- 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2
Hatley Castle
Hatley Castle is a classified federal heritage building located at 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5Y2, in the greater Victoria and Colwood areas of British Columbia. It is currently used by Royal Roads University and is part of Hatley Park National Historic Site. It is a popular place for a day trip and has a variety of activities. It’s also a perfect location for a wedding or an anniversary party.
The mansion was completed in 1908 and was home to the Dunsmuir family until 1937. The property was then purchased by the government of Canada, which eventually turned it into a public university. The grounds were designed by American landscape designers and have Japanese, rose and Italian gardens. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and has a history that dates back to the 19th century. The grounds are free to explore and you can take guided tours of the interior and exterior of the castle.
The color palette at Hatley Castle is heavily inspired by nature. The Arts and Crafts style is often associated with muted and organic tones, but the rooms of Hatley Castle have a more vibrant feel. The drawing room, for instance, was painted white with gilt relief details, and soft green furnishings and cut flowers add a touch of warmth and beauty to the space. You can tour the first floor and the lower level of the castle as part of the guided tour.
The Dunsmuir family had many connections to the British Royal family. In 1901, the duke and duchess of Cornwall and York visited the family. This pair later became King George V and Queen Mary. They also spent time playing golf at James’ Colwood Club, and were later patrons of it.
The former home of British lieutenant governor James Dunsmuir, the castle has been used for several different purposes. It has been a military academy and a naval training center. Moreover, the castle has been featured in several movies and TV shows. It was also used in the X-Men movies. Today, Hatley Castle is a tourist attraction and an academic institution.
Hatley Castle is an impressive home that was originally purchased by a Scottish politician in the 1907 period. Its construction is reminiscent of the Scottish baronial style. The property includes three formal gardens and nine miles of hiking trails. James and Laura Dunsmuir’s goal was to create a home that would reflect their Scottish heritage.
The historic site is located in Colwood, British Columbia. It is also home to the Royal Roads University. Its gardens include Japanese, rose, and Italian gardens. The surrounding area also has many miles of walking trails. James Dunsmuir, the original owner, built Hatley Castle in 1908. The building also served as the dormitory for the Royal Roads Military College.
King George VI visited the castle on his 1939 Canadian Tour and took tea on the terraces of the castle. At the same time, he met the Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie King, who was at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Canadian establishment was concerned about the King’s brother, the Duke of Windsor, who had been living out World War II in the Bahamas.
Getting There
From South Island Mechanical Ltd. To Hatley Castle
Driving Directions from Hatley Castle To Your Next Victoria BC POI:
Take College Dr and Serpentine Rd to Sooke Rd. Continue on Sooke Rd to Ocean Blvd. Turn right onto Sooke Rd. Continue onto Island Hwy/Old Island Hwy N. Continue on Ocean Blvd to your destination.
From Hatley Castle to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
Head to the next Victoria BC POI: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
