Green Meadows
Built circa 1950, this Colonial Revival house was the centrepiece of a 120 ha equestrian estate owned by John Angus "Bud" McDougald. As Chairman of the Board and President of Argus Corporation from 1969 until his death in 1978, Bud McDougald was one of Canada's most powerful businessmen, and was reputedly worth over $200 million.
McDougald and his wife, Hedley Maude, created this estate near the properties of his business partners E.P. Taylor and W.E. Phillips, and called it "Green Meadows". The elegant house features a full-height, Greek temple facade. On various occasions, members of the British Royal Family stayed here. The estate included housing for staff, as well as outbuildings for McDougald's horses, dogs and antique and luxury cars.
Under development pressure from North York's growing suburbs, McDougald agreed in 1969 to sell most of his estate if he could keep his horses on the remaining 7.7 ha lot (a privilege otherwise prevented by law). Maude McDougald resided here until her death in 1996, after which the remaining estate was sold. This house was preserved, and remains a private residence.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.