Near Bayview / Green Lane, sits a few old buildings, which have always drawn my curiosity. One day, my curiosity made me take that “wrong” turn.

The George McCullagh House belongs to the same ilk of houses, like Glendon Hall, Bay View (previously featured), and Donning Vale, known as the Bayview millionaires’ row.

Originally a farm, the 91-acre estate, is almost as big as the owner’s business, Globe and Mail. The garden seems almost too much to walk, but perfect, for the owner’s equestrian interest.

The old buildings closer to Bayview Ave. are stables and cottages to keep his horses and staff on the estate. 

At the center of the estate, is a two and a half story seven bay Georgian Revival house. Being built in 1930’s it has incorporated Art Deco influences from that period, such as the use of aluminum claddings, octagon windows on the ground floor and streamlined metal railings.

Like the neighboring estates, urbanization and city expansion have re-purposed these old houses with public interest in mind, while the rich moved to the inner side streets along Bayview like Post Road and Bridle Path.

George McCullagh House became Shouldice Hospital. The open spaces where thoroughbred horses once galloped, became a sanctuary for hernia patients to take their healing strolls.

The granite stone walls once kept unwanted guests out, became a welcoming reminder of the owner’s successful past.

Shouldice’s heritage, its calm tranquility contrasted by its proximity to the city, reminds me of another old hospital from my hometown.

7750 Bayview Avenue, Thornhill