Please view in Original.
The Milner House was constructed in 1931. It was designed to include features of a Ceylonese tea plantation house as evidenced by the many screened doors leading out into the garden. The size of the house is a surprising 6,500 square feet, including a full basement and attic. Many renovations and additions to the main house took place after 1954 after it was purchased by the Milner family. The present configuration of the house stems from that period and consists of spacious bedrooms with private entrances out into the landscape, a large drawing room and veranda with commanding views of Georgia Strait, sitting room and dining room. An addition was constructed in the 1960’s to serve as Veronica Milner’s painting studio. Lady Milner's mother was a cousin of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Both Churchill and Mrs. Milner were descended from the First Duke of Marlborough, and thus were related to Diana, Princess of Wales. Indeed, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the garden in 1986. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed at the estate for three days in October, 1987.This 70acre waterfront estate, full of unique flora that Mrs Milner collected from throughout the world is now owned and administated by VIU, and is just a short walk from where I live. Now a botanical garden and tea house.