One of Toronto’s most obvious gems and a classic destination for tourists, the Casa Loma neighborhood sits north of the Annex as one of Toronto’s most prominent neighborhoods. The neighborhood is named after the famous Casa Loma residence (built between 1911 and 1913). This beautiful and grand home was built in the Gothic Revival castle style on a hill overlooking the entire neighborhood (which is fitting since casa loma means “the house on the hill” in Spanish). This biggest tourist attraction in the neighborhood has 98 rooms filled with dazzling European elegance, and all of them are open to tourism throughout the year. Many people know about Casa Loma without even realizing it: it appeared in Hollywood movies like X-men, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Extreme Measures.
The Casa Loma residence is not the only historical landmark in the neighborhood. Many streets are enriched by lush 200 year old trees and the beautiful nearby Nordheimer Ravine. With no major shopping street bisecting, you won’t see many cars. The neighborhood remains quiet even though it is next to the busy and changing center of the city. It’s a true oasis reminiscent of fairy tales with its hilltop castle, sprawling old mansions (built in the English Cottage, Edwardian and Tudor styles), and even older trees standing proudly, apparently protecting the tranquility of the area.
The neighborhood’s boundaries are defined by Spadina Road to the east, Dupont Street to the south, Bathurst Street to the west, and St.Clair Avenue West to the north. The latter offers very good public transport connections.
Casa Loma includes many opportunities for recreational activities. The well-known Nordheimer Ravine Park offers a great place to walk, jog, picnic, or take a relaxing walk under one of its many oak and maple trees. Winston Churchill Park is another perfect place for walking and jogging. Located at the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Spadina Road, the park with its gravel paths is ideal for a little cardio and group sports with your friends and family. This park is also home to the popular Sir Winston Churchill Park Tennis Club. Last but not least, Wells Hill Park, located off St. Clair Avenue, offers a playground, restrooms, and several picnic tables and benches – a perfect place to spend time with your children. The park is dog friendly.
There are five schools and colleges located within the neighborhood, Hillcrest Jr. School, Oakwood Collegiate Institute, George Brown College, St. Michaels College, and Waldorf Academy. Casa Loma is just a short drive from the city center and other busy districts, which means there are convenient public transportation options. Bathurst Street provides regular bus service, and St.Clair Avenue West provides trolley transit.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what makes Casa Loma one of the most sought after neighborhoods when it comes to luxury real estate in Toronto.