South Hill

South Hill, perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, lives up to its name. Located west of Avenue rd., south of St. Clair Ave., east of Spadina rd., and north of the CP railway tracks, it is one of the most choice areas in the city.
 
In 1793 the area was divided into concessions, with one large central section going to Peter Russell, whose namesake road, Russell Hill road, runs up the center of the area to this day.
 
In the late 1800's a series of large manors were constructed at the top of the hill, including businessman / senator John Macdonald, and the Eaton's. Parenthetically, Macdonald's wholesaling business was bringing in over $1 million / year in 1870!)
 
The Spadina Museum, featured in this design, with its lush gardens, high end furniture and decor, offers a unique look into the grand life of the early 1900's through the lives of the Austin family.
 
Prior to the 17th century, the area would have been inhabited by First Nations people including the Mississaugas, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Spadina Road, derives its name from the Anishinaabe word, "Ishpadinaa", meaning "going up the hill."