South Hill Location
While the name "South Hill” may not be as prevalent as some of the other famous high-end neighbourhoods in Toronto, it is just as celebrated. The quiet majesty of this residential area embraces its prosperous community and creates an atmosphere that is both relaxed and unpretentious, making it a superb place to relocate to.
South Hill is centrally located near Toronto's business and entertainment districts, with luxurious retail stores and various professional services only minutes away. The community offers recreational abundance for nature lovers, dog owners and fitness enthusiasts alike, with plenty of green space, playgrounds, tennis courts and jogging paths. Several prestigious schools provide public, private and catholic education for South Hill residents.
The South Hill boundaries span from Spadina Ave to the Canadian Pacific Railway line, north of Dupont and Avenue Rd. It is bordered by St. Clair Ave. to the north and lies inside the extended parameters of Casa Loma.
South Hill History
The South Hill borough is characterized by the Avenue Road hill, which is an escarpment that was once the shoreline of an ancient lake. This notable land formation was caused when the waters ebbed back into what is now Lake Ontario approximately 12,000 years ago. Until the 1900's the area was thick with forest and studded with ponds, creeks and even waterfalls.
In 1793 South Hill was divided into concessions and was deeded to the wealthy and elite. The area was praised for its lush nature and was viewed as a wilderness retreat. A large portion of the area belonged to Peter Russell, a government official of Upper Canada between 1796 and 1799. In the late 1800's and early 1900's a string of mansions were built across the top of the hill and belonged to the area's wealthy residents. Numerous historically-significant people called South Hill home and many of their manors still stand today.
South Hill Homes
With most of the homes in the area having been constructed between 1890 and 1920, the feel of the neighbourhood is simple opulence. Decorative brick and stone houses are the majority in South Hill, with Casa Loma being an obvious influence, towering in the background.
Interspersed throughout the classic architecture are some more recent single family homes and executive town houses that maintain the overall feel of South Hill. Luxury condominium buildings are present with more currently under construction. There are also lavish apartment buildings dispersed throughout the borough that offer the same tidy and decorous appearance that characterize the area.
South Hill has some of the biggest single-dwelling houses in Toronto, most of which overlook either downtown Toronto or the Nordheimer Ravine. Some even offer a remote view of Lake Ontario. Older dwellings, of which are the majority in South Hill with 48 per cent of them being built prior to 1946, have been beautifully maintained, renovated and restored to their former splendour. The impressive landscaping incorporates lovely gardens, rolling lawns, gorgeous mature trees and plenty of sun. This naturally beautiful location is impressive in its demure magnificence.