Spadina House chronicles four generations of the wealthy Austin family and illustrates the evolution of styles from mid-Victorian to 1930s Colonial Revival.
In 1866, the property was purchased by businessman and financier James Austin, founder of the Dominion Bank and president of Consumers Gas. The estate was enlarged and remodelled by Albert Austin between 1898 and 1913. Anna Kathleen Thompson, a daughter of Albert Austin, was the last of the Austin family to live in the house. After her death in 1982 the house was turned into a museum with the original furnishings left in place.
The influence of new technologies such as gas lighting, central heating, electricity and the telephone can be seen here.
Spadina House also has some fine gardens.
NOTE: One can only take guided tours of the house (normally around 30 and 45 minutes past the hour). However, the gardens are free for one to roam around.
Opening Times
Jan - March...
Sat & Sun: Noon - 5pm
April - Labour Day (1st Mon of Sep)...
Tues - Sun: Noon - 5pm
Sep - Dec...
Tues - Fri: Noon - 4pm / Sat & Sun: Noon - 5pm
Prices
$8 (Includes guided tour)
(Visits to the garden are free)
Address
285 Spadina Road
(at Austin Ave)
Toronto
Tel: 416 392 6910
How to Get There
Subway: Dupont Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
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