In the 1890’s, a young architect named Henry Sandham Griffith emigrated to Canada from Oxford, England. Henry worked on several projects in the cities of Winnipeg and Saskatoon before moving his family west in 1910 to the coastal city of Victoria. By that time, several impressive castles and mansions had been built in the city and Henry was inspired by them for the design of his own home. He selected a location on Smith Hill, at the North end of Cook Street, as the perfect place for his private residence. Henry painstakingly designed his new home using the Tudor Revival and Hall House formulas.
The foundation, main floor, chimneys, and impressive crenellated tower were all built using local granite. Construction of this personal project began in 1911 and was completed in 1914. When it was finished, it was considered one of the finest houses in Victoria. Henry and his wife, Marie Jane, named their new home ‘Fort Garry’.

For more information on Spencer Castle, please click here Victoria Heritage Foundation.

In 1918, David Scott Spencer Jr., a successful local businessman, bought the impressive hilltop mansion and surrounding acreage at 2906 Cook Street. Dave Jr. and his young wife Kate renamed their new home ‘The Rocks’ but it soon became known locally as ‘Spencer Castle’.
The Spencers adored their home decorating it with art and antiques from around the world.
Kate planned and maintained the extensive rock gardens, which were frequently opened to the public for important causes and special events, including Victoria’s Spring Garden Festival and to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross during World War II.  
Kate was very proud when the castle won an award for most outstanding alpine garden in North America. Dave Jr. passed away in 1932 and Kate lived on in her beloved castle, tending her gardens for another 30 years.

In 1964, the Spencer family converted the interior of the castle to private rental suites until they sold the property to a developer six years later.
Soon after, construction began on the condominium building at 2920 Cook Street.
Fortunately, steps were taken to preserve the historic castle building and by 1974, a luxury condominium complex with a swimming pool was complete.
Many new condominium owners could be found wandering through the beautiful gardens and grounds, imagining the castle in its earlier days.

In 2020, the castle sustained a serious fire which damaged much of the original interior, however, the exterior along with many key interior features and granite work survived. The castle has been lovingly restored since by the condominium owners with many safety improvements and modern conveniences incorporated into the heritage design.

Today, Spencer Castle stands proudly on the hill and continues to offer its owners some of the most spectacular views in the city.