Learn about the restoration of heritage homes

Join small guided group tours — one in the morning and another in the afternoon — at Wentworth Villa on Saturday to learn more about the restoration of heritage homes as you view one of Victoria’s oldest residences.

The Carpenter Gothic-style house was built in 1863 and has remained virtually unchanged over the years. It was one of the first heritage-designated buildings in Victoria and is listed in the register of Canadian Historic Places.

Many may remember it as an antique shop, which operated out of the house for more than 70 years. The building has recently undergone extensive renovations to repurpose the building as a public space and to house an architecture museum.

The home, operated by the Pacific North-West Heritage Homes Foundation, is now open to the public on the second and fourth Saturday of each month for small tours.

Along with learning about restoration efforts on the house, visitors interested in restoring their own homes can take home information on experts and resources.

The tours are free, with donations welcome. Small tours (10 to 12 people) take place at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Saturday (larger groups and other times can also be arranged).

On Sunday at the villa, you can learn more about Victoria in 1858 at Money in B.C. Before the Railway, one in a lecture series on a range of heritage and historical topics offered by the venue.

The talk is given by Ron Greene, a member of the Victoria Historical Society and past president of the B.C. Historical Foundation.

Tickets for the talk are $15. It starts at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Both events take place at Wentworth Villa, 1156 Fort St. For information, go to wentworthvilla.com.