Hello From Toronto A First Hand Look At Casa Loma Part II
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Toronto: A Firsthand Look at Casa Loma (Part II)
Discovering Casa Loma's Rich History
The Queen’s Own Rifles Museum honors Sir Henry Pellatt’s dream of transforming Casa Loma into a military museum. On the third floor, a prominent display highlights Casa Loma's pivotal role in history, particularly during WWII, when the British relocated their sonar research there. These underground spaces played a crucial part in advancing sonar technology, helping to turn the tide of the war.
Exploring Casa Loma's Interior
The third floor showcases surprisingly spacious servants’ quarters. Sir Henry employed about 40 servants, many of whom lived on-site. The Round Room, deceivingly elliptical at first glance, is perfectly circular and located in the Norman Tower. Both the Austin Room and Pellatt Board Room are available for private and corporate events.
Sir Henry and Lady Mary Pellatt's private quarters occupy the second floor. Although smaller, Sir Henry’s Suite is technologically advanced for its time, featuring a secret storage area and a Pavenzo marble bathroom. His love for modernity is evident with over 50 telephones and a control alcove to manage the castle’s operations. Despite being nearly a century old, these innovations would still impress today.
Lady Pellatt’s Suite, gentle in pink tones, opens to a large balcony and includes a spacious 3,000-square-foot living area. Her involvement with the Girl Guides is commemorated in a nearby exhibit. Across the hall, a Guest Suite displays a Chinoiserie style, echoing Sir Henry’s collection of lacquered Oriental pieces. Descending to the first floor, I learned about Toronto’s first private elevator, Otis 1, which remains functional.
Main Floor Marvels
The grand staircase leads to the main floor, where the Library holds 10,000 books. Its hardwood floor creates a fascinating optical illusion, with colors changing as you shift your gaze. The family motto, "Devant Si Je Puisse," adorns the Library ceiling. Adjacent lies the walnut-lined Dining Room.
The Conservatory, Casa Loma’s visual centerpiece and the Pellatts' favorite spot, boasts stunning bronze and glass doors inspired by an Italian villa. During my visit, it served as a backdrop for wedding photography. Booking a wedding here can take up to two years, a testament to its fairy-tale charm. Its black and pink marble floor came from Italy, while Bancroft, Ontario, provided marble facings for heated flower beds, ensuring optimal conditions for exotic plants.
Winding Down the Tour
Our tour concluded with a visit to a Serving Room featuring original furniture. The kitchen’s massive stove was designed to cook an entire ox. Peacock Alley, lined with Sir Henry’s art collection, leads to his study, which conceals two secret passageways: one to the second floor, another to a wine cellar that stored his 1,800-bottle collection chilled by innovative ammonia and brine-filled pipes.
In the Billiard Room, I viewed the Pellatt Newsreel, a 22-minute documentary narrated by Colin Mochrie, offering insights into Sir Henry Pellatt’s storied life, a key chapter in Toronto’s history.
Enchanting Gardens
Renovated by the Toronto Garden Club in 1989, Casa Loma’s gardens span five and a half acres, filled with rare plants, sculptures, and a fountain?"a perfect spot to unwind. The south terrace offers a serene space to relax after exploring this historic gem.
Events and Attractions
Casa Loma ranks as Toronto’s second most important tourist attraction, hosting diverse events year-round. Summer features Afternoon Tea with engaging lectures and a delightful buffet, while Sunday Royal Brunches present gourmet selections and castle tours. The Casa Loma Kids Club hosts workshops, and the castle turns into a Haunted Mansion for Halloween. Middle Ages Come to Life Sundays offer medieval reenactments, ensuring there’s always something special happening.
Discover the magic of Casa Loma, where history and charm converge to create unforgettable experiences.
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