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Victoria, BC
Heritage Masonry Projects
Welcome to Our Heritage Masonry Portfolio
At Stone & Trowel Heritage Restoration, we take pride in breathing new life into Greater Victoria’s most cherished historic structures. From 19th-century sandstone and brick facades in Rockland and James Bay to Samuel Maclure–designed homes in Oak Bay and landmark restorations in Duncan and Saanich, our work combines traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation techniques. Browse our featured projects below to see examples of DOFF steam cleaning, lime mortar repointing, chimney rebuilds, and full masonry restorations — all completed with strict adherence to the Heritage Conservation Act and local bylaws. Each project tells a story of preservation, resilience, and beauty. Ready to discuss your heritage project? Contact us today.
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Location: Oldfield Estate (Private Heritage Restoration)
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Year: 2017
Summary:
In 2017, Stone & Trowel restored and rebuilt rare 17th-century Gothic limestone remnants (doorways, arches, and a rounded window) originally from an Italian cathedral and imported via France, transforming them into stunning garden features at the historic Oldfield Estate (Norfolk Heritage Lodge), a 1914 Samuel Maclure–designed Arts & Crafts mansion.
Challenge: The heavy, incomplete limestone pieces lacked original buttresses, were irreplaceable, and required stable foundations on garden terrain while preserving centuries-old carvings.
Solution: We excavated to bedrock, poured reinforced concrete footers, hand-shaped missing sections from spare material, lifted ton-heavy pieces with cranes and forklifts, and used a custom lime-based mortar to ensure breathability and compatibility. Hidden steel strapping and ties provided discreet modern stability.
Result: The features now stand securely as romantic focal points in the estate’s sprawling gardens, fully compliant with heritage standards and are seismically sound. The project showcased innovative preservation and helped the owners enhance the property’s historical charm. See the full case study, before/after gallery, and detailed process → Oldfield Estate 17th-Century Limestone Restoration
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Location: Duncan, BC (Municipal Heritage Restoration)
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Year: 2024
Summary:
In 2024, Stone & Trowel (with Lennox Masonry) restored Duncan’s historic 1913 City Hall — originally a federal post office — preserving its Edwardian Classical sandstone belts, brickwork, clocktower, window arches, granite staircases, and retaining walls.
Challenge:
Lead-based paint, eroded mortar joints, efflorescence, and biological growth had accumulated over decades of coastal exposure, risking structural issues and aesthetic loss on this municipal heritage landmark.
Solution:
We safely removed lead paint, used DOFF Integra steam cleaning to clear moss/algae/grime, raked out deteriorated mortar, and repointed with traditional lime-based mortar and lime-wash to match the original breathable composition. Minor reinforcements stabilized key areas while keeping interventions reversible.
Result:
The facade was revitalized, structurally sound, and protected against future weathering — all compliant with local bylaws and supported by heritage grants. Duncan’s civic icon now shines as a community beacon. View the complete case study, before/after photos, and timeline → Duncan City Hall Restoration
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Location: Government House, Victoria, BC (Municipal Heritage Restoration)
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Year: 2025
Summary:
Stone & Trowel restored the iconic sandstone Porte Cochere at Government House — a surviving 19th-century carriage entrance that has endured multiple rebuilds of the residence itself — removing decades of moss, lichen, algae, and grime while stabilizing mortar joints.
Challenge:
Salt air, heavy rain, and biological growth had eroded joints and trapped moisture, threatening the structure’s appearance and integrity on this provincially significant heritage site.
Solution:
We applied DOFF Integra superheated steam cleaning for gentle contaminant removal, raked out failed mortar, and repointed with Hotlime mix to match the original breathable lime-based composition. Flashing repairs and subtle reinforcements ensured long-term stability.
Result:
The Porte Cochere regained its historic grandeur, became weather-resistant, and qualified for heritage funding — preserving a key feature of Victoria’s Government House for public events and future generations. Explore the full restoration details, gallery, and process → Government House Porte Cochere Restoration
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Location: Throughout Victoria, BC (Private & Municipal Heritage Restorations)
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Year: 2016 - Current
Summary:
Over the years, Stone & Trowel has restored numerous chimneys, stone pillars, walls, and facades in heritage homes and buildings designed or influenced by renowned BC architect Samuel Maclure (1860–1929), whose Arts & Crafts and Tudorbethan designs define Victoria’s Rockland and Oak Bay neighborhoods.
Challenge:
Maclure’s early 20th-century chimneys and stone elements often suffer mortar decay, water intrusion, and biological growth from coastal weather, risking safety and character loss.
Solution:
We’ve repointed with breathable lime mortars, rebuilt damaged sections, repaired stucco/brick facades, and used DOFF Integra steam cleaning to preserve original textures — always compliant with heritage guidelines.
Result:
These restorations have maintained historical authenticity, improved durability, and enhanced property value in some of Victoria’s most cherished neighborhoods. See featured Maclure-related projects, photos, and details → Samuel Maclure Heritage Homes
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