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 large studio, a study, one bedroom with a single bed, a washroom, a kitchen, a living room and a 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.

Friends and family are welcome to visit, but overnight stays are not permitted.

The artwork, furnishings and finishes must be treated with care and consideration. Successful candidates are required to provide a $500 damage deposit at the start of their residencies. The deposit will be returned at the end of the residence term, provided the Centre and its furnishings are in a good state of repair. Trust staff will provide an orientation session, a site guidebook and info sheets for residents.

Onsite parking is provided. 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 (30 feet) of the house. The house is not suited for artists who work with heat-based crafts (for example, welding, glassmaking or art requiring a kiln).

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
cleaning supplies (for example, detergent, all-purpose cleaner, sponges, hand soap, etc.)
paper towel and toilet paper