Ardwold
Ardwold is a Gaelic term meaning "high, green hill". The enormous mansion was designed by Toronto architect Frank Wickson of Wickson and Gregg Architectural firm. It was in the Georgian style, and influenced by English and Irish country homes, namely Belton House in Lincolnshire. Ardwold had 50 rooms, 14 bathrooms, and its own hospital. Situated on eleven acres (45,000 m) of landscaped grounds, which included a half-acre (2,000 m) glassed area housing a conservatory and swimming pool, Ardwold was one of the largest and most luxurious residences in Toronto and the country.
Sir John Craig Eaton died in 1922, and his widow Lady Eaton kept the home until 1936, when she sold the land. Eaton moved to the enormous chateau named Eaton Hall at King City, Ontario. After an auction of much of its contents, Ardwold was blown up (the walls were too thick to use ordinary demolition methods). The property was divided into an exclusive housing development named Ardwold Gate. Only the gate lodge on Spadina Road near Austin Terrace remains.
References
- ^ "The Empire That Timothy Built". National Post. May 13, 1978.
- ^ "Lady Eaton to sell Ardwold". The Windsor Star. February 27, 1936.
- Lundell, Liz (1997). The Estates of Old Toronto. Boston Mill Press. p. 88. ISBN 1-55046-219-9.
External links
- Ardwold and Ravenswood – lostrivers.ca
- Ardwold – Toronto Historical Association