04/29/2026
Long before welcoming guests, this historic mansion began as a family home built by William Joseph Pendray, an entrepreneur whose journey took him from Cornwall, England to the goldfields of British Columbia and eventually to Victoria.
In 1890, the Pendray family purchased land overlooking the Inner Harbour, first living in a small cottage while their Queen Anne–style mansion took shape next door. By 1897, William, Amelia, and their four sons had settled into their new home.
After years in the mining industry, William found lasting success in Victoria’s growing economy, building a thriving soap business that allowed the family to prosper. Following his passing in 1913, Amelia remained in the home for many years. The property later became Loretto Hall, a boarding house for young women, before eventually evolving into the Pendray Inn and Tea House.
Today, the Pendray Inn and Tea House continues to welcome guests, carrying forward a legacy that spans generations.