I found out about The Darling Mansion last summer and I've wanted to visit ever since. So many photo shoot ideas went through my head. It's a 6,000 square foot Victorian mansion in the west end of Toronto. It's the home of Tanya Grossi and it also acts as boutique bed & breakfast art hotel, event venue, and creative space. It's been the scene for music videos, movie shoots, photo shoots, and celebrity parties.
I was excited when I saw an event posting for a Sunday evening twilight gathering:
Summertime monthly twilight gathering at my home, Airbnb and creative space.
This Sunday's gathering is Inspired by the heyday of Edith Bouvier Beale ( the "It" girl of East Hampton & NYC during the 1920's & 30's ) These gatherings welcome those in the Arts : Music, Photography, Film, Fashion, Hair/Makeup & Design Community. Have a cocktail, share ideas & celebrate her playful, eclectic sense of style and creativity.
Yes, please! I told my friend Nicole about it and we got dressed up and headed out to the mansion. It's in a beautiful neighborhood, but the house definitely stands out.
As soon as we walked in, we were in awe. The whole place is a visual treat. It's opulent, eclectic, whimsical. We were graciously welcomed by Tanya Grossi and she complimented our attire. We spent a good few hours with cocktails in hand, exploring the space and chatting with other guests and to each other about how amazing it would be to live in such a space and be continually surrounded with interesting, creative people. #Goals, as the kids say.
I took a lot of photos. I've included some of my favourites in this post. You can also visit my Instagram to see more photos.
Sitting room.
Looking through the lattice into the main floor bedroom.
Main floor bedroom
The Opium Den
View from the end of the dining table
Taxidermy Deer Head in The Wes Anderson Room
Bathroom signage.
Playboy shower curtain in the downstairs bathroom.
Details in the Boudoir Room
The biography on the website says "She looks forward to sharing her dream home with you and trust her when she says you won't want to leave!" It's true. We didn't want to leave. It was just as amazing as I thought it was going to be.