Heintzman House

Welcome to The Heintzman House - one of Markham’s most treasured historic landmarks

Originally built as an adobe brick cottage in the early 19th century, the home was expanded in 1817 by Colonel George Crookshank. In the 1930s, Charles T. Heintzman, grandson of the founder of Toronto’s Heintzman Piano Company, purchased the property and transformed it into the elegant residence you see today.

Explore a full collage of images and discover the timeless charm of Heintzman House.

Where Rustic Meets Elegance

Combining Flexibility and Affordability

The historic Heintzman House is a beautiful space for any occasion. You can rent the entire house or individual rooms for surprisingly affordable rates. With a grand ballroom, lounge, meeting rooms, and kitchen, you can enjoy the perfect space for your event.

What we offer:

• Magnificent architecture and landscaping that provides a stunning backdrop for picturesque photography
  Privacy – full house rental.
• Ability to use your preferred vendors for catering, decoration, and entertainment.
• Surprisingly affordable rental rates.
• A 100+ year old venue with a rich history.
• A convenient location north of Toronto, easily accessible via major highways with plenty of nearby hotels.
• Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles

Things to Know

Venue Details

The Heintzman House is a beautiful backdrop for any occasion and many rooms that can meet your needs.

Spaces available to rent:

• Grand Ballroom - 113 person max
• Thornhill Room - 10 person max
• Loyalist Room - 10 person max
• Heintzman Room - 12 person max

Amenities:

• Full warming kitchen
• An elegant lounge for your guests to mix and mingle
• The Grotto adjacent the Grand Ballroom can function as a bar, coffee service area or sweet table area
• Beautifully landscaped grounds
• Bride’s and groom’s Rooms

Photo Gallery

History

One of the oldest building in Thornhill — Markham.

The Structure

The original two-room house on this spot is believed to have been built using adobe brick. Building with adobe (unfired brick) was fairly popular in York County in the early 1800s. Houses, churches and schools were built in this way. The resulting structure was a very simple homesteader's dwelling.

The Early Years

Anthony Hollingshead was born in New Jersey. Although a Quaker, he joined the Loyalist New Jersey 3rd Battalion and later a group of loyalist volunteers, to fight against the revolutionaries during the American Revolution. After the war, as a United Empire Loyalist and for his service to the Crown, his family was granted land, first in Nova Scotia then, in 1798, in Upper Canada (Ontario). In order to keep the grant of 190 acres, he had to clear the land of massive trees, build a house and clear the frontage of his land on the new road, Yonge Street. Anthony did this all by hand, horse and oxen. He built a two-room house and received full title to his land in 1802. He lived here on what began to be called Sunnyside Farm until 1817 when he sold it to George Crookshank. Some time later, likely after his marriage in 1821, he built a 13-room mansion in a Classical Revival style, with some Georgian features inspired, no doubt, by similar homes in Europe.

1900s

Over the years, the property passed through many hands before the final private owner, Charles Theodore Heintzman, purchased it in 1930. The Heintzman family is famous for their piano business. The Heintzman's added a conservatory, garage, and servants quarters. They continued to live in the house through to the 1950s until it was sold to real estate developers. Residents in the area opposed the real estate developer’s plans to demolish the house and, in 1966, the house was purchased by Town of Markham. In 1984, the newly named "Heintzman House" received designation as a heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act.

2000s

In the more recent years, the Heintzman House is owned and operated by the City of Markham. The Heintzman House has been the backdrop to many weddings, parties, meetings, social events, and even film and television shoots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the rental be extended beyond midnight?

Our venue is located in a residential neighbourhood. To ensure we are respectful of our neighbours, all full day/evening rentals must end at midnight (music off, bar and food services closed). You will be allowed an hour grace period from midnight to 1 AM to perform a final cleanup, packing of personal items and for guests to depart.

Can I rent on a Sunday or a holiday?

Yes! The Heintzman House is open on Sunday and select holidays.

Is there any décor provided with my rental?

Since each event held at our venue is so unique, we do not provide décor. However, we do provide a list of service providers that will help get you started. You are more than welcome to use your own vendors as well.

Are there any decorating restrictions?

Candles must be glass-enclosed (no open flames). Only painters tape is allowed in order to temporarily fix décor. For attaching items to the bannister, only floral wire, pipe cleaners or ribbon are acceptable. Renters are responsible for any surfaces that are damaged by décor. All décor must be removed by the end of the rental agreement.

Does Heintzman House provide audio or video equipment?

Podium, flipcharts and screens are available. Data projectors must be supplied by the renter.

If your event includes music, most DJ’s will be able to supply you with all required audio and visual equipment, including cordless microphones and speakers.

Does Heintzman House book more than one function per day?

Full house or single room rentals are available.

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