Craigleigh

Sir Edmund was one of a group of well-known brothers in Toronto, who included the eminent surgeon Sir William Osler (1849-1919) 1st Bt., a frequent guest at Craigleigh. He himself was a prominent banker, politician and philanthropist. His business partner, Henry Pellatt (1830-1909), was the father of Sir Henry Pellatt who built Casa Loma.

Osler lived at Craigleigh with his family and various extended family for 48 years. Among the guests he entertained was the British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (who grumbled about the pillows) and in 1914 Osler held a garden party for the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and their daughter Princess Patricia (1886-1974). Craigleigh’s gardens were noted for the valley, its great oaks and its greenhouses; they were always exceptionally well-maintained.

Osler bequeathed his home to the City of Toronto on his death in 1924. In his will, he instructed that his home be torn down to create a public park for the citizens of Toronto, today known as "Craigleigh Gardens". Only the gates to the property are left standing, with a plaque erected for Osler by his family.