A Trip Back in Time

So what to do when the weatherman is right and the rain plays havoc with any plans to go walking - well, if you have access to a car you go for a drive through the Sannich area of the Island along Patricia Bay. Very pretty and VERY GREEN!

I had seen advertisements for a castle in Victoria so as I was in charge of directions on the map and realized we were a few blocks from this "castle", I directed the driver to the right neighbourhood. We could see the spires of the castle over the roof tops so knew we were getting close.

We were totally unprepared though, for the splendor and the grandeur of the actual structure until we rounded the corner and pulled into the driveway.

Craigdarroch Castle - home of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir - built in the 1890's. (thanks to Barb for pointing out the 90 year age gap) Robert never did live in the home as he passed away the year before it was finished. The Castle has 4 floors plus a tower room.

The home is open to the public so we thought we would go in for a quick look - two hours later we left with a glimpse into Victorian society and an appreciation for craftsmanship in building - especially at the turn of the last century.

There were fireplaces in almost every room - this massive one above was in the main foyer. The wood panelling was incredible and apparently was shipped from the US by rail. Most rooms on the main floor were floor to ceiling panelling. As was the custom of the day by high society, sayings from works of literature were often carved into fireplace surrounds. The one on this fireplace is from Shakespeare. The main entrance (below) was completely panelled with carved mouldings and niches

On the landing to the 2nd floor was the turret alcove with the pipe organ - a room that opened up to the next two floors and could be looked down upon from balconies on each stair landing.

The stained glass in the house was beautiful and was found at almost every window.

The tour takes you through almost all 39 rooms of the house - most were set up with furniture replicating what would have been in the house determined from photos of the era. Most everything in the house was auctioned in 1909 at the time of Joan Dunsmuirs death as none of the children wanted to buy anyone's share of the estate

Another of the many turrets overlooking Victoria and showing more stained glass at the windows.

Below is a glimpse of the painted ceiling in the drawing room - two rooms located on the main floor off the main entry hall.

When the Victoria School Board bought the castle and moved their offices into the building, they put 5 layers of white paint over this ceiling. The tedious task of removing the paint is almost complete. One more layer will restore the ceiling back to it's original splendor.

The painstaking process of removing the paint was done with solvent and cu tips.

The castle has had many owners since the Dunsmuirs - the University of Victoria being one - names carved into the wood panelling of the billiard room on the third floor are preserved as part of the history of the building.

Our history is to be found in those who came before us, their struggles and their successes. By preserving the past, we can be transported back to our parents, our grandparents - even to our great grandparents time.

All in all it was a lovely day - a drive in the country and a trip back in time. A great way to spend a rainy Saturday in Victoria.