Gothic Romance and Danger in Hera's Victoriana
In Bram Stoker's gothic work "Dracula," Mina Murray and her Lucy Westenra find themselves staying in lodging near the hauntingly beautiful Whitby Abbey. Mina notes that the place is "a house to let, Furnished, moderately and sufficiently for our purpose.”
My primary interest is obviously Hotels, Guesthouses and other accommodations, so I was excited to see that SL creator Hera has breathed new life into this iconic guesthouse, resurrecting it from the pages of the film and novel and bringing it to Second Life.
But Hera's project goes far beyond a single building; in her new project, Victoriana, she has meticulously crafted Whitby, a stunning recreation of Victorian East London and Vlad Dracul’s Castle.
This immersive experience transports visitors to a world of gothic romance, danger, and adventure. I would go so far as to say it’s Hera’s best creation yet, and given some of her other projects (which you can see on her Flickr page), that’s a very high bar.
As you step into Victoriana via the landing zone, you'll be presented with three distinct sections, each with its own unique atmosphere, accessible via a Victorian railway dining carriage.
From there, you can choose your destination, each one steeped in the dark, misty ambience that is evocative of the Victorian era. The foggy nighttime vibe and carefully crafted environment settings work together seamlessly to create a captivating experience.
One of the most striking aspects of Victoriana is the incredible attention to detail and the level of immersion it offers.
As you explore the streets of London and Whitby, you'll discover shops, pubs, bookstores, and other places that invite you to step inside and lose yourself in the tapestry of Victorian life.
The Ten Bells, a pub in Hera’s East London, stands out as a personal highlight. With its authentic decor and atmosphere, it captures the essence of the era. It’s really one of the best pub recreations I have seen in Second Life.
The Whitby house itself is beautifully done and likewise allows for a truly engaging experience. It’s worth mentioning that it also contains two bedrooms (with adult furniture). There’s also a travellers camp with adult-orientated tents further up the hill.
Among the three areas, Whitby was, in fact, my personal favourite. Hera captured the essence of a small North Sea town. It reminded me of many villages along the North Sea Coast that I have seen when I lived in Scotland.
And while I personally am not so much into castle experiences, Dracula’s castle is large, intricate and moody. So if that is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.
Despite the intricacy of the build, lag was not a major issue for me. However, it's important to note that Hera's creations often have a limited lifespan, so those interested in exploring Victoriana should do so while the opportunity exists.
Experiences like Victoriana show Second Life at its best and I loved it there. Go and see it while it’s still around, you won’t regret it.
