# Cary Castle

- **Country:** Canada
- **Coordinates:** 51.087900, -2.512930
- **Year Built:** 1860 (destroyed in 1899)
- **Castle Type:** Official residence
- **Location Text:** British Columbia
- **Architectural Style:** Châteauesque

Government House, historically rooted in the site of the original Cary Castle, serves as the official vice-regal residence for the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Located at 1401 Rockland Avenue in Victoria, the property sits on a sprawling 14.6-hectare estate. While the initial structure known as Cary Castle was constructed in 1860 by George Hunter Cary, the current building reflects a blend of Modern and Tudor Revival architectural styles, utilizing a steel frame and reinforced concrete system. Construction on the enduring residence began in 1857, and the site was purchased by the British Crown in 1865 to serve as the official home for the Governor of Vancouver Island, with Arthur Kennedy becoming its first official occupant.

The estate holds significant historical value as a symbol of the monarchy in the province and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002 under the name Estate of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Often described as the Ceremonial Home of all British Columbians, the property distinguishes itself from similar government residences worldwide by its unobtrusive placement within the capital city. Rather than dominating the urban landscape with a prominent central position, the house maintains the intimate character of a private home while fulfilling its public duties. It remains owned by the King in Right of British Columbia and continues to function as an active center for provincial ceremonial life and official hospitality.

![Photo of Cary Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Carey_Castle_-_Lieutenant_Governor_of_BC.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_House_(British_Columbia) (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)