Victoria is one of the oldest cities in British Columbia, and some of the homes constructed in the years right after its founding are still standing today. Our real estate agents enjoy visiting these historic residences and comparing their layouts, functions, and design features to those found in our Victoria homes for sale today. Peek into the past with us by visiting these five historic homes around town.

• Craigdarroch Castle - 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC V8S 3L5 
  Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning example of a Victorian-style stone mansion, resembling a castle from a fairy tale. Each of its 37 rooms and adjoining hallways is lavishly decorated, showcasing features like real wood flooring and panelling, elaborately patterned tiling, imposing fireplaces, and even original stained-glass windows. It's also filled with authentic Victorian furniture and decor to complete the experience. Tickets cost $23.50 per adult with discounted rates for children, seniors, post-secondary students, Indigenous people, military members, and more. Guided tours are available for an extra $50 per group. 
  
  
• Helmcken House - 638 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8V 2P8 
  The Helmcken House dates back to the 19th century and is one of the oldest homes in the province that is still in its original location. Built in the once-popular Red River style, it's now part of Thunderbird Park and owned by the Royal BC Museum. It's used to display artifacts related to original owner John Sebastian Helmcken, one of the first doctors to practice on Vancouver Island and the first-ever president of the Canadian Medical Association. You can visit the house for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except holidays. 
  
  
• Fairholme Manor - 638 Rockland Place, Victoria, BC V8S 1W3 
  Fairholme Manor was built more than 125 years ago by John Chapman Davie, one of the most prominent doctors in Victoria at the time. It has since been converted into a popular bed and breakfast establishment. While you'll need to stay there to see the inside of the home, the property's gardens are open to the public and offer excellent views of the building's grounds and exterior. The manor is also right next door to the lush gardens of the Lieutenant-Governor's house, making it easy to stop over there for a quick tour during your outing.  
  
  
• Dodd House – 4139 Lambrick Way, Saanich, BC V8N 5R3 
  The Dodd House may not look as impressive as some of the other structures on this list, but it's the oldest home still standing near our Saanich homes for sale. It was built back in pioneer times by local legend Captain Charles Dodd, the man who sailed the first steamship in operation around Vancouver Island. It has since been moved from its original location in Gordon Head for preservation purposes. Beyond its historical value, features like its cozy picket fencing, high ceilings, and distinctive imported tongue-and-groove redwood lining also make it interesting to look at from an architectural standpoint.  
  
  
• Carr House – 207 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8V 2K8 
  Carr House is the sprawling Italianate-style home where local artist and writer Emily Carr grew up during the Victorian age. Though it was remodeled to serve as a boarding house and apartment building before World War II, it has since been restored to look just like it did when Carr herself lived there. It now operates as a museum dedicated to her work and life. You can tour the home yourself anytime during opening hours or book a guided tour from Wednesday to Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, or 2 p.m. Both the home and its gardens are free to visit.

There are many more historic buildings like these in Victoria's downtown core and even more around the rest of Southern Vancouver Island. Contact us today to find a local home of your own where you can enjoy the city's past and present in equal measure.