Living at Fool’s Paradise

Picturesque and quaint, the house at Fool’s Paradise is a modest cottage with its own unique, even quirky, touches that reflect Doris McCarthy’s creative vision and character.

The house includes a workroom, a large studio, a study, one bedroom with a single bed, a washroom, a kitchen, a living room and an unheated screened porch. The space is approximately 150 square metres (1,600 square feet).

The house is not barrier free and therefore not accessible to individuals with mobility challenges who require the use of a wheelchair or personal mobility devices.

The artwork, furnishings and finishes must be treated with care and consideration. Trust staff will provide an orientation session, a site guidebook and info sheets for residents. The resident is required to keep the house clean and tidy at all times. No house-cleaning service is provided.

Parking is provided on site. The nearest Toronto Transit Commission bus stop is located on Kingston Road (approximately a 20-minute walk from Fool’s Paradise, partially uphill). A bicycle is available for use.

Pets are not permitted at Fool’s Paradise.

This small, wood-frame house has limitations to the weight that the floors can support. Therefore, the house is best suited for artists who do not require exceptionally heavy equipment or industrial machinery.

No open flames or use of fireplaces is permitted on the property. Smoking is not permitted within nine metres of the house. The house is not suited for artists who work with heat-based crafts.

The Fool’s Paradise property custodian occupies an apartment in the former garage. The custodian apartment is an independent and separate suite with its own entrance. The custodian has one reserved parking space. The custodian is available to answer questions and to provide basic property management assistance.

The site is in a quiet, friendly and safe residential neighbourhood. The property is protected by a monitored alarm and security system.

In order to maintain the site’s tranquility for the benefit of the artist in residence, the property will not be open to the public during the residency period – except for Doors Open Toronto.

The Trust provides the resident with:

• free accommodation at Fool’s Paradise for the duration of the residency
• heat, electricity, water, air-conditioning and all other utilities
• washer and dryer
• building repair and maintenance services
• telephone and high-speed Internet service
  
• 3-in-1 printer
• kitchen utensils and appliances
• bed linens, pillows and towels
• paper towel and toilet paper

The resident is responsible for:

• certified cheque for $500 (damage deposit)
• food
• transportation costs
• computer (including laptop and/or tablet) and related equipment
• moving expenses
• personal contents and liability insurance
• tools, equipment, musical instruments and art supplies
• housekeeping and cleaning
• laundry

For more information on the Artist-in-Residence Program, contact the Ontario Heritage Trust at 437-246-7652 or by email at dmair@heritagetrust.on.ca.