Parkwood Estate

Oshawa’s Parkwood Estate is a historical landmark located in the heart of the city, on Simcoe Street and Adelaide Avenue. An individual who is often referred to as a saint lived here for the latter half of his life. It is a symbol of everything that happened to Oshawa.

Parkwood is probably unfamiliar to people outside of the Oshawa area. It’s simply ‘Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters’ featured in the X-Men film series. Oshawa is better known as the Auto Plant on Stevenson, a monument to Robert Samuel McLaughlin, who is largely responsible for the presence of the automobile industry in the city, especially for those who work in the General Motors plant on Stevenson Road.

The front yard of Parkwood can be seen from the road. You seem to be transported to the center of the city for just a moment. There are many details visible in the front yard, such as the well-kept lawn and pillars that evoke the Mediterranean era.

Many people dream of living in this house. Most people want to live in a large mansion.

The Parkwood Estate shares Sam’s saintly status. St. Paul’s Cathedral and Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia are often compared with this place of worship. It seems that the estate induces a longing look in the eyes of the people of Oshawa. Many Oshawaites may not be familiar with the history of Parkwood Estate, despite their reverence for it.

Samantha George, the estate’s curator, says Parkwood Estate was built in 1917, and the oldest blueprint dates from 1914. False claims are one of the things Parkwood’s director is dealing with.

“Parkwood is viewed as a romanticized property by some people due to local legends.” During our ‘Ask Sam’ column on our social media forum, we answer questions the public has about the estate.”

According to George, these issues range from the McLaughlin family itself to the materials used in the estate’s construction. The current Parkwood Estate used to be known as Prospect Park.

Sam McLaughlin and Adelaide, two of the best artists, architects, and landscape designers of their time, developed Parkwood together.

Built shortly before Sam founded and became the president of General Motors Canada, it is home to several National Anthems of Canada. Inspired by early 20th century Beaux-Arts architecture, the design is reminiscent of that era. In Paris, students learn the Beaux-Arts style of architecture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. It is rooted in French neoclassicism. Additionally, the style incorporates Gothic and Renaissance elements, and modern materials, such as glass and iron, are used.