Ross Bay Villa is located at 1490 Fairfield Road in Victoria's Fairfield neighbourhood. Local people have been aware of the importance of the building for some years, but it was not until a research project funded by the Hallmark Society was completed in 1998, that the true significance of the site became apparent.


The preservation and restoration of Ross Bay Villa is a rare chance to save an excellent example of Victoria's earliest architectural history. Situated in the Fairfield neighbourhood across the street from the main gates of Ross Bay Cemetery, Ross Bay Villa is one of only about a dozen 1860s houses left in the Capital Region. Ross Bay Villa also retains significant social history connections to the early days of the province.


Ross Bay Villa is important for the following reasons:

1. It is a very rare example of an 1860s home on the west coast of Canada. Only about a dozen homes of this age are known to remain in the Capital Region. Most importantly, it is essentially intact, retaining original features and detailing.
2. The garden retains early plantings, including old species of fruit trees. Ross Bay Villa has physical and historical connections with Ross Bay Cemetery, and answers the recommendations for a small Visitors' Centre for the Cemetery.
3. The house has social history connections with Government House because it was home for the coachman of several Lieutenants-Governor.

Current work:

Volunteers are urgently needed to work on the Villa on Saturday mornings. Current work includes upgrading of the foundation and reconstruction of an interior wall. Contact The Land Convervancy for further information.