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Craigdarroch Castle

(Not Yet Rated)
Craigdarroch Castle 0:0

Address

http://www.craigdarrochcastle.com
1050 Joan Crescent
Victoria , BC V8S 3L7
(250) 592-5323

Review

If you’ve ever wondered how the rich and famous used to live, make sure you visit Craigdarroch Castle the next time you’re in Victoria.

Wealth and ego were the hallmarks of the castle’s original owner. When Victoria shipping and mining industrialist Robert Dunsmuir struck it rich in the coalfields, he decided to build a monument to his wealth on the highest spot in Victoria. He began construction of the castle in 1887 but died in 1889, a year before the castle was completed. His widow Joan Dunsmuir and her family moved into the completed building in 1890 and lived there until her death in 1908.

After Joan Dunsmuir’s passing, the Craigdarroch estate was subdivided, raffled off and then repossessed by the bank. Over the years, the castle has served as a hospital, university and music conservatory. It is now owned by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society and is host to more than 150,000 annual visitors.

Craigdarroch Castle is a large and well-preserved example of the mansions built by wealthy individuals throughout North America from the late 1870s until the 1920s. It consists of five floors, 39 rooms and 17 fireplaces. Internationally renowned for its fine stained and leaded glass and woodwork, the castle is full of Victorian furniture and artifacts. With over 20,000 square feet of space, the house is being restored exactly to its original specifications, as are the gardens. Most days, you will find artisans working on various restorations.

The castle is frequently the site of some of Victoria’s more elegant gatherings and the set for numerous movies including "Little Women," "Cats & Dogs," and "Spooky House."
Written By: Maria Lironi
On: 6/28/2001

Directions

From the Inner Harbour either walk, drive, or take the #14 or #11 bus along Fort Street. Make a right on Joan Crescent.

Features

Kid Friendly

Map

User Reviews

S. Peter
30rating
(2)
(1)
12/11/2006
First To Review
I feel lucky to have one fireplace. Sheesh! Definatly a neat place to visit. The view is great, and it's really interesting to think about the family that lived there and had their parties etc. The stained glass is amazing. If only we could all have a house like that. If you like Craigdarroch Castle, you should also check out Point Ellice House. I've heard that they were friends of the Dunsmuirs'.
(0)
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J Kinkley
20rating
(2)
(0)
2/3/2007
This was a wonderful old place to visit. The woodwork, stained glass and furnishings were beautiful. I felt like I had stepped back in time and loved it. Would go back again in a heartbeat!
(0)
(0)
S.Barnes
10rating
(1)
(0)
12/3/2007
My husband and I went to visit this old castle.It was amazing,the woodwork,stainglass the staircasings
and rooms.The history of the family is incredible. It was like I was living in that era...looking through each room and picturing the family and what they were doing.Also picturing the tragedy that they faced.It was sad that Robert couldn't live in the home he made.I didn't want to leave ,I could of spent the whole day there.I will let all my friends know that this is truely the high light of Victoria.I will go back!
And the people who work there are amazing,giving you information if you want it. S.Barnes
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