The Hambley House is a two storey, with full basement, Italianate residence with some Queen Anne details, located on a low-density street of single-family dwellings that includes other heritage homes in an area that is referred to as the Poet Streets Neighbourhood. The house has a prominent front verandah and double height projecting bay window on the front façade.
Heritage Value
The Hambley House is significant as a fine example of Queen Anne Revival residential architecture, fashionable in the west at this time. Residences built in this style typically exhibited asymmetrical facades, gables and an irregular plan with bay windows and porches.
Predating the incorporation of Oak Bay, Hambley House was built between 1892 and 1893 and as such is one of the oldest homes in Oak Bay. This modest yet prominent house is particularly valuable for its elaborate and elegant detail; designed in the Italianate style with Queen Anne elements such as the semi-octagonal bay window and the glazing bars framing the upper fenestration. The porch is a later addition with Edwardian design elements, notably the stone porch walls and the substantial pillars.
This residence is valued for its contribution to the ambiance of Byron Street and the Poets Street cluster of heritage homes, lined with several houses that are listed on the municipal heritage inventory.
Character Defining Elements
- The very small size of the original structure
- The side-gabled roof
- Original drop siding
- Symmetrical front façade, with central doors and flanking (restored) windows
- Authenic tongue and groove interior walls over wallpapered walls
Identifying Names:
- Eastman House, The Fannie Eastman House