Emily Carr’s House of Allsorts Seeks Urgent Rental Exemption

BREAKING: The historic House of Allsorts in Victoria, British Columbia, is urgently seeking a short-term rental exemption from the province. The owners, led by Peter Willis, hope this exemption will help raise the crucial $800,000 needed for extensive restoration and upkeep of the property, which is over 112 years old.

Willis, who does not reside in the house, is currently barred from renting it on the short-term rental market. He argues that allowing short-term rentals would provide the financial support necessary to maintain the property. “I think I can do it if I get a short-term rental exemption,” he stated. The House of Allsorts is the only privately-owned historic site in B.C. and carries significant cultural heritage, as it was once home to renowned artist Emily Carr.

The building’s rich history is evident with original paintings by Carr still adorning the attic, where she created many of her famous works. The presence of Carr is palpable throughout the house, making it not just a home but a cultural landmark. The property has been designated as historic since 1973, when it was purchased by Willis’s grandmother.

Currently, long-term tenants occupy the lower floor, while the upper floor has two suites with a minimum 90-day rental requirement. Despite previous efforts to manage the property sustainably, the financial burden of upkeep falls entirely on Willis. “It’s the province’s moral and ethical obligation,” he insists, calling for immediate action from officials.

The request is currently under review by the Attorney General’s legal services branch, though no response has been provided by the deadline. As discussions unfold, the future of the House of Allsorts hangs in the balance, with the potential to impact both the preservation of Emily Carr’s legacy and the local cultural landscape.

This urgent situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by historic properties and their owners in maintaining these irreplaceable sites. Observers are closely monitoring the developments, as the outcome could set a precedent for other historic homes seeking similar exemptions in the future.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, highlighting the intersection of heritage conservation and modern financial realities in British Columbia.