Owning a country estate is something most of us can only dream of. Especially for those of us who can’t even afford a cottage. Still, it’s nice to dream.

For those with the means, now is a good time to be looking for a luxury home in the country. There’s a wide selection and would-be sellers appear to outnumber would-be buyers.

Several country estates with lengthy price tags are for sale in Ontario. They include one for $24-million surrounded by 150 acres of woodland near Toronto.

Another, priced at $18-million, is on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands.

An even higher price — $27-million — is being sought for a mansion on a secluded stretch of waterfront on Lac des Deux Montagnes, just west of Montreal. Perhaps that does not strictly qualify as a “country estate” but the idea’s the same — a large home surrounded by greenery and water, a world away from the noise and congestion of urban life.

According to Re/Max real estate chain, sales of luxury homes in Canada soared in early 2010. But there is no reliable measure of strength — or weakness — in prices of multi-million-dollar homes.

Allison Parent, a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, recently listed a waterfront home in the Kawartha Lakes for $7.38-million.

“The feedback that I am receiving from my international clients is that luxury real estate in Canada is still seen as being reasonably priced compared to other countries,” Ms. Parent says.

Post Homes looks at nine high-end country properties recently listed for sale in Ontario and Quebec by Christie’s Great Estates and Sotheby’s International Realty Canada — two international real estate firms that specialize in the upper end of the market.

1. Hawkridge Farm

Caledon, Ont.

List price: $24-million

This 28,000-square-foot beauty, with 10 bedrooms, is among the grandest country homes in an area inhabited by some of Toronto's wealthiest families. The area, northwest of Toronto, is a lot less rural than it used to be, but this house is surrounded by 150 acres of private forest, with lake and streams. "A dramatic two-storey foyer with stately oak staircase creates an impressive introduction. Mahogany windows and wall-to-wall French doors allow natural light to cascade throughout," enthuses a real estate agent's blurb on this property.

christiesgreatestates. com, ID# W1465702

2. Carmarthen Lake Farms

Singhampton, Ont.

List price: $15.6-million

This 1,500-acre estate, south of Georgian Bay, is described as "a summer and winter paradise with the highest elevation in southern Ontario." It has extensive equestrian facilities as well as six houses on the property. "The gracious main country home is nestled into the escarpment, surrounded by award-winning English gardens," says the sales memo. A gentle terrace slopes to a sandy beach and private 78-acre lake.

sothebys realty. ca, MLS# 2007082

3. Elegant chateau

Ile Bizard, Que.

List price: $8-million

Built in 1994 in the style of a French chateau, this is a place in which to unwind and enjoy the pleasures of country life, while remaining close to the attractions of a major metropolis. It is currently owned by Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois. It has been on the market for a year. There are eight bedrooms and 12,000 square feet of living space. It has a huge kitchen that leads to a terrace for dining and admiring 1,000 feet of shoreline on Lac des Deux Montagnes.

sothebysrealty. ca, MLS# 8194993

4. Waterfront paradise

The Blue Mountains, Ont.

List price: $6.9-million

"Unique waterfront paradise featuring spectacular Cape Cod residence on the shores of Georgian Bay," says sales broker Veronica Lord. The property has a "12,700-square-foot residence, 13 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, indoor pool and spa, private harbour, 300 feet sandy beach." What more could you ask for?

sothebysrealty. ca, MLS# 20103879

5. Monumental mansion

Ile Bizard, Que.

List price: $27-million

As elegant as the Palace of Versailles, kings and queens of France would have felt at home here, once they grew accustomed to all the modern conveniences. The three-storey mansion, known as the TuLyons residence, overlooks Lac des Deux Montagnes (Lake of Two Mountains) on Ile Bizard, just west of Montreal. The owner is Canadian, but real estate agent Cyrille Girard won't say who it is. The house, built in 2004, has nine bedrooms and 22,000 square feet of living space. Features of this spacious home include a vast den facing the lake and a monumental staircase to the upper floors.

sothebysrealty. ca, MLS#8340618

6. Unique surroundings

Kawartha Lakes, Ont.

List price: $7.388-million

For luxurious and spacious living in the country, this may be as close as you'll get to a traditional "cottage" (see cover photo). The four-bedroom house is on the shore of Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas, within reasonable weekend commuting distance of Toronto. "This home has been skilfully designed for its inhabitants to experience their unique surroundings, with lake view and exterior access from virtually every room," says sales agent Allison Parent.

sothebysrealty. ca, MLS# X1894842

7. Eagle Point

Ivy Lea, Ont.

List price: $18-million

This is the modern-day equivalent of the castles (most notably Boldt Castle) built in the picturesque Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River early in the past century. This mansion is on what is known as "Canadian Millionaires' Row" near the Thousand Islands Bridge. It is owned by Terry Dixon, an American, who began his career as a car salesman in North Carolina in 1957. The home has three kitchens, eight bedrooms and a marble bathtub handcarved in Portugal (there are no faucets -water is pumped in through a hole in the bottom of the tub).

christiesgreatestates. com, ID#1653964

8. Luxurious gated estate

Hudson, Que.

List price: $4.75-million

"Masterpiece of architectural detailing, quality, fine craftsmanship and impeccable taste," says real estate agent Louise Jackson of this five-bedroom home in Hudson, on the Ottawa River between Montreal and Ottawa. The house has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and overlooks Falcon golf course.

christiesgreatestates. com, ID# MT8289579

9. The coolest

Mont Tremblant, Que.

List price: $4.395-million

This luxurious six-bedroom home, close to ski hill and golf course, was recently reduced in price from $5,995,000. "It is obviously a buyer's market," says real estate agent Michael Clark. "This is absolutely the coolest home in Tremblant. It has it all. Tremblant's largest pool, waterfall, hot tub for 15, and it sits directly above the 18th hole of Le Geant golf course."

christiesgreatestates. com, ID# 20687