A Living Testament to History
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - this place wasn't always a hotel. Back in the day, around 1847, some ambitious British architect had this wild idea to build something that'd make folks feel like they'd stepped into a medieval castle, right here in Victoria.
The original structure was commissioned by Lord Edmund Warspire, a wealthy merchant who'd made his fortune in the timber trade. Guy had a thing for Gothic Revival architecture and wanted his family estate to reflect that grandeur. Can't blame him really - those soaring arches and stone facades still turn heads today.
For decades, it sat as a private residence, hosting dignitaries and throwing parties that were the talk of the town. Then came 1923 when the Warspire family decided to share their magnificent home with the world. They converted it into what we know today, though they kept every bit of that medieval charm intact.
We've had our share of famous guests over the years - politicians, artists, even a few Hollywood types who appreciated the old-world vibe mixed with creature comforts. There's this story about a silent film star who stayed here in the '30s and refused to leave for three weeks because she loved the tower suite so much.
Throughout renovations and updates, we've kept what matters - those hand-carved wooden beams, the original stonework, the stained glass windows that catch the afternoon light just right. But we've also added things like proper heating, modern plumbing, and Wi-Fi that actually works. Best of both worlds, if you ask me.
"We're not just preserving a building here - we're keeping alive a piece of Victoria's soul. Every guest who walks through those doors becomes part of that ongoing story."
- Margaret Chen, Hotel Historian & Heritage Curator
The original facade, circa 1847
Original stained glass in the Grand Hall
