DesignTO Tours: Roxborough Residence

As part of our charitable fundraising efforts, join DesignTO for an exclusive tour of the Roxborough Residence, a thoughtfully reimagined home filled with Canadian art.  

Architects and homeowners Cheryl Atkinson and Donald Schmitt saw the potential in this once grand, but semi-abandoned, Victorian house at the intersection of a busy street and an arterial. Road widenings and a recent land severance had left the property without any recreational table land or views to the spectacular surrounding ravine. 

By opening the basement at grade and removing a floor to the former kitchen, a new double height living space was added to access a terraced garden created within the forested ravine. Removing a portion of the third-floor attic roof created a second outdoor space with distant views in two directions over the treetops and a bright cathedral-ceilinged studio.

Designated heritage facades were restored to their original state. The extent of the major renovation was created entirely within the footprint of the original building with strategic subtractions and stair additions to reorient the circulation to these new spaces and views. The home now houses a family, two architecture studios, an urban garden, and the homeowners’ collection of Canadian art. 

Experience the space yourself with architects Cheryl Atkinson and Donald Schmitt, and DesignTO Artistic Director Deborah Wang.

Event Schedule

11:00 AM – Arrive and Gather Outside
11:15 AM – House Tour Begins, with an approximate run time of 1 hour

Event Location

Nearest intersection: Rosedale Station, Toronto. The exact address for the house tour will be shared with ticket holders. Please respect the privacy of the homeowners by keeping their address confidential. 

Continuing Education

Guests that log professional continuing education hours can request a certificate for 1 hour of structured learning after they attend the tour.

Thank You

Thank you to the homeowners and our Sensory Partner Aesop. Guests will receive a complimentary Aesop gift. 

A charitable tax receipt will be issued for the allowable portion of the tour ticket.

All sales are final. Image credit: Tom Arban, courtesy of Atkinson Architect.