A historic estate in Esquimalt has found new life as the elegant Rosemead House Hotel, combining Edwardian charm with modern style. Once known as the English Inn, the property has been restored and expanded into a luxury hotel, fine dining space, and upscale condo development.
Purchased in 2016 by Aargon Properties, the Lampson Street property has been carefully reimagined by owner Lenny Moy. His goal was to preserve the beauty of the original 1906 estate while adding fresh elements for today’s guests and residents.
Back in 1906, the estate was called Rosemead. It was built as a peaceful place to inspire travelers and artists. Now, that spirit lives on in every corner of the new hotel.
“We’ve come full circle,” said Chantelle Dean, who manages sales, marketing, and events. She says the vision was to create a place that offers the smells, sights, and feel of a grand past, blended with modern comforts.
Much of the original woodwork and trees still stand. Antique furniture fills the rooms, including pieces from the famous Dorchester and Savoy hotels in England. The Crown Library, a cozy spot just past the lobby, is filled with 100-year-old books and décor from the TV show The Crown.
Walk through the grand lobby, and you’ll find hand-cut tile floors and a unique upstairs window that once framed many wedding photos. Even the bathrooms reflect a mix of old and new—some feature vintage pull cords to flush, while others have smart toilet seats that lift automatically.
The hotel restaurant, Janevca, adds a playful touch with trees decorated in fake leaves that change with the seasons. Meanwhile, modern lighting, art, and sleek fixtures are spread across the building.
Each suite at Rosemead House is one of a kind. “Standard is not a word we use,” Dean said. Many rooms have claw-foot bathtubs. The Dynasty Suite even places one just steps from the bed. Unlike most rooms filled with English antiques, this suite has treasures from Asia, offering a different flavor of luxury.
For Dean, Rosemead is more than a hotel—it’s an experience. “There are some places that take your breath away the moment you step in,” she said. “At Rosemead, that feeling continues around every corner.”
The property also includes The Grove, a second building with more modern hotel rooms, and Oakwoods, a new condominium development. Oakwoods will open for residents on September 1. It will include 179 condos in three six-storey buildings and six three-storey townhomes, all built with the same Edwardian design as the main estate.
Future plans include a gym and spa, both expected to open with the hotel’s official grand opening, though no date has been announced. The hotel currently operates with 14 rooms in the Manor and another 14 in The Grove. With a total investment of $180 million, the Rosemead House Hotel aims to offer a high-end, exclusive experience.
Dean encourages visitors to book early. “Now is the time to come while promotions are still active,” she said. “We don’t expect them to last much longer.”
While Victoria already has many notable hotels, Dean believes Rosemead offers something different. Hidden off the main roads, the hotel invites guests to discover its charm rather than stumble upon it.
“Being off the beaten path is part of what makes Rosemead so special,” she said.
With its careful mix of old and new, and a clear vision for the future, Rosemead House Hotel is set to become one of Esquimalt’s most unique and memorable places to stay.
