Ashbridge Estate
This lovely old home, built in 1854, is found in the east end of Toronto on Queen St East (I do sometimes venture to the east end of the city) and is now owned by the city and occupied by various non-profit organizations. The property was home to one family for more than 2 centuries, from 1792 until 1997. Originally it consisted of 600 acres running from Lake Ontario (at Ashbridges Bay) north to Danforth Avenue but the city grew around the farm and all but this last 2 acres was sold off by the 1920s. The estate was donated to the City of Toronto in 1972 with the last remaining family member living there until 1997! The grounds surrounding it are quite beautiful.
I never thought a lovely house like this could be found in the middle of the city! ;-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful old home- glad it is being used instead of falling in to disrepair.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved this house. I remember looking for the red geraniums in the window boxes as I passed by it daily on the streetcar. I miss those geraniums.
ReplyDeleteA fine looking house, glad it is being well looked after.
ReplyDeleteFunny, first thing I thought was what a lovely farmhouse, and then the gingerbread made me think I was wrong. Guess I was right after all. Gorgeous front yard, thank heavens someone is keeping it up, even if it is your tax dollars, seems worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost incredible that this place has been in existence for such a long period of time. It must have been renovated on several occasions. It has a sense of grandeur and is quite beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. Yup, 55 years. We've been dating 58 years! Had a great time. Perfect weather. I posted a shot of Tampa Bay on Florida Fotos this afternoon.
It is always wonderful to find out beauty of house being used for a worthy purpose. The grounds at the front of the home are stunning. I would love to stroll around the entire grounds.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Awesome garden too.
ReplyDeleteNow there's a nice cool looking porch to sit in and watch the traffic go by!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful old house Pat, can you just imagine the scene changes since it was built in 1854,two acres still makes for a big piece of land around it, love the very English looking country garden.
ReplyDeleteI hope the city continues to take good care of it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fine place with lots of memories.
ReplyDeleteThe house is wonderful but, the yard is spectacular. Fantastic place.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful house, RedPat. It reminds me of Long Island or the New England shore.
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove the old colonial style buildings....have a good week Red Pat..
ReplyDeleteYes, a very lovely house worth keeping up. But I'm of two minds whether that should be with taxpayers money. I do like that it is used by NGOs.
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