Our campus is set within the Augustinian Monastery at Marylake which includes the Shrine, Retreat Centre, Historical Barn, and, of course, the famous lake. The total acreage of the property is well over 800 acres. The property is visited annually by hundreds of people who enjoy prayer in the tranquil beauty of the lake, wooded rolling hills, mighty oaks, towering pines, and glorious maples.
Sir Henry Pellat who built Casa Loma in Toronto originally owned the property. He was a wealthy financier who acquired Marylake for his country home. The beautiful stone entrance was built in 1912 and includes elaborate brick and stonework used in the construction of Casa Loma. The gate is now one of the four historical sites designated in King Township.

Pellat painstakingly acquired land acre by acre in the Township of King. Eventually, the property grew to 860 acres including a 40-acre lake that he named after his wife Marie. Tenants worked the land as Sir Henry had a lodge built for himself where the Shrine now stands. Along with this accommodation, Pellatt constructed horse and cattle stables. During the summer months he employed 24 gardeners to keep the grounds well tended.
Due to the economic depression, Sir Henry decided to sell his estate at Marylake. The property changed hands a number of times until the Augustinian Order purchased the land in 1942. Marylake is now well known as a spiritual centre for the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto Under the direction of the community of Augustinians, the centre focuses on prayer and retreat.