Heintzman House is 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 developers 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.
The Historic Heintzman House offers an intimate and romantic setting for your special day. The front grounds provide a picturesque setting for your ceremony, while the Grand Ballroom is perfect for hosting your reception.
Grand Ballroom Capacity: 113 guests
Space Available: Indoor/Outdoor
Catering: No
A listing of catering, bar, decorations, and stemware services that you can use for your wedding is provided. You are welcome to use your own vendors.
Services Offered:
- Venue set up
- Tables and chairs
- Dishes, cutlery, and bar glasses
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
- Free parking (50 spots)
"The Heintzman House is absolutely stunning, and provided a beautiful, historic backdrop for my special day. The staff provided exceptional customer service and made the experience truly delightful!"
For more information, or to book a tour, please contact 905.944.3800 exntension 6609.
Lounges and Bridal Suite
Our space offers several lounges for your guests to mix and mingle throughout your event. If you are renting the Heintzman House for a wedding, separate suites are provided for the bride and groom.
Corporate Events & Meetings
Are you planning a special meeting, corporate event or retreat? The Heintzman House offers a historic and non-traditional space to work. Getting your staff out of the ordinary is the perfect way to get creativity flowing and engagement soaring.
"We've hosted several team meetings, corporate retreats and client events at this location. It is spacious and offers several options depending on the size of your group and the type of event you're hosting."
Social Events & Banquets
The Heintzman House is a beautiful backdrop for social events and banquets – from baby showers, to birthdays and more! Our Grand Ballroom offers a large space to meet your needs, while the lounges allow your guests to mix and mingle.
"My husband and I are about to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. We had our reception at the historic Heintzman House. It was a beautiful venue and brings back great memories."
Spaces Available:
- Grand Ballroom - 113 person max
- Thornhill Room - 10 person max
- Loyalist Room - 10 person max
- Heintzman Room - 12 person max
A listing of catering, bar, decorations, and stemware services that you can use for your wedding is provided. You are welcome to use your own vendors.
Services Offered:
- Venue set up
- Tables and chairs
- Dishes, cutlery, and bar glasses
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
- Free parking (50 spots)
Art Show and Sale
Date:
- April 26 from 1 PM to 4 PM
- April 27 from 10 AM to 5 PM
- April 28 from 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee: Free
Spring into colour at this prestigious juried art show featuring new and returning talent from across the GTA.
Doors Open Markham
Date: September 7
Time: To be determined
Fee: Free
Heintzman Haunted Halloween
Date: October 31
Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
Fee: Free
Boo! Trick or treat at the Heintzman House this year! The historic estate will turn into a spooky haunted house and we will be handing out loot bags (while supplies last).
Artisan Craft Show
Date: November 9 to 10
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee: $2.00 admission (children 12 and younger are free)
The Heintzman House will be decorated with holiday cheer for this craft show. Experience a wide variety of handmade items including ceramics, glass, jewelry, toys, clothes, chocolate, home decorations, silk floral designs and much more.
Christmas Carols
Date: December 8
Session 1: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Session 2: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Fee: Free
Join us for our annual caroling event! We anticipate a full house so come early for the best seats. We will be collecting donations for the food bank at this event.
Can the rental be extended beyond midnight?
Because Heintzman House is in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, we need to be very aware of how we impact the community. All full day rentals need to end at midnight (music off, all food service and bar shut down). You will be allowed one hour from midnight to 1 AM to have the final cleanup, packing of personal items and all guests to have gone.
Can I rent on a Sunday or a holiday?
For the same reason as above, we do not operate for rentals on holiday but we do allow rentals on Sundays.
Is there any décor provided with my rental?
Because every function has a different theme, no décor is provided at Heintzman House. We provide a list of service providers that can help you get started in your search for vendors.
Are there any decorating restrictions?
Candles must be glass-enclosed (no open flames.) Only painters tape is allowed in order to temporarily fix decor. For attaching items to the bannister, only floral wire, pipe cleaners or ribbon is 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 A/V equipment?
No – most DJ’s will be able to supply you with all required audio and visual equipment, including cordless microphones, speakers etc.
Does Heintzman House book more than one function per day?
No – as a renter, yours will be the only function booked at the facility.
