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Heintzman House, Thornhill
Heintzman House, Thornhill
Heintzman House
Heintzman House
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A designated heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act and one of the oldest houses in the Greater Toronto Area, the Heintzman House has been home to many of Thornhill's most prestigious citizens.

Also known over the years as Sunnyside Manor Farm, the house's history began in 1817 when it was first built from adobe brick. This original portion of the house constitutes the oldest mud house in the province.

Built by American Revolutionary War veteran Anthony Hollingshead, the house would pass through the hands of several owners, perhaps most significantly George Crookshank, the man who expanded the farmhouse into a 13-room mansion. Crookshank was a very wealthy British Loyalist who spent lavishly on the furnishings of the house. The building's black walnut wood panelling and moulding come from trees harvested from the estate on which it stands.

The Heintzman House is named for its last private owners, Charles and Marion Heintzman, who purchased the house in 1930. The Heintzmans added the front pillars and portico, in addition to the conservatory, a garage, and a servants' quarters.

The couple occupied the estate with their herd of prized Jersey cattle until 1959 when the property was sold to developers after the deaths of its owners.

Upset by the developers' plan to demolish the historic mansion, local residents rallied together to save it. Led by Alan Sumner, the group launched a campaign and, in 1966, convinced the Town of Markham to purchase the property. Briefly used as offices for the Town's Recreation and Parks Department, the Heintzman House received official designation as a heritage site in 1984.

Today, 190 years after its first construction, the Heintzman House is a popular local venue for both community and private events. Accommodating up to 140 guests, the house frequently hosts ceremonies, meetings, and corporate events, and is especially popular for weddings.

The house is also open to the public, most notably for its special seasonal events, such as the spooky Halloween Open House, annual craft sales, invitational art shows, and Christmas carolling in December.

The Heintzman House is located at 135 Bay Thorn Drive, at Royal Orchard Boulevard in Thornhill. For more information, call (905) 889-7980 or visit www.heintzmanhouse.ca.



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