just be the start of the development that will leave a legacy for thousands of new residents in the area. 

Closest in, Clear Spirit, now topped out, is being joined by the rising Gooderham. All three towers are Cityscape and Dundee Realty developments, designed by architectsAlliance.

East view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Distillery view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

The balcony here is also your perch to people-watch, and catch events from the sky, all taking place in the Distillery throughout the year.

Distillery view from the balcony at suite 3203 at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Distillery view from the amenity terrace at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Living in Pure Spirit means you have access to a number of amenities of course, the most impressive of which is the amenity terrace on the sixth floor, atop the building's podium. From here you have a more intimate view into the Distillery's streets (above), and a great view of Toronto's downtown skyline to the west (below).

Downtown view from the amenity terrace at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

Pool on the amenity terrace at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

The amenity terrace features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and plenty of deck chairs. The popular recreation spot also features serious barbecues and places to enjoy your meal. Beyond the facilities, the roof terrace becomes a wildflower garden with a view.

View up from the amenity terrace at 33 Mill, image by Craig White

View up from the Distillery at 33 Mill

Finally we look back to the tower from within the Distillery - that's the unit up top, just below the mechanical penthouse - and consider whether we're going to the Mill Street Brew Pub for a pint, or Balzac's for a coffee, or Soma for ice cream. So many tough decisions…