In honour of the return of Murdoch Mysteries S10 – and Thanksgiving in Canada – I would like to share photos from my  visit to Casa Loma in 2014.

Murdoch Mysteries fans may recognise this Gothic Revival building as the home of inventor James Pendrick and his ex-wife Sally.

Casa Loma (‘House on the hill’) was built between 1911-1914 as the residence for Sir Henry Pellatt (1859-1939) and his wife, Lady Mary Pellatt (nee Dodgeson). Sir Henry Pellatt was a Canadian financier and soldier, born to British parents in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Pellatt is credited for bringing hydro-electricity to Toronto and became a Knighted Bachelor by King Edward VII in 1905 for serving in The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.

Pellatt’s dream ‘Medieval’ castle cost C$3.5 million at the time and featured paintings from Canada and around the world. He even had a Windsor Room just in case the Royal Family should be visiting Canada, albeit none stayed in his grand estate.

Main Floor

Grand Hall

Oak Room

Library

Breakfast Nook

Second Floor (First)

Sir Henry’s Suite

Lady Pellatt’s Suite

The Windsor Room

Round Room

Antique clothing

Third Floor (Second)

The top floor is dedicated to The Queen’s Own Rifles Museum. At the time of my visit, there were so many embroidered uniforms on display that I could not see all of them.

Some of the many uniforms on display

On this floor, guests can see an example of a Servant’s Room and go up the stairs to the Tower.

Grounds

Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to visit the Stables and had to leave the tunnel that connects it halfway through as I was feeling dizzy and it was time for me and my friend Monique to leave.

The Stables

~*~

Unfortunately, Sir Henry Pellatt soon learned how costly it was to maintain a large castle and, by 1923, he and wife were forced out of their home. Lady Pellatt, sadly, passed away a year later from heart failure. The couple lived in Casa Loma for not even 10 years.

As there was a considerable amount owed in taxes, Casa Loma was acquired by the City of Toronto in 1933. The beautiful mansion was nearly demolished – such was the backward way people thought a long time ago (and now actually) if they didn’t know what to do with grand estates such as these. Thank goodness Toronto’s castle still stands today thanks to all the visits from tourists and local visitors!

Royal blogger and tweeter, Kelly of All Things Regal, is working on her new book on Casa Loma so do follow her on this journey if you’re keen to learn more!

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Canada

Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30-17:00

Tickets: Adults C$25 (incl. taxes)