Dunsmuir Lodge (1973)

1515 McTavish Road, Central Saanich

Architect: Sidall, David Warner

In 1985 the University of Victoria received the largest gift in its history when Mr. and Mrs. George Poole donated 100 acres of Mount Newton's northern slope and with it Gillain Manor, recently built as a alchoholic rehabilitation centre. The University renovated the building as a residential conference centre. The rustic granite, cedar and shingle-roof structure stretches across the brow of the magificient bench site. The rooms and conference spaces command spectacular views over Victoria airport to the Gulf Island and mainland mountain fringe beyond. The building elements, although evocative of Wright's priarie-style work, seem admirably suited to the site and building traditions of the Saanich Peninsula.