The 1866 Witch’s House in Cabbagetown, Toronto

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

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Nestled amidst the quaint streets of Cabbagetown in Toronto stands a peculiar relic from another time – the Witch’s House.

Steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, this captivating residence has long been the subject of fascination and intrigue.

Built in 1866, the Witch’s House, officially known as the “Kendall House,” has stood as a silent witness to over a century of Toronto’s evolution.

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Billy Wilson/ Flickr
The Globe And Mail
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Originally built in the Gothic Revival style, the house initially embodied Victorian respectability.

However, its transformation began in the 1990s when artist Barbara Howard bought it.

She adorned the windows with paper-mâché witches, which makes some people refer to it as the “Witch House.”

There are 18 different shades of paint on the outside gables and gold leaf on the decorative knobs jutting up from the roof to catch the morning sunlight.

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The house has garnered recognition beyond its local fame. In 2007, it received the Toronto Architectural Conservancy Award, acknowledging its significant contribution to the city’s architectural heritage.

Today, the witch’s house stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Toronto’s architectural heritage and remains a private residence, its current owner cherishing its unique character and preserving its captivating legacy.

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Billy Wilson/ Flickr
Slightly Weird/ Flickr

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