Craigdarroch Castle — people fascinated with castles and those who have interest in interiors would find this castle a treasure trove of many wonderful displays. The Scottish Baronial design of the castle combines various elements from architectural styles. The historic Victorian-era mansion has 39 rooms and over 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2). It will take about an hour to explore the castle, all four floors while stopping and viewing the rooms on display. The rooms vary and one can easily notice that the Victorian inspired display also resemble French furniture featured at the www.thefurnituremarket.co.uk website. Going up the famous 87 stairs of the castle could be exhausting but the panoramic view from the tower of Victoria and snow-capped mountains is so worth it, it would make one want to stay. The castle has been since designated as a National Historic Site of Canada and over the years attracts thousands of tourists.
Looking back, the castle has a rather curious history and has been a venue for many purposes. From the 1890s, the castle served as a family residence for the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan. When Robert Dunsmuir died it was made use of as a Military Hospital, starting in 1919 until 1921. The following years, it became home to the Victoria College (1921-1946), the Victoria School Board Office (1946-1968) and the Victoria Conservatory of Music (1969-1979). Today it is a museum and a major attraction in Victoria.
The detailed work of art on doorways, window panes show how extensively artisans spent their time beautifying the place. Another feature of the castle worth noting are the stained glass windows. They are so notable that the Institute for stained glass in Canada has documented them.
Step back in time as you view how the rich and famous lived back in the days. A visit to Craigdarroch reminded me of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace albeit more detailed, I’d say they’re comparable enough even though the castles were built thousand of years apart.
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photo credits and thanks to my husband
wow! what a beautiful castle this is Sis 🙂 I’ve never been to any castle….is the Princess is inside?
I’ve never been to a real castle before. I can imagine my jaw dropping once I set foot on those grounds. Beautiful!
castles mesmerize me, i hope i can live in one hehe,sad to say that i have not seen a real castle yet, only in pictures and books, looking forward to see and touch one real soon
I’d love to see a real castle and feel the classical ambiance and architecture inside it. Kelan kaya yun?
Someday, I’m going to visit that place. In my dreams. lol
Absolutely beautiful!! As soon as I walked in I would start pretending I was royalty
Castles! Everytime I see one (even in pictures), the first thing that comes into my mind is a magical house where a princess lives! Lol
amazing shots.. and ganda dito… i wonder how it would feel if i go back in time and live in a house/castle that awesome..
props po! :))
Great architecture and interior. How I wish to see a real castle just like this Victoria’s legendary landmark.
Beautiful! Amazing interiors! Lovely shot!
i wish i can visit a castle too someday, looks really fantastic.
I don’t want to visit a castle, I want to live in one. LOL! I’m sure it will be amazing! Great photos, by the way Sis? mahilig din ba photography hubby Mo?…
Castles in different countries really amazed me. I can’t forget my first sight of such in UK… it saddened me for I forgot to charge my cam batt…haha but it didn’t affect what a sight I had inside… 😀
This is so beautiful! I have always loved castles and palaces and this one is absolutely beautiful. Love the inside of it. 🙂 What a trip!:) Thanks for sharing.
OMG! The shot of the castle is sooooo breath-taking! You take pretty good pictures dear, in case you want to know that..
It always amazes me that people actually lived in such large domiciles! I mean, how many rooms do you really use or sit in? I don’t get it. My sister has a fairly large home with a livingroom in the front of the house that only gets used around Christmas because the tree gets put in there. No other time of the year does it get used. Anyway, pretty photos. I do so loved the stained glass. That’s beautiful and I would so love to have it in my home.