Colborne Lodge, Historic house museum in High Park, Toronto, Canada.
Colborne Lodge is a Regency cottage with three distinct chimneys, period furnishings, and original architectural details that reflect its 19th century origins. The residence sits at the southern edge of High Park within a maintained garden that preserves its historical setting.
John George Howard designed and built Colborne Lodge in 1836–1837 as a country cottage for himself and his wife Jemima. They moved in full-time in the 1850s and added a cellar, an upper level and Toronto's earliest surviving indoor flush toilet. In 1873 the childless couple deeded the house and 165 acres to the City of Toronto for a pension; Howard lived here until his death in 1890.
The house displays over 125 artworks created by John and Jemima Howard, including paintings and architectural drawings that document early Toronto development. These works offer visitors insight into how the founders saw their city and its growth.
The lodge is accessible by foot from High Park, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes since access involves walking through garden pathways. Indoor spaces are arranged authentically, so a guided tour is recommended to fully understand the history and significance of each room.
A burial monument near the lodge features iron fencing sourced from London's St Paul's Cathedral, marking the graves of John and Jemima Howard. This surprising connection to a world-famous building makes the memorial a distinctive spot within the park.
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