Do you remember those gaudy and extravagant McMansions featured on the long-standing MTV show Cribs? Well, Aubrey Drake Graham, the mega recording artist from Toronto, has a home that stands out from the rest. Spanning an impressive 50,000 square feet, Drake’s lavish residence boasts remarkable features, including an NBA regulation-sized indoor basketball court crowned by a magnificent 21-square-foot pyramidal skylight.
Unlike the cookie-cutter designs with cheap drywall and mismatched furniture, Drake Manor, envisioned by Canadian architectural and interior designer Ferris Rafauli, showcases a marvel of old-world craftsmanship. Limestone, bronze, exotic woods, and other noble materials were meticulously chosen to create an opulent ambiance. Notably, there is no trɑce of a Scarface poster in sight.
Drake speaks passionately about his vision for the home, stating, “Because I was building it in my hometown, I wɑnted it to last for 100 years.” He adds, “I wɑnted it to have a monumental scale and feel. It will be one of the things I leave behind, so it had to be timeless and strong.”
The Embassy takes inspiration from the traditional Beaux-Arts architecture, but with a contemporary twist. Rafauli explains, “The structure embodies the essence of a 19th-century limestone mansion in terms of form, materials, and execution.” However, the exterior design opts for cleaner lines and minimal profiles. Rafauli, who operates his luxury design/build firm in Ontario, emphasizes, “This isn’t about stucco, paint, or fake gold.” Such elements were never part of Drake’s vision or Rafauli’s style.
Rafauli describes the interior as “modern Art Deco,” a nod to a classic historical style that has been rejuvenated to reflect the spirit of the times and cater to his high-profile client’s taste. He observes, “Once you’ve chosen a particular style, you can explore and play within its boundaries.”
Drake describes the interiors as “overwhelmingly luxurious,” evident in the spacious rooms and meticulous attention to detail in the floors, ceilings, and materials used. It is a testament to the years of effort he has invested.
Upon entering the grand entry hall, one is immediately captivated by the solid limestone walls adorned with beveled inserts of Nero Marquina marble. Above, a faceted ceiling crafted from antique mirrors framed in bronze completes the opulent ambiance. The epic great room, towering at an astounding 44 feet, amplifies the grandeur even further.
Positioned at one end of the room is a bespoke concert grand piano, a collaborative creation between Drake, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, and Rafauli. Crafted by the renowned Austrian piano maker Bösendorfer, it rests within a portal surrounded by floor-to-ceiling panels of Macassar ebony and bronze screens. Rafauli affirms that Drake wouldn’t settle for just any piano. He describes this prized possession as “a perfect fusion of artistry, craftsmanship, and excellence.”
Another centerpiece of the great room is the magnificent Lobmeyr Metropolitan chandelier, a larger version of the iconic design by Hans Harald Rath, originally intended for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1963. Adorned with over 20,000 hand-cut Swarovski crystal pieces, this dazzling light sculpture stands as the world’s second-largest installation of its kind.
The luxurious canary-yellow lounge, featured in Drake’s music videos for “When to Say When”/”Chicago Freestyle” and “Toosie Slide,” showcases Rafauli’s homage to Art Deco style. A foliate ceiling adorned with concentric backlit hexagonal panels wrapped in Alcantara faux suede takes.
