Windfields Estate
Windfields Estate was the residence of Edward Plunkett "E.P." Taylor (1901-1989), prominent Canadian businessman and breeder of champion racehorses. Taylor founded Argus Corporation, once Canada's most powerful conglomerate. In 1936, he commissioned architect Ian Jocelyn Davidson to design the main house and adjoining stables. Built in the Georgian Revival style, the house features a Palladian window in the front-facing gable and a swan's-neck pediment above the entrance.
This 8-hectare site was one of the first to be developed following the 1929 extension of Bayview Avenue north from Eglinton Avenue East. In 1946, architect Earle C. Morgan produced the designs for the gatehouse, greenhouse, and the three workers' cottages.
The Taylor family continued to reside on the property until 1987, when the estate was transferred to the City of Toronto with the agreement that it be leased to the Canadian Film Centre and adapted for its use.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.