ADDRESS : 66 Russell Hill Road
NEIGHBOURHOOD : Casa Loma
AGENT : Jonathan Ferrier and Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage
PRICE : $4,500,000
THE PLACE : Nestled at the bottom of Russell Hill Road and flanked by Sir Winston Churchill Park and Roycroft Park , this house provides the best in stately castle (there is a turret covered in vines, after all) that Toronto has to offer this side of Casa Loma.
BRAGGING RIGHTS : The home is a name-dropper’s dream: it was built in 1926 for Frank W. Stone and his wife, American opera singer Rosie Scott, by Douglas E. Kertland , the architect famous for designing the Automotive Building (now the Allstream Centre ) at Exhibition Place (the garden was even featured in Canadian Homes and Gardens magazine in 1934). The Stones later sold the property to Henry John Burden , a World War I flying ace and architect (who designed a home for the Eaton family and was Billy Bishop’s brother-in-law). Following Burden’s death in 1960, politician, Citytv correspondent and officer of the Order of Canada Morton Shulman took up residence here.
BIG SELLING POINT : The leaded-glass windows and wide-planked oak floors maintain the classic character of the house, but the five-piece master ensuite bathroom with Jacuzzi tub means this won’t be medieval living.
POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER : Unfortunately, the turret is more for style, less for defending the fort.
BY THE NUMBERS :
• $4,500,000
• $34,103.21 (2010 taxes)
• 7 bathrooms
• 6 bedrooms
• 5-piece master ensuite bathroom
• 1 backyard in-ground pool
• 1 Jacuzzi tub
80636 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill1_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill1_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill1_intro.jpg 656 500 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill1_intro/ jul11hotwrussellhill1_intro 0 0
80614 Inside the castle 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill2.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill2/ jul11hotwrussellhill2 0 0
Inside the castle
80615 In case of an uprising among the rabble, this is the ideal place from which to defend your worldly possessions. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill3.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill3/ jul11hotwrussellhill3 0 0
In case of an uprising among the rabble, this is the ideal place from which to defend your worldly possessions.
80616 A beautiful living room featuring wide-planked oak floors, a gas fireplace and French doors out to a Juliet balcony. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill4.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill4/ jul11hotwrussellhill4 0 0
A beautiful living room featuring wide-planked oak floors, a gas fireplace and French doors out to a Juliet balcony.
80617 The fireplace looks like it’s wearing a hat! Also, a pretty sitting room. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill5.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill5/ jul11hotwrussellhill5 0 0
The fireplace looks like it’s wearing a hat! Also, a pretty sitting room.
80618 The family room borders the kitchen. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill6.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill6/ jul11hotwrussellhill6 0 0
The family room borders the kitchen.
80619 The kitchen with oak floors, granite counters and what appears to be some sort of vacuum device from Dr. Seuss. Be careful not to get sucked up. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill7.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill7.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill7/ jul11hotwrussellhill7 0 0
The kitchen with oak floors, granite counters and what appears to be some sort of vacuum device from Dr. Seuss. Be careful not to get sucked up.
80620 The upstairs looks medieval. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill8.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill8/ jul11hotwrussellhill8 0 0
The upstairs looks medieval.
80621 The grand master bedroom with a wood-burning fireplace. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill9.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill9/ jul11hotwrussellhill9 0 0
The grand master bedroom with a wood-burning fireplace.
80622 Step into my bedroom office? 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill10.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill10/ jul11hotwrussellhill10 0 0
Step into my bedroom office?
80623 Deluxe castle bathroom 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill11.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill11/ jul11hotwrussellhill11 0 0
Deluxe castle bathroom
80624 Bedroom (barred windows to keep the vulgar masses out) 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill12.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill12/ jul11hotwrussellhill12 0 0
Bedroom (barred windows to keep the vulgar masses out)
80625 Ensuite bathroom 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill13.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill13/ jul11hotwrussellhill13 0 0
Ensuite bathroom
80626 Serious closet 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill14.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill14/ jul11hotwrussellhill14 0 0
Serious closet
80627 Lower-level family room with a walkout to the stone terrace. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill15.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill15/ jul11hotwrussellhill15 0 0
Lower-level family room with a walkout to the stone terrace.
80628 The dungeon in this joint is super-nice. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill16.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill16/ jul11hotwrussellhill16 0 0
The dungeon in this joint is super-nice.
80629 The play area for your prisoners, complete with concrete heated floors. 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill17.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill17/ jul11hotwrussellhill17 0 0
The play area for your prisoners, complete with concrete heated floors.
80630 Powder room 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill18.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill18/ jul11hotwrussellhill18 0 0
Powder room
80631 The castle pond (or swimming pool in modern parlance) 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill19.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill19/ jul11hotwrussellhill19 0 0
The castle pond (or swimming pool in modern parlance)
80632 The grounds 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill20.jpg 624 410 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill20/ jul11hotwrussellhill20 0 0
The grounds
80633 The view of Sherwood Forest (er, the backyard). 66 Russell Hill Road https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/jul11HOTWRussellHill21.jpg 450 300 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/casa-loma-castle/slide/jul11hotwrussellhill21/ jul11hotwrussellhill21 0 0
The view of Sherwood Forest (er, the backyard).
Made enough dankness up in there! BEAUTIFUL HOUSE! its sad to say good bye barb! Hope all is well!
This house (mainly its dungeon) was the best for under age drinking parties back in ’04.
This property is unbelievable. I wish I was in that pool right now being 41 degrees today.
One of the best homes featured in TL. If I won LOTTOMAX I would so buy this in a jiffy!! Amazing.
I think this castle like house is the most beautiful house that I every seen in Ontario, Canada. I can only dream of owning the estate, someday?
caption writer take note…those aren’t bars on the windows…merely leaded glass……… ummmm,shouldn’t you be in school today?
I loved this one
if I was that lucky couple who won $41M lotto I would buy this house
Wow this house is stunning! A castle in the city – sounds perfect to me!
http://shaunnilsson.com/
So, wait.. everyone complained about the previously featured houses in this section, but this is the one you say rocks???? I cannot believe it. This is trully depressing. Yes, let’s all live in old dingy homes! Awesome. Screw the new, screw the developments in architecture over the past century, forget about the light, airy, uncluttered spaces that we have seen up until now. If I was to win a lottery, I also would love to live in a depressing old house… NOT! I would suggest those of you who will undoubtedly come by large amounts of cash, to hire an architect who can design a home for you that would not look into the past bot, instead, would provide an ideal surroundings for your life in the future. Grr.
GORGEOUS – finally a TL house I would love to live in! Absolutely stunning, and not a dud room in the bunch. Please let me win the lottery – I would snap this up in a second!
Totally agree with Janis on this one – WTF?
However, the area is absolutely fabulous!
At Shaun Nilsson – nice shameless plug by leaving a link to your website. LOL!!
The sofa in the family room looks as though it came from Bay Boy. If you can afford to live in a house that costs over four million dollars, can’t you afford an interior designer?
Melissa S is so spot on about the decor! but I love the natural colours of the house itself, the ornate doors and stairwells I absolutely love this house! Oh, please 649 genie give me enough moola to buy this house.
Absolutely the interior decor is embarrassing…
I live one street over and have admired this home for 10 years. Fabulous location, huge trees which shelter you from a sweltering day like today. Sorry Janis (from above post), it’s the old saying ‘they sure don’t build them like they used to’. Romantic! Charming! Elegant!
Great location in the city, (but close to parks), great house, and great property with the pool and ravine setting. I would buy this in a heartbeat (if/when wealthy)…M
I agree with Janis also. Most of the rooms are just ok, but just too old looking for my taste…but if I won the lottery, there were soooo many other homes featured on TL that look better than this. And the TV room chairs don’t look like they came from Bad Boy as Melissa S. pointed out…they look like they came off the curb.
Seems like the heat is getting to Janis… wow… quite the bitter person eh ?! GTFOH!
But if you won the lottery, you wouldn’t **have** to buy a different, new house. You could buy this one and redecorate it to your liking while reaping the benefits of this place’s central location and lush grounds.
Beautiful! Depressing clothes in the closet though, black and white that house deserves some sparkles in there!
The walk-in closet and the pool are great but who did the decorating???? Probably paid a fortune and certainly got taken. Awful!!!!!!
for some reason the interior reminds me of the walsh house on bh90210 (original), especially shots 3 and 8.
Hey Grrrr! Everybody loves this house ’cause romance isn’t dead; it’s taking a big deep breath for the encore. I, too, loved it as soon as I saw the pic. I’d buy it in a flash (if i won big in a lottery as freelance writers at least this one do buy such places as this one. Dang it all!