Owners of Historic House of Allsorts Pursue Rental Exemption

The owners of the House of Allsorts in Victoria, British Columbia, are seeking an exemption from provincial short-term rental regulations to help fund the building’s upkeep. This lesser-known historic home, associated with the renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr, is the only privately owned historic property in the province.

Built 112 years ago, the House of Allsorts served as Carr’s residence during her adulthood, and remnants of her artistic legacy remain evident throughout the property. Notably, the attic contains original paintings created by Carr, alongside copies displayed elsewhere in the house. This unique connection to Carr’s life and work adds significant cultural value to the property.

Current owner Peter Willis has been managing the House of Allsorts since his grandmother purchased it in 1973. Following its designation as a historic site, the responsibility for maintenance has rested entirely on Willis. He is exploring the possibility of utilizing short-term rentals to generate the estimated $800,000 needed for comprehensive restoration work.

Willis stated, “I think I can do it if I get a short-term rental exemption.” Currently, the building hosts long-term tenants on the lower level, while the second floor includes two suites that require a minimum rental period of 90 days. Due to regulations, Willis is unable to rent out the entire property on a short-term basis since he does not reside there himself.

The historic Emily Carr House, located nearby, is owned by the province, which provides funding for its upkeep. In contrast, the financial burden for the House of Allsorts falls solely on Willis. He argues that it is the province’s “moral and ethical obligation” to support the preservation of such a significant cultural landmark.

The Attorney General’s legal services branch is currently reviewing the exemption request, but no response had been received by the time of publication. The outcome of this request will determine the future of the House of Allsorts and its historical legacy connected to Emily Carr.

In the meantime, handwritten letters and documents from Carr’s life continue to surface, offering insights into her novels and final days, further enhancing the narrative surrounding this cherished property.