Parkwood Estate National Historic Site
Step back in time and experience the home of the late R.S. McLaughlin, Canadian auto baron and founder of General Motors of Canada. Inspired by early 20th century Beaux-Arts design, this 15,000 square foot, 55-room mansion was built between 1915 and 1917. The art, architecture, gardens, landscaping and original furnishings are all faithfully preserved in this National Historic Site
Discover Parkwood
Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this National Historic Site through daily site experiences, a variety of special learning opportunities, and events that will engage your senses.
History of the Mansion
The McLaughlin Family
Robert Samuel McLaughlin was born in Enniskillen, Ontario September 8, 1871. His father, Robert McLaughlin Sr., was a pioneer in the manufacture of vehicles in Canada. From a modest enterprise of carving ax handles, the senior McLaughlin began to build cutters and wagons in 1867, first in Tyrone, Ontario and later in the larger community of Enniskillen located a few miles further west of Tyrone. Demand quickly increased, and in 1876 the enterprise was moved to the expanding community of Oshawa, Ontario.
Garden History
The McLaughlin family had an avid interest in horticulture and landscaping, as evidenced by their eleven greenhouses and staff of 24 gardeners. McLaughlin sought out the best talent available to create the numerous gardens of his estate – Harries and Hall in the 1910’s, the husband and wife team H.B. and L.A. Dunington-Grubb in the 1920’s, and award winning architect John Lyle in the 1930’s…
