TORONTO TRIPS: THE HEINTZMAN HOUSE
It’s time for another segment of Toronto Trips! A couple weeks ago Nick and I were invited to a grandiose engagement party at the luxurious Heintzman House. It was very exciting. Along with it being the first properly warm day of the year, the Gatsby grandeur of it all made me feel as though I was being taken back in time to a magnificent garden party.
History of the Heintzman House
The Heintzman House is one of the oldest standing structures in the greater Toronto area (it is located in Richmond Hill, not Toronto proper). It was built in 1798 which is absolutely ancient from my perspective here in Canada. It began as a farm house and was later converted into the mansion you see above in the early 1800’s. It is now owned and named for the Heintzman’s who are famous for their piano business.
It has strong Loyalist Upper Canada roots. The Heintzman house isn’t just a pretty face, it’s also full of history. It was magical to think of the conversations Canadian Loyalists of yore would have had in the halls I walked through about the rise of William Lyon Mackenzie and the like. As we walked I was prompted to imagine how it would have felt with a long and heavy skirt and corset.
It was extra fab to see the Heintzman house this month as I was currently binging Alias Grace on Netflix -which I highly recommend- and that series takes place in the early 1800’s in Toronto and Richmond Hill!
Interior Photos
When I go to a new building the first thing I do is explore everything! Which might make me a less than perfect guest, but I promise I interacted with everyone after I slipped away to admire the rooms.
Toronto Trips: Allan Gardens
Spring is finally here in my home city Toronto, but we had quite a long wait for all this beauty. Sunshine is very important to my general happiness (hello, SADs, I see you) and across the long winter months I had the pleasure of taking a couple vacations to sunny locales that boosted my mood. But who’s to say you can’t find that same effect here in Toronto? If you know where to search… That’s why today I’m bringing you into the magical world of Allan Gardens.
The scents of this beautiful conservatory hit you the minute you open the door. It definitely made Nick and I want to start planting an ambitious garden. And it was warm! Especially when we visited the desert plants.
I love being a tourist in my own city and I have always been drawn to old things (that’s why I’m so excited for my Europe adventure this summer!) Allan Gardens first came to be all the way back in 1858. That’s ancient for Canada. It has since been burned down once and been reconstructed, possibly to do with it’s political origins (it’s founder George Allan was mayor of Toronto).
So much history, beauty, and a touch of spooky always has me interested. Are there ghosts? I didn’t see any, but who knows! Despite it’s history the Gardens have an indisputably zen vibe. I recommend visiting this fragrant and peaceful place and logging it away in your mind’s eye for future meditations.
Allan Gardens is open 365 days a year and is completely free to the public.
