What Happened to the Biggest Mansion in Toronto? (Benvenuto)

Step back in time to the late 1800s and discover Toronto’s once biggest-Benvenuto. Before famous mansions like Casa Loma were built, real estate developer Simeon Janes created an impressive Richardsonian Romanesque “castle on the hill” that boasted rusticated limestone walls, a fiery red clay tile roof, and sweeping views of the rapidly growing city. Later expanded by Sir William Mackenzie, this majestic home hosted lavish gatherings, from garden parties to masquerade balls.
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Location: Toronto, Canada
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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
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[@BillMcBirnie-Extreme-Flute]

My mom (Nadine Beardmore), spent time at Benvenuto and lived here once upon a time, because Sir William Mackenzie was her grandfather (my great grandfather)...So, needless to say, this was a REALLY interesting clip for me!...

[@wmd9750]

The gates still exist , they stand at the entrance to a small private street call Edmund Gate just west of Avenue Rd and Edmund (The estates old entrance) . There is s beautiful house on Edmund Gate with an incredible private terraced garden that overlooks the city, stunning views , Great video!

[@jimc4731]

I liked the beautiful gates I don’t think there is anyone capable of making gates like those today JIM ❤

[@LeRoi715]

Hi, I live at the High Park Subway station and the area metionned here is not known to me; I would like to get there in the Spring, so could you please tell me what is the main intersection ? is the TTC reach this area? Thank you in advance.

[@Connie-e9x]

I loved going to Casa Loma when in Toronto...... TO has a lot of beautiful old homes... thank you Ken for another gorgeous video... much appreciated

[@teaeff8898]

As a “local”, I did not know about this house! Thanks!

[@seanwebb605]

In recent years I have added hulking additions to my rear too.

[@scottielover5415]

LMAO!

[@irenes.2807]

As other areas seem to crumble...

[@donchandler755]

What a great house. It is so sad that a house such as this was demolished. I often wonder if some of the features such as fireplace mantels and woodwork were saved for repurposing in other houses.

[@rob-time]

I love when you feature properties in Toronto, because I have lived here for 61 yrs and didn't know about this one or Chorley Park, which is a short walk from me. More please!

[@Vichyfarm]

Found this style Richardson Romanesque interesting…had to research…would be fun to see a video on the different samples of homes built in this style…maybe some still exist 🙏🏻

[@kimhall5863]

SO Gorgeous! My favorite room was the conservatory even though every room was uniquely beautiful!! Thank you for another captivating house❣️

[@JaneMcKee-l4b]

Breathtaking ❤

[@Jim58223]

Nice, more Canadian content.

[@laurimas8845]

Your videos are always very nice, and I enjoyed this one too- the narration seemed a little strange, with some words run-together as if it were being read by an AI voice. As for a favorite part- I liked the grounds. The rooms were so full of stuff- the style in those days- and though they must have been lovely, it was hard to get a sense of them as being enjoyable spaces. I'm going to re-watch it.

[@commandoxy]

Ricky Nelson warned us about garden parties. Such a sad end to such a monster of a house.

[@brandbryce]

love that wall...

[@gwmkiwi]

That is Sir William not Sir McKenzie. Or on the first mention Sir William McKenzie after that Sir William. The same goes for women who have been Knighted and receive the tile of Dame

[@robertmclauchlin8629]

Great video….seems appropriate to be narrated by a young Thurston Howell the third

[@davidmarks8318]

Lived a few blocks away in 1974

[@crush42mash6]

Beautiful house to get his destroy to be nice that they use parts of it somewhere else

[@JohnSmith-xd6iv]

Do you have anything on the Gardner House at 3100 Weston Rd. as the city is about to designate it and the adjoining property as heritage ?

[@jd2plus2]

Big fight with the new developers after being sold by the Basilian fathers Winnipeg based order . The famous Marion Shrine of gratitude was visited by many but is now fenced off and apparently the family of one of developers is presently occupying it . They want to tear it all down including old school for housing . City wants site to stay but developer will go higher , and with present Ontario govt will win as OLT can bypass local laws . PC’s changed the rules now residents are helpless .

[@NancyRode-u9i]

😍🏰👌

[@juancarlosnegron2358]

It's a shame that these beautiful homes just get demolished, instead we prefer prefab cookie cutter homes that if your lucky will last 50 years...

[@JaneMurray-di3gq]

In England they turn these mansions into condos, preserving them and yet making use of them at the same time. Why it’s not done here I don’t understand! Except that only the wealthy could afford to live in them.

[@Mangos68]

Was it destroyed?

[@ThisHouse]

Towards the end of the video, I show how that site appears today

[@LeRoi715]

@@ThisHouse I have the question: what was before at the area of St.Clair Av.West /Walmer Rd. where the reservoir w/underground water is? the place is huge with such a nice view of Toronto. Thank you. Greetings from High Park in Toronto.

[@marilynmckenzie2111]

I personally did not like the limestone brick exterior . The interior was nice with the large tapestry and fireplace!👏🏻 😔👩🏻‍🦰🇨🇦

[@jill-ti7oe]

Rugged! 👍

[@vulpo]

Te interiors are cluttered, dark and full of busy ostentatious ornamentation, as are most of the great mansions of that era. As fashions and tastes changed, the children of the original builders surely saw that. These houses were discarded in the same way that an automobile with giant fins, all the rage in 1959, would have been discarded in 1962 for something more sedate. Just like those giant fins, these homes had become an embarrassment to the owners.

[@SusanBoyd500]

Unfortunately, it seems that many people leave this life feeling burdened by their treasured collections and embarrassed by their wealth. Or, there isn't someone left with enough money and desire to care for it. Then, it makes little sense for greedy developers to consider its historical value.

[@mikenixon2401]

International tour this time. I can't remember who it was, but he built a mansion with "new" electric lighting. His wife refuse to use the electricity out of fear. They had an impressive home in Ohio. If I remember who and where I'll let you know. Anyway, this was an interesting tour but the interior was too showy for me. Good tour, Ken.

[@toddhensley880]

Maybe Charles Francis Brush?

[@VTL291]

First cmt😁

[@monicapushkin3274]

That building is rather ugly. Not Toronto's finest architecture. The large rough faced exterior blocks, are too large for the scale of the house. It is reminiscent of a prison, or a cheap bungalow made entirely of rough faced cinder blocks.

[@barbaraparker6996]

I was thinking it looked more like an Inn instead of a residence.

[@monicapushkin3274]

@@barbaraparker6996 Yes this would be acceptable for "inn architecture". Not a posh residence.

[@sunspiral79]

Condos...big surprise

[@Freedomnow4all]

I thought casa loma was the biggest mansion