Toronto Casa Loma
Did you know Toronto has its own majestic Castle? Casa Loma is just that! A truly unique attraction which in Spanish means “House on the Hill.” It is an impressive hill-top Edwardian mansion built on an escarpment that overlooks the city. Arriving on the grounds feels as if you are stepping back in time and into a medieval castle. The mansion sits on five sprawling acres with beautifully landscaped grounds, fountains, and Sculpted gardens. It was the largest private home in Canada, and at one point, the Castle employed 80 servants with only two residents.
The magnificent home was built by wealthy financier Sir Henry Pellat and his wife, Lady Mary. Mr. Pellatt became a full partner in his father’s stock brokerage company at the age of twenty-three. He then founded the Toronto Electric Light Company in 1883, the same year Thomas Edison developed steam-generated electricity. He was a significant investor in building the first hydro-generating plant in Niagra Falls and invested in stock for the new Canadian Pacific Railroad. All these ventures, plus many others, were very lucrative; Sir Henry’s fortune had grown to seventeen million dollars by 1911. That year Mr. Pellat commissioned E. J. Lennox, the famous architect, to design and build his dream castle.
Construction began in 1911 and employed close to 300 workers for over three years. The stables and the two-story Hunting Lodge (4380 square feet) were built first, complete with servants’ quarters. The Pellatt’s sold their Scarborough home and moved to the Hunting Lodge to oversee the dream castle’s construction. Underground basement tunnels were built connecting the Castle to the carriage room, stables, potting shed, tac room, and Hunting Lodge. With 98 rooms and occupying over 64,700 feet, the building came to a halt due to the start of World War I.
The opulent home features an oven large enough to roast an ox, an elevator, a pipe organ, a central vacuum, two secret passages in Pellatt’s office, an indoor pool, and bowling alleys. The pool, and bowling alleys, along with much of the third floor, were never completed. The estimated cost of Henry’s dream home was three and a half million dollars. It remains one of the only truly majestic castles in North America.
Sir Henry and Lady Mary filled their mansion with priceless art from Canada and around the world. With numerous business and military connections, the Pellatt’s kept an extensive entertaining and social schedule. Casa Loma provided the perfect setting with its historic medieval feel and its advanced modern-day conveniences. The couple was also recognized for their philanthropic interests. In 1905 Sir Henry was knighted for his lifelong military service with the Queen’s Own Rifles.
He was also a major supporter of Grace Hospital and part founder of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Lady Mary played a significant role in supporting the Girl Guides of Canada and being awarded the first Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
With the start of World War I and the economic downturn that followed, Sir Henry sadly was forced to declare bankruptcy. He auctioned much of his priceless art and valuables, but it was not enough to keep Casa Loma. After only ten years, the Pellatts had to leave their dream castle and moved to their farmhouse in King Township. Lady Mary passed away that year. Sir Henry’s philanthropic spirit continued, and he was honored for his 50 years of service with the Queen’s Own Rifles.
Casa Loma went through several changes before becoming one of Toronto’s top tourist destinations. First, it became a luxury hotel until 1929 and then became a popular nightclub that drew wealthy Americans during Prohibition. The mansion was vacant for a few years, and in 1937 The Kiwanis Club leased Casa Loma as a tourist attraction. During World War II, an “Under Repairs” sign at the stables hid a sonar research and construction facility for U-the boat detection.
With seven floors in total, there is a lot of Castle for visitors to explore! The entrance takes visitors into the breathtaking Great Hall, richly decorated with wood panels, massive pipe organ, carved figures, and 60-foot ceilings. Ornate stained glass, brass, Italian marble, and greenery create the magnificent Conservatory, where many special events take place. The second floor displays Sir Henry’s Suite with impressive mahogany and walnut paneling plus a secret hidden staircase. Lady Mary’s elegantly furnished suite is painted in her favourite colour, Wedgewood blue, and highlights a magnificent view of the city. The third floor was not fully finished but housed some servants’ quarters. Since 1960 it has become the Queen’s Own Rifles Regiment Military Museum. The basement tunnel displays “Toronto The Dark Side,” it tells the story through archived photographs of darker days during Prohibition, The Depression, The Plague, and The Great Toronto Fire. A small curved staircase leads to the top of the castle tower with a fantastic view of the city and Lake Ontario.
Today Casa Loma is owned by the City of Toronto and has been deemed a heritage landmark. Over 650,000 guests tour the Castle and stunning five acres of gardens. The estate provides a perfect backdrop and has been used in many films, television shows, and photoshoots. The internationally known Liberty Entertainment Group operates the award-winning Blue Blood Steak House and the Don Alphonso 1890 restaurants at the Castle and numerous special events from concerts, weddings, and themed events.
Whether it is to play the Escape From the Tower game, the Symphony in the Gardens, Afternoon Tea at the Castle, the Dragon’s Song family interactive show, Mothers day brunch, or tour the mansion, CasaLoma offers an awe-inspiring way to spend the day.
Check out the Toronto Zoo which is in Toronto ON too.
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