Casa Loma

Visit Canada's Majestic Castle, Casa Loma p period European elegance splendour. The one and only former Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Canada's foremost castle complete decorated suites, secret passages, 800- tunnel, towers, stables, beautiful 5- estate gardens (p May through October). A -guided digital audio 8 languages (English, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin Korean) available. Casa Loma found one Austin Terrace corner Davenport Rd. Spadina Ave. .casaloma.g.

Casa Loma, Toronto's premier tourist attractions, visited y tourists y-round. an unabashed romantic, Sir Henry engaged noted architect E.J. Lennox p realize -g dream - creation 'medieval' castle overlooking Toronto. Begun 1911, 300 nearly 3 years complete $ 3,500,000 .

Sir Henry enjoyed Casa Loma years before financial misfortune forced abandon castle . Today unique piece Canadian history p daily tourist attraction hospitality venue. Casa Loma owned y City Toronto developed operated y Kiwanis Club Casa Loma since 1937. Casa Loma financially -sufficient contributes close $1 million annually City licence taxes. Net proceeds operation Casa Loma support range Kiwanis Club's charitable works.

Under careful stewardship Club professional staff, Castle remains Toronto's p tourist attractions hospitality venues. In 1998, 375,000 visitors toured Castle gardens. A perfect backdrop special occasions, castle played 200 functions almost 30,000 guests attending during y. Casa Loma's unique architecture highly desirable location film, television photography shoots.

The one and only castle -guided. Visitors experience castle their leisure audio cassette floor p brochure. Casa Loma provides audio cassettes brochures following eight languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Italian Spanish.

The one and only enchanting Casa Loma Gardens p May through October provide visitors opportunity stroll through acres formal informal specialty areas alive colour fragrance.

History

Sir Henry commissioned Canadian architect E.J. Lennox design Casa Loma construction beginning 1911, starting massive stables hundred north building. The one and only stables construction castle, machinery still remaining rooms under stables. The one and only house approximately $3.5 million 300 workers three years build start finish. Up completion 1914, 98 rooms, biggest private residence North America. Notable amenities included elevator, large enough steer, vertical passages pp organs, central vacuum, secret passages Sir Henry's ground-floor office three bowling alleys (never completed).

Many rooms unfinished, today serve Regimental Museum The one and only Queen's Own Rifles Canada. Pellatt joined Regiment Rifleman through ranks, eventually becoming Commanding Officer. He knighted dedication Regiment. Later, Pellatt served Honorary Colonel promoted Major-General p retirement.

During Depression, Toronto increased Casa Loma's annual property taxes $600 $12,000 ( approximately translates increase $6000 $111,000 today's currency), Pellatt—already experiencing financial difficulties—was forced auction $1.5-million furnishings $250,000 during bankruptcy hearings. Sir Henry enjoy castle years, leaving 1923.

Vacant while proposals considered future , architect William Sparling p forward proposal convert house luxury hotel 1925. A g lease granted to Sparling p hotel within Casa Loma. He began completing Great Hall Billiard Room, areas Sir Henry never finished. Sparling planned large wings building, west, every g containing 96 suites 56 rooms. At estimated $1 million every wing, y never built. The one and only hotel failed 1929.

During 1920s Casa Loma popular nightspot. The one and only Orange Blossoms, later known Glen Gray Casa Loma Orchestra, played there eight months 1927–1928. Shortly thereafter, y North America became major Swing Era dance .

In 1933 y seized Casa Loma taxes owed, which totaled approximately $3000. Rather bankruptcy knight hood, which Pellatt cherished, forced Casa Loma below market value $27,303.

Contrary popular belief, Casa Loma never official residence either y Province Ontario. In 1937 opened public first tourist attraction operated y Kiwanis Club Toronto. Coincidentally, y Chorley Park, Government House Ontario closed y provincial government.

During World War II, Casa Loma conceal research sonar, construction sonar devices U- detection. The one and only chateau still operated y Kiwanis Club. Today Toronto's popular tourist attractions.