When landscape artist, Doris McCarthy purchased this land back in 1939, her mother viewed the decision as impractical and extravagant, referring it as that “fool’s paradise of yours”.

The word paradise comes from an old Persian word, “Para-di-jah”, meaning a walled enclosure.

With luscious flowerbeds, pine, spruce and maple trees all around, and a meadow overlooking Lake Ontario, the McCarthy cottage is surrounded by a wall of nature.

With gentle breeze blowing across, the reflection of the garden pond changes depending on the angle of the viewer and direction of sunlight, like an ever-changing acrylic painting created by nature.

It was meant to be a weekend getaway, a summer cottage, but Doris loves the surrounding so much, she decided to make it her permanent home.

Despite its large acreage and its prime location on the Scarborough Bluff, the cottage is rustic and pared back.

It has the essential elements of a “house” and two art studios, one for herself, and the other for a custodial tenant, usually a visiting artist. The living room features a large picture window, with a panoramic view overlooking the 250 ft. meadow and Lake Ontario

When she passed away, the cottage was donated to Ontario Heritage Trust.

Through the “Artist in Residence program”, Doris wanted to keep her house as an inspirational space for future artists. The land around the house was partially donated and became Doris McCarthy Trail.

In her book, Doris wrote, “Fool’s Paradise will continue to be a place for healing, laughter, shared tears and growing.”

To this date, artists from around the world would take turn to stay at her house, follow Doris McCarthy’s footsteps, taking inspiration from the surroundings and create art.

1 Meadowcliffe Drive, Scarborough

This old documentary from ten years ago on Youtube featured her wonderful Scarborough Bluffs cottage! She talked about how the landscape, the lake and animals inspired her artwork.