Outdoor kitchens aren’t just a great way to entertain — they’re a worthwhile investment, too.
Outdoor kitchens are a trend worth following.
Most homeowners are aware that a traditional kitchen renovation is often a smart investment. In fact, according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, such kitchen renos offer the highest return on investment of any remodelling project.
Similarly, interest in adding outdoor kitchens has been stewing as well. Outdoor kitchens were already a sizzling trend when, in 2020, the pandemic hit. Lockdowns, self-isolation, and a rise in remote work led to stronger homeowner appetites for more — and better — outdoor spaces at home.
Estimates vary about how much value an outdoor kitchen adds. One stateside study from the National Association of Realtors suggests homes with outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, or bluestone patios sell for a 2% premium — but can you really put a price tag on time spent dining al fresco with family and friends?
To get you in the mood for the upcoming May 2-4 long weekend and all the cookouts to come, here are five Canadian homes for sale with chef-worthy outdoor kitchens.
1. 348 Superior Avenue SW, Calgary
Photo credit: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
The list price: $2,899,000
Described as “an outdoor oasis designed for ultimate enjoyment,” this approximately 4,400-square-foot detached home’s backyard is the ideal spot for a cookout. It’s got a completely sheltered cooking-and-dining area with a built-in barbeque overlooking an expansive patio and fire pit capable of emanating 60,000 BTUs. That, coupled with the six-person hot tub, create a recipe for all-season enjoyment.
2. 80 North Dr., Toronto
Photo credit: Soare Productions
List price: $7,485,000
Rose Barroso of Posh-Haus Luxury Real Estate Services compares the vibe that this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home’s backyard creates to that of a beach party, or a Mediterranean. A large moveable glass partition connects the main chef’s kitchen seamlessly with the backyard, where, under the twinkling glow of string lighting, there’s a full-scale marble bar, heated pool, barbecue area, outdoor cabana with a television, and lots of subwoofers to keep the party going. “It’s very unique, but it is also so familial where you just want to be with family and friends — you just want to have them there,” Barroso says. “It’s almost impossible to explain the feeling of being there.”
3. 1430 Hixon St, Oakville
Photo credit: Tony Tasdelen — Lakeshore Group Real Estate
List price: $5,675,000
The listing description for this 6,500-square-foot custom build invites you to “step outside to a fully landscaped oasis with natural stonework, a covered outdoor kitchen/patio with BBQ and beverage fridge, and a saltwater pool with a waterfall and remote automation.”