Some of the largest houses in Toronto are found in South Hill, with spectacular views of Downtown Toronto and even a shimmering glimpse of Lake Ontario.

 

The South HIll neighbourhood is defined by the Avenue Road Hill, a historic land formation from the former shoreline of ancient Lake Iroquois at the end of the last Ice Age. The escarpment that Lake Iroquois left behind was covered by a dense forest, interrupted only by the ponds, creeks and waterfalls that graced Avenue Road Hill up until the 1900’s. South Hill’s natural beauty made it an instant favourite among wealthy Toronto landowners. In the mid to late 1800’s, South Hill was dotted with mansions that were unsurpassed in variety and scope anywhere else in Toronto. Oaklands, the gingerbread mansion overlooking Avenue Road, Spadina House at 285 Spadina Road and Casa Loma, the 98-room dream home of Sir Henry William Pellatt, still endure from this bygone era.

 

South Hill may not have the same name recognition as Rosedale or Lawrence Park but it is every bit as glamorous and exclusive as these other elite Toronto neighbourhoods. This hillside neighbourhood is centrally-located near Toronto’s business and entertainment districts. South Hill offers many of Toronto’s highly-regarded public, private and Cathrolic schools, such as Brown Junior Public School, Forest Hill Collegiate, The Mabin School, Upper Canada College, Bishop Strachan School and De La Salle College.

 

The first generation of houses were built in South Hill between 1890 and 1920. There are also a number of luxury apartment buildings and condominiums lining both sides of Avenue Road, providing spacious layouts with high-end finishes and city views for the Toronto’s affluent clientele.