Carr House is in James Bay. It is the home that the famous Victorian artist, Emily Carr, grew up in and lived in for much of her adult life. Built in 1863 by commission by Emily’s wealthy father, and was built in the Italianate style by local architect firm Wright & Saunders. James Bay was the heart of 19th century Victoria, and it was in a desirable area.
The interior of Carr House has some of the original fixtures that were there when the Carr family inhabited it, including furniture and objects that belonged to the family. but much of it had been changed over the decades. Consequently, the cultural society running the house have reconstructed it to try and match it has as much as possible, using old photos and diary entries from the Carr family as guides. Even though it does not sit on as much land as it used to (farmland used to surround the house), pretty gardens are still maintained around the house.
The Carr House is open to visitors by appointment and with a guide. I visited this past summer and had a great experience. Even though I thought I knew a lot about Emily Carr’s life I learned much that I didn’t know. I highly recommend visiting this house to anyone living or visiting in Victoria!
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