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Where Food Meets Faith and Fiction

C is for Craigdarroch Castle

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There’s nothing quite like a castle for the romantic in each of us. I’ve never been to Europe, so my experience with real-life castles has been rather limited, but today I’d like to share Craigdarroch Castle with you.

It’s been on my mind lately because I’m writing a novel set in Victoria, BC, Canada, hailed as the most British city outside the United Kingdom. I’m loving the opportunity to write scenes in some of my favorite locations in the city, and several of the early scenes take place in Craigdarroch. My characters will also be revisiting it later in the novel.

My son and daughter-in-law lived in Victoria for the six years they attended University of Victoria. This means that my husband and I visited as many times as we could, even though it’s clear across the province from our home. One week in May, 2008, my daughter and I visited and spent a few lovely hours in Craigdarroch. Let me show you some of the photos we took.

You can’t have a castle without turrets.
Craigdarroch Castle
Welcome to
Craigdarroch Castle
The organ is visible from every level of the staircase.
Craigdarroch Castle
Beautiful wood paneling adorn many walls, ceilings, and nooks.
Craigdarroch Castle
One of the bedrooms
Craigdarroch Castle
The Dining Room
Craigdarroch Castle
The roof from a second story window.
Craigdarroch Castle
The view out over Victoria
Craigdarroch Castle

Did you enjoy this little tour of a lovely castle? Have you ever visited one? Share your experience in comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Valerie says

      So long as you know visiting me doesn’t put you anywhere near Victoria! But there are many cool things in V. We love visiting. And then there’s the whole rest of the Island. (Yes, that should be capitalized :P)

  5. retha says

    I think there is only two in our country. One a monument the other in a hidden away spot at the coast. Private property until recent now a guest house for those who can afford it – foreigners.

    Wondered if people sat and visited on the verandah/porch. Wowed by the piano photo!

    • Valerie says

      There was a player piano in one of the other rooms, as well as the organ. I have probably close to 100 photos, so obviously most could not make this post. Glad you enjoyed!

  6. Ginger says

    Ooooh, I would love to visit that castle. So cool that you were able to do so. Unfortunately, it won’t be happening anytime soon (Alabama’s a long way away from ANY part of Canada LOL).

    Thanks for the mini tour.

    Blessings,

    • Valerie says

      I hadn’t heard of it before we began visiting Victoria, either, and I live a lot closer! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour.

Trackbacks

  1. […] I’m writing away these days on my novel Petals and Pedals (just try to say that five times fast.) Here’s a little piece from Chapter 3. All you need to know is that Lainey is part owner of a tour company in Victoria, BC, and Tristan, whom she barely knows, is driving the commercial van for her this week. At the moment they are taking a family through Craigdarroch Castle. […]