Rosedale, one of Toronto’s prestigious neighborhoods, is just like Vancouver’s Shaughnessy, or dare I say, London’s Knightsbridge and New York’s Hamptons.

All these nice areas must have a beginning, right?

For Rosedale, it began with William Jarvis’ humble farmhouse.

In 1776, Revolutionary War broke out in US, William’s father, Stephen, a pro-English loyalist, left his town, and childhood sweetheart Amelia Glover, which Stephen passionately loved but his family strongly objected, and joined the army.

After the war ended, their family moved to Canada. In 1824, William Jarvis bought a plot of land just North of York and built the first house, in what would be known today, as “Rosedale”.

Contrary to expectation, Rosedale House was not the glittering mansion on Bayview / Bridle Path as one would imagine. Quite the opposite, according to historians, it started as a simple rustic farmhouse.

Over the years, as the Jarvis family grew, a second storey, a verandah and various wings were added. Land was cleared, orchards, vinery and gardens and wild roses bloomed around the house. Hence the name, Rosedale.

As Toronto grew, land from the 100 acres estate was gradually divided and sold off. In 1905, the last few acres along with the Rosedale House were finally sold off into smaller lots.

Soon later, Rosedale House was demolished. The approximate location is where Rosedale Road meets Cluny Drive today.

This 1923 house may look like a simple colonial revival built on a small 50 x 150 ft. lot. Underneath, its historical significance is perhaps as great as the debate of urbanization vs. preservation.

🐨: This place reminds me of the story of Rosedale House.

🐻: Orchards, vinery, gardens, shallow woods, meandering streams and wild roses, just like here.

🐨: Rosedale is that rosy spirit of positivity. Although separated by war, politics, sheer distance and family objections, in the end, Stephen went back and found his true love, Amelia, and married her. They trekked thousands of miles to Canada and began a new life and family there.

3 Cluny Drive, Toronto
1st and 2nd Photo source, Toronto Ref. Library