Castle Loma, designed to resemble a medieval castle in residential Toronto, opened in 1914.
It was built by Canadian stockbroker and financier Sir Henry Pellatt at a cost of about $3.5 million. Containing just under 100 rooms, it was the largest private home in Canada at that time.
Like many grandiose structures, Casa Loma has stood through its share of triumph and tragedy. Sir Henry and his wife spent fewer than ten years living in Casa Loma before financial reverses forced them to abandon the property; the flamboyant Pellatt died virtually penniless.
For the past 70 years, Casa Loma has been open as a tourist attraction. They pay a fee to enter and can take a self-guided tour. Many simply explore the fragrant and colorful Casa Loma Gardens, in bloom from May through October.
Casa Loma can also be rented for weddings that range in size from 125 to 1,200 guests and it has an in-house caterer. For more information: Castle Loma.
