22 June 2010 -
Casa Loma (Hill House in Spanish) is Canada's famous castle which once belonged to
Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a soldier and a business man. The reason behind the fame of this castle is due to the expense that went into building it (it took 300 workers three years to build and is still incomplete and cost about 3.5 million dollars, which is a lot of money back in the early 1900s) and it was a state-of-the-art residential building of its time. Personally, I still think it is today.
Why do I think the castle to be so marvelous? First, it was a castle built by a non-royal who relied on his capabilities. Sir Henry Pellatt, an inspiring individual, had invested in the hydroelectric power project which brought electricity to Toronto. And passing through each rooms, I found the technology that went into building it was amazing. Interesting switches and bathrooms equipped with both showers and tubs with heating systems. Antiques and furniture pieces of classy and authentic designs, not to mention the paintings as well, covered the rooms. Adding thrills to the buildings are high stairways to the tower of the building that grants us a spectacular hill view, a secret stairway leading to the upper floor and a tunnel that bring us to the stables and potting sheds.
While it is a touristy destination, a visit to Casa Loma is not to be missed. Besides its elaborate decor, luxurious furnishing and over-the-top facilities, the place holds a valuable and interesting history, one which is also rather sad but inspiring nonetheless.
Casa Loma with a garden and fountain at the front. Photo by Sakana
Front view of Casa Loma
Canada's largest Wurlitzer pipe organ placed on a podium by the glass windows
Great hall with high ceilings and the organ's pipes are built on the wall
Sir Henry's drawing room with elaborate French oak paneling. According to Wikipedia, it took 3 years to finishing the carvings. Photo by Sakana
A theatre showing the life of Sir Henry Pellatt. Photo by Sakana
Secret stairway to the upper floor. Photo by Sakana
Beautiful wood furniture at Sir Henry's Suite. Photo by Sakana
Check out the switches with separate on and off buttons. Photo by Sakana
Fireplace with beautiful metal firewood holder. Photo by Sakana
The most impressive bathroom and it was build in the 1900s!
It even has a bidet!
Bathroom walls covered with white carrara marble
Separate cubicles for the shower, bath tub and toilet
"The shower was structured to completely surround the body with spray, by using 6 taps that controlled 3 levels of pipes." - Casa Loma Floor 2 Virtual Tour
Pretty carvings on a lamp stand
Antiques
Lady Pellatt's bedroom
The colour of the room is interesting and I like this white and Wedgewood blue dressing table
Lady Pellatt's suite
Long hallway with walls all covered in fine wood
Guest room with an authentic Chinese theme
Stairway to the top of the tower
Building's support beams
More stairs to climb to reach the top
Yet another flight of stairs. Photo by Sakana
View from the top of the tower
Parts of the castle still under construction or renovation. Photo by Sakana
Main stairway
Signboard to guide us to the stables. Photo by Sakana
Walking along tunnel to get to the stables
Garage with a red antique car
Stables and potting sheds
We waited here for the hop-on hop-off bus
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