Hatley Castle in Victoria BC. This was once a private residence situated on approximately 700 plus acres of land. It was owned by one of the relatives of the man who built Craigdorough castle in Victoria proper. This beauty had 22 bedrooms but only four members of the family lived there. The Royal Roads University is on the other side of this building and most of the upper floors of the castle have been converted to administration offices and therefore I don't really recommend the tour as it is only the main floor that is original.

  Most of the finishes are in various types of oak, a sign of wealth at the time, but too dark for my taste. The pool room however, is made of a wood imported from Australia and creates the most exotic smell in the room if the door has been kept closed.








The upstairs hallway.














Below is the view from one of the grand rooms looking out over the expansive lawns to the lagoon which was created by a natural barrier between the ocean and the inner waters.

Royal Roads University is across the yard from the castle entrance.

The root of the vine that covers the three story building from bottom to top.

 There are numerous gardens to be explored on the property. We only had time to go through the Japanese garden but if it is an indication of the rest of them then it is worth it to see them all. I think summer would be a good time for a visit as all the plants would be in full leaf. Spring time visits are lovely to see  the tulips and rododendrems .

There is an admission fee for a combined escorted tour of the castle and gardens, an escorted tour of just castle or garden or you can do a self tour of the gardens alone. All castle tours are guided. There is also a fee for parking. If you plan to do the full tour you will need the eight hour parking pass.

 One of numerous lanterns.









 There are little treasures like this along the way through the garden.

 Water falls,
still waters and water wheels. It is all here for our visual pleasure.

  It wouldn't be a Japanese garden without a curved bridge and a gazebo/pavilion. The reflections make  such a pretty picture.                                              

Not sure if everyone knows why Asian bridges are curved. Those in the know believe that "spirits" can only travel in straight lines so if they are following you over a bridge, they will continue in an upward path as they come to the top of the curve allowing you to continue without them following your every step. Very important if it is an evil spirit I'm sure.

 

 Signs of spring. A fern's fiddle head above.




                                                The heart of a tulip.

Promising buds.

                                                            


                                 A tulip near the end of it's bloom.

Two of the statues representing the four different seasons. They are located in a garden beside the castle. I'm not sure which two these are but the eyes on the one below freak me right out. Not my favorite statue.