Craigdarroch, which has towered over the City since its completion in 1890, is one of Canada’s most magnificent mansions of the gilded age. It was built as the home for Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who created a fortune from their coal and railway businesses. The Castle has carried a true air of mystery, as much of its design and construction history was unknown—a secret lost to time. Building records and design plans are missing, contemporary newspaper accounts are minimal, and architectural design questions have remained unresolved for generations of Castle caretakers. In 2016 Jim Wolf partnered with Craigdarroch Castle and began an in-depth project to research, document and reveal the Castle’s secrets.

   Jim will take us on his journey of historic sleuthing to reconstruct the lost history of Craigdarroch’s design and construction through the story of its owners, architects, contractors, and suppliers. In-depth research and historical analysis not only illuminating the saga of the Castle’s creation but revealing important new discoveries: the identification of the artists responsible for its art glass, frescos, and other decorative features. This book also goes beyond the mansion’s walls to look at the makeup of the original estate of 28 acres, which was subdivided and developed in 1909, and for the first time reconstructs the story of Craigdarroch’s lost gardens and features that were loved by the Dunsmuir family and which captivated visitors.

   Jim Wolf, is a historian and planner who has spent his career researching and writing about and advocating to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of British Columbia. Jim’s accomplishments as a heritage conservation professional were recognized in 2021 by Heritage BC with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has written best-selling and award-winning books about our historic places, buildings and architects.