Sir John was one of the wealthiest men in Canada, and in 1909 he commissioned a home to be built on "The Hill", a name used to describe the neighbourhood on the Davenport Hill in Toronto where many wealthy families built their homes.

Casa Loma, built by Henry Pellatt and the largest private house ever constructed in Canada, was near Ardwold, as were Spadina House, the mansion of James Austin, and Glenedyth, the estate of Samuel Nordheimer.

It was in the Georgian style, and influenced by English and Irish country homes, namely Belton House in Lincolnshire.

00 m2) of landscaped grounds, which included a half-acre (2,000 m2) glassed area housing a conservatory and swimming pool, Ardwold was one of the largest and most luxurious residences in Toronto and the country.Sir John Craig Eaton died in 1922, and his widow Lady Eaton kept the home until 1936, when she sold the land.

After an auction of much of its contents, Ardwold was blown up (the walls were too thick to use ordinary demolition methods).