Drumsnab or Sugar Loaf

Likely the oldest house in Toronto still used as a private home. Bought in 1834 by Franis Cayley with wonderful views over the Don Valley.

The land was originally the eastern part of the farm lot owned by George Playter. It was called Drumsnab as that is the old northern England term for a sugar loaf, and looking down to the Don River there were a few hills that resembled sugar loafs. The original first floor had thirty inch thick walls with stucco covered in hand drawn scenes. In 1856 a second-floor was added with a ballroom and bedrooms, and in 1908 further additions were designed by Eden Smith.

• Short URL to share for Drumsnab historic photos: wholemap.com/Drumsnab
• Address for Drumsnab: 5 Drumsnab Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada - M4W 3A4
• Latitude, Longitude for Drumsnab: 43.67574832809962, -79.36757293834461

 
 

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And you can also go up a level to see the other photos we've put under the category of Estates_and_Houses photos.

Historic photos of Drumsnab

1845		Drumsnab as it appeared in a sketch circa 1845 - Francis Cayley home on Castle Frank Drive 180 years ago - Rosedale - 1845 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1850		Drumsnab Castle overlooking the Don River - watercolour - Francis Cayley house 175 years ago - Rosedale - 1850 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1915		Maunsell B. Jackson home - Drumsnab 110 years ago - Rosedale - 1915 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1969		Drumsnab - Great view from one of our oldest houses 56 years ago - Rosedale - Wednesday, November 5, 1969 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1979		Sugar loaf house: Named Drumsnab, the English north country word for a sugar loaf - had a view of mounds along the Don River when it was built in 1834 46 years ago - Rosedale - Monday, November 26, 1979 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)