Toronto’s Doll House – the Quirkiest Place in Leslieville

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Toronto’s Doll House – the Quirkiest Place in Leslieville

Toronto’s Doll House – the Quirkiest Place in Leslieville

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What at first appears to be yet another unassuming street in Canada’s largest city hides a house that seems to blur the line between reality and fantasy. Aptly dubbed the Doll House, this single-family home definitely lives up to its name, with every square inch of its front yard laden with dolls and various other knickknacks, turning an otherwise nondescript building into a whimsical wonderland.

By: Omri Westmark

Date: 01:08 07.07.24

Last Update: 12:24 21.01.25

Quirky Buildings Urban Toronto Ontario Canada North America & The Caribbean

Formerly a small village that later became an industrial hub, the Toronto neighborhood of Leslieville has undergone major transformations throughout its brief history. In recent decades, it has emerged as a trendy district, with former factories now housing indie boutiques, cozy coffee spots, and artisanal eateries.

If you step off the main streets, though, the most common sight is rows of detached houses alongside their well-maintained front gardens. That is, unless you’re talking about 37 Bertmount Avenue, better known by its moniker – the Doll House.

While this two-story building isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, its front yard is anything but ordinary, adorned with a hodgepodge of every imaginable tchotchke. Among the house’s bric-à-brac are unused toys, sculpted figures of superheroes, gnomes, Barbie dolls, various pieces of taxidermy, to name just a few.

Some trinkets perch atop the railings, while others cling to the pickets or are affixed to the frontage. In fact, there are so many items crowding the plot that the building’s otherwise mundane façade is barely visible.

This bizarre spectacle dates back to the 1990s when the homeowner, Shirley Sumaisar, lost her husband and began hoarding knickknacks as a way to distract herself from her grief. As her unique collection of dolls expanded with each passing year, the once inconspicuous house transformed into a local attraction, drawing curious visitors from across the country and around the world.

Even better, Shirley continuously refreshes her doll paradise, adding seasonal curios, especially during holidays. Many of these are beautifully illuminated at night, making it a mind-boggling sight for onlookers who happen to pass by.