Canadian NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thought he had found his dream home when he purchased an $8.4-million Burlington, Ontario, mansion in 2022.
Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, the 10,706-square-foot mansion seemed like the perfect retreat for the Oklahoma City Thunder player.
However, this idyllic vision was shattered when the home’s dark history, tied to the former occupant, Aiden Pleterski, came to light.
The Hidden Truth
Without Gilgeous-Alexander’s knowledge, Pleterski had previously leased the mansion for $45,000 a month while orchestrating a fraudulent operation that swindled over $40 million from investors.
Following the collapse of Pleterski’s scheme, the mansion became a target for creditors who visited the property daily, often making threats.
Just days after moving in, Gilgeous-Alexander and his girlfriend encountered a stranger at their door asking for Pleterski, a visit that led to the unsettling discovery of the home’s fraught past.
Without Gilgeous-Alexander’s knowledge, Aiden Pleterski had previously leased the mansion for $45,000 a month while orchestrating a fraudulent operation that swindled over $40 million from investors.
Following the collapse of Pleterski’s scheme, the mansion became a target for creditors who visited the property daily, often making threats.
He was also reportedly kidnapped by an investor, underscoring the risks and turmoil surrounding the property.
Just days after moving in, Gilgeous-Alexander and his girlfriend encountered a stranger at their door asking for Pleterski, a visit that led to the unsettling discovery of the home’s fraught past.
Legal Battle and Judgment
Feeling deceived, Gilgeous-Alexander filed a lawsuit against the sellers, accusing them of fraudulent misrepresentation for failing to disclose the home’s history.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Centa ruled in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander, voiding the sale and ordering the sellers to repay all mortgage and insurance costs.
The court found the sellers knowingly misrepresented the home’s safety, falsely marketing it as private and secure despite the danger posed by Pleterski’s creditors.
“This decision is precedent-setting,” noted real estate lawyer John Zinati.
“It shows that external threats can be as impactful as physical problems in real estate deals.”
Justice Centa’s ruling emphasized that safety concerns cannot be dismissed as mere “superstitions,” warning sellers about the legal risks of withholding information.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the experience was a stark reminder that a home’s history is as important as its physical condition.
Luxurious Features
As the legal drama unfolds, the Burlington mansion itself remains a stunning, if troubled, property.
With 10,706 square feet of luxury living space, this exclusive waterfront estate combines resort-like ambiance with modern elegance, including a gated entrance, private dock, and riparian rights.
Boasting six spacious bedrooms and seven full bathrooms, the home offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Ontario from nearly every room.
Recently renovated with over $1 million in upgrades, it features high-end finishes throughout, from the state-of-the-art Wolf and Sub-Zero kitchen appliances to designer pendant lighting and an expansive center island.
The main floor hosts formal living and dining areas, each with a gas fireplace, alongside a two-story great room with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame incredible lake vistas.
An elevator provides access to the second level, where four additional bedrooms—each with ensuite access—and a serene sitting room overlooking the lake await.
Entertainment spaces include a private theater, a refined bar, and a glass-enclosed gym, complemented by a spa and sauna for relaxation.
The lower level, fully above grade, opens to the terrace and gardens, perfect for evening gatherings.
Just 40 minutes from downtown Toronto, this lakeside retreat offers both tranquility and convenience for discerning homeowners.
Photos of the Mansion
The grand view of the estate’s exterior showcases its multi-level design, large windows, and stone accents, all overlooking a lush, well-maintained lawn that leads toward the water.
From above, the property reveals its prime waterfront location, surrounded by mature trees and featuring a private dock along the scenic shores of Lake Ontario.
The upper terrace offers a serene setting with ample seating, where the panoramic lake views stretch out to the horizon, creating an ideal backdrop for sunset gazing.
A picturesque path framed by elegant lamp posts leads through the garden to the dock, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ontario meet the shoreline.
The covered patio provides a sheltered retreat with a cobblestone floor and unobstructed views of the lake, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation.
Luxurious Interiors
Opening into a spacious hall with marble floors, a modern chandelier, and a round table, the entryway creates an elegant and welcoming first impression.
Another view of the entry hall highlights its symmetry, leading directly to a stylish sitting area with a fireplace.
The great room features a soaring ceiling and a stunning chandelier, with large windows offering unobstructed views of Lake Ontario.
Bathed in soft, natural light, with a decorative white fireplace as the centerpiece, the formal living room complements a sophisticated mix of gold accents and neutral tones.
A cozy seating area with a grand piano offers a peaceful space for music or conversation, featuring expansive windows that flood the room with light.
The formal dining room presents an intimate yet luxurious setting, with plush chairs surrounding a long wooden table.
A closer look at the great room reveals its refined layout, with a marble fireplace wall, a sleek modern chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the spectacular lake view.
Another angle of the great room showcases its open and airy design, with elegant furniture, a polished marble fireplace, and tall windows.
The living room exudes elegance with its soaring ceiling, a sparkling chandelier, and a marble fireplace that anchors the space.
Standing out with its dark island contrasting beautifully against white cabinetry, the gourmet kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances.
A closer look at the kitchen reveals the spacious island, offering ample seating and a functional space for entertaining or preparing meals, all while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
The kitchen’s open layout showcases a chic and seamless design with high-end finishes, including custom cabinetry.
Offering a bright and airy space with natural light streaming through the large windows and doors, the dining area opens to the patio.
The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat with vaulted ceilings, a statement chandelier, and a plush bed, all set against calming neutral tones for a serene atmosphere.
Another angle of the primary bedroom highlights a cozy sitting area by the fireplace and expansive windows that let in plenty of light.
The walk-in closet offers an abundance of storage space, with custom shelving and drawers in a sleek, minimalist design, making it both functional and stylish.
Featuring a sleek and elegant design, with ample counter space, two large mirrors, and soft lighting, the double vanity bathroom creates a relaxing ambiance.
A freestanding bathtub sits in front of large windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light and offering tranquil views for a spa-like experience.
The laundry room is spacious and functional, with plenty of cabinet storage, two front-loading machines, and a bright, clean design that makes chores feel easier.
Featuring modern fixtures and sleek white paneling, the home elevator boasts a decorative sunburst mirror for added elegance.
The upper hallway leads to various private spaces, offering a cozy and bright area with polished wood floors, a chandelier, and access to the bedrooms.
A sophisticated sitting area on the upper floor boasts plush seating, modern decor, and elegant details like built-in niches and wrought iron railings overlooking the floor below.
Another view of the upper sitting area shows its modern art, contemporary furniture, and soft lighting, making it an ideal space.
The ornamental wrought iron railing provides a beautiful view from the mezzanine, framing the chandelier and large windows that let natural light flood the living area below.
Boasting a plush, tufted bed and a soft and neutral palette accented by a sparkling chandelier, the bedroom flaunts elegant mirrored nightstands for a touch of luxury.
The bathroom offers a clean and modern design with a large soaking tub, a sleek vanity, and plenty of natural light from the window.
Highlighted with modern fixtures and a rainfall showerhead, a spacious glass-enclosed shower is perfect for a spa-like experience.
This cozy bedroom with vaulted ceilings and soft lighting creates a serene retreat, featuring a bench at the foot of the bed and a comfortable seating area.
Another view of a bright bedroom showcases soft, calming tones, a large bed, and French doors that lead out to a private balcony.
Designed with a crisp white bed and elegant chandelier, a tranquil bedroom offers a serene view of the water through large windows.
The bathroom includes a spacious glass-enclosed shower, a large vanity with ample counter space, and a separate makeup area for added convenience.
Featuring sleek furnishings with a polished desk, chic chairs, and plenty of open shelving, the modern home office creates an inspiring workspace.
A cozy seating arrangement features four plush, light gray armchairs surrounding a sleek glass-top round table.
With a large countertop, the sophisticated bar area pairs with three modern stools with gold accents and stylish pendant lights.
A luxurious home theater with comfortable, plush reclining chairs boasts two tiers for optimal viewing.
Filled with soft white furnishings, a large, open-concept living room includes two long couches and matching chairs.
Another view of the spacious living area highlights two comfortable armchairs facing a modern entertainment setup.
Positioned for board games or cards, the table and chairs boast a glass partition and offer a view into the adjacent gym.
The gym features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing an open, airy feel and a view of the greenery outside.
Providing ample seating for a relaxing sauna session, the slatted benches make this space perfect for winding down after a workout or a long day.
A serene bathroom featuring a frosted glass door leads into a sleek shower space, complete with luxury fixtures and calming gray tones.
With a plush tufted headboard and rich hardwood floors, the cozy bedroom impresses with neutral and sophisticated wall colors.
A beautifully tiled walk-in shower features a frameless glass enclosure and neutral-toned tiles, paired with a simple, elegant vanity.
