Location: Victoria, Vancouver Island, The Islands, British Columbia, Canada (Brentwood Bay 12 Miles from Victoria) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Cottage,Waterfront,Oceanfront
If you are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, let us invite you to this unique oceanfront cottage. For the past 23 years, we have been welcoming guests from around the world to the Boathouse B&B. At the suggestion of some of our guests, we now offer a self-catering option, which means no breakfast but coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milk are provided. However, if you would like a continental breakfast, we would be more than happy to oblige.
THE BOATHOUSE is a 450 sq.ft. cottage built in 1927 on cement pilings right over the calm waters of Brentwood Bay. The Boathouse, as well as the adjacent Bathhouse, have been completely and tastefully refurbished but still retain the charm and old-style craftsmanship of the original buildings. Both are warmed by electric heat. Daily service includes fresh towels and trash removal, plus twice-weekly light housekeeping.
THE "GREAT ROOM" features a queen-size bed with a Beauty Rest box spring and mattress. Together with cozy triple-brushed flannel sheets, down-filled pillows and the gentle lapping of waves, you are assured of a great night's sleep. The table is set for two and overlooks the water and a private island. The CD player and a selection of oldies, jazz and classics, along with fresh cut flowers and candles lets you set the mood for a wonderfully romantic evening.
THE GALLEY does not have cooking facilities per se (due to a local bylaw). It is, however, equipped with a toaster oven, automatic coffee maker, electric tea kettle, fridge and, of course, glasses, dishes, cutlery, etc. The Village of Brentwood Bay is but a 5 minute drive and has three delis, pub, liquor store, bookstore, drugstores, bakery, and a full-service grocery store so there are a lot of options for you. Also within a 10-20 minute stroll from the Boathouse, along the waterfront, are three excellent oceanfront restaurants and a world-class lodge and spa. The world-famous Butchart Gardens is a 10 minute row in our dinghy or a 20 minute walk from the Boathouse. It also offers a cafeteria, restaurant, and superb dining room, as well as picnic tables.
THE "LIBRARY" with an eclectic selection of books and games, comes complete with two swivel rocking chairs and ottoman, plus a view of sailboats and islands.
THE VERANDAH with its comfortable, wicker rocking chairs and teak side table is a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening nightcap while you watch the marvelous sunsets.
THE PRIVATE DOCK is very spacious (12 ft. x 30 ft.) and can accommodate your boat or seaplane. It provides a platform to view jellyfish, starfish, otters, seals and water birds. It's also a great place to catch the sun. The dock also serves as a launching pad for the dinghy for your rowing trips to Butchart Gardens or down the tranquil waters of Tod Inlet for a picnic on a shale beach. You can also swim off the dock during the warm summer months.
THE BATHHOUSE is adjacent to the Boathouse and is lined with tongue and groove cedar with a Swedish oil finish. It features a corner brass and glass shower, pedestal sink, toilet, antique cabinet, as well as solid brass light fixtures. All this, plus a spectacular ocean view of Saanich Inlet!
THE BOATHOUSE is really a world unto itself and yet it is only 20 minutes from the airport, ferries, Town of Sidney and the City of Victoria. You owe yourselves the luxury of some quiet time...and we invite you spend that time at the Boathouse.
Make your reservation by calling us. TOLL FREE.
Your hosts,
Jean and Harvey Merritt
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided : No cooking facilities per se, but included are toaster oven, electric coffee maker, electric tea kettle, dishes, glassware and cutlery.
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Beachfront
- Beach View
- Oceanfront : The Boathouse is built on concrete pilings over the calm waters of Brentwood Bay
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : unlimited calls to Canada and the U.S.
- Broadband Internet : No charge High Speed Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In Canadian Dollars)
$215-$250/day (two day minimum).. $1400-$1750/week
No applicable taxes.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
The Boathouse... ~An~ Oceanfront Cottage Near Butchart Gardens
Year Purchased: 1979
Why the Owner Chose Victoria
The Village of Brentwood Bay is a 5 minute drive and has all of the amenities you will need to make your vacation complete. The City of Victoria and Town of Sidney are within a 20 minute drive.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
The Boathouse is on the water's edge. We live in a bungalow at the top of the property so one of us is usually around to answer your questions.
The world famous Butchart Gardens are a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute row from the Boathouse
The Brentwood Lodge and Spa is a 20 minute walk or a 15 minute row
Gowland Tod is a 2400 acre nature park with walking and hiking trails and is only a 20 minute stroll from the Boathouse
Owner's Map of Victoria
Harvey and Jean moved to Vancouver Island in 1966. They retired in 2000, Harvey after working in advertising and real estate and Jean in administrative positions at the University of Victoria. Our love of travel has taken us to the U.S. and Mexico, Europe, the U.K., as well as New Zealand and Australia.
Property Photos
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- Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.... - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
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- Oceanfront Cottage with private dock - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
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- The Boathouse on Brentwood Bay - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
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- Sunrise from the verandah
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- Yachts at anchor in Brentwood Bay
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- The Boathouse stained glass window
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- The "Great Room"
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- The Galley
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- The Cozy Library
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- Stained glass window in Bathhouse
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- Bathhouse interior
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- The view from the "loo"
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- Your hosts Harvey and Jean
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- Kayakers entering Tod Inlet
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- View of Saanich Inlet after a long day
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- Sunset from the verandah
Traveler Reviews (16)
Treat yourselves to a marvelous stay
Guest: Melanie
(Ohio)
Date of Stay: 09/15/07
Review Submitted: 07/05/11
The Boat House excells! The host and hostess know how to make guests feel not only welcome, but pampered. Great little accomodation for two. The steps will keep you in shape, but worth the trek. The cottage is just what we were looking for in a quiet get-away. The Blues Cafe just across the small bay is excellent food. You can take the dingy, but it is not for the feint of heart...sort of wobbly. It is a short walk for those of us not into rowing.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Small untroubled world
Guest: Colorado Couple
(Durango, colorado)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09
Review Submitted: 05/15/11
Review from Joe and Rita 5 stars For us, there really are no words to capture our sense of love and appreciation for the Boathouse. Our good fortune and fate led us there over 25 years ago! We have returned eight times, the last trip in the fall of 2009. We do not travel frequently, so we save and dream and anticipate our return to the Boathouse because there are few other places we choose to be. It is a long journey from land locked Colorado back to our little sanctuary on the water. We are drawn back to the “spirit of place”. The subtle glow of light reflecting off of the water and stained glass, the sense of peace, the solace of water gently lapping all around, & the heavenly sunsets bring us back time after time. It is a place of romance and quiet reflection. A small untroubled place in a troubled world. We have never really been B&B sort of people. We like quiet, solitude and privacy. For this Jean and Harvey are the best of hosts. They take care of the comforting details and are absolutely sensitive to their guests’ space and privacy. We never tire of rowing the dingy the short distance to Butchart Gardens, or up Todd inlet for a private picnic or of the short walk into Brentwood Bay for lunch and a brew or glass of wine (or two). We feel honored when the seals and otters slide by the dock or the dingy and have a look at us. We love to walk and hike and there is just no better way to spend a quiet romantic day than to take a short drive out to Mt. Work and hike out to Mackenzie Bight to picnic, watch the seals and just reflect. Sigh…. It all comes gently back into focus and we are saving for our return. We have found the Boathouse to be a sanctuary and a gift beyond words. The Boathouse has become, and always will be a part of us. Some of the best days of our lives have been our days and nights at The Boathouse. Thank you Jean and Harvey for the gift of The Boathouse and for your friendship. Life is short, so here’s to more time at the Boathouse!!! Rita and Joe
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Peace, Tranquility, Quiet Joy!
Guest: W&W's
(Lakeside, Montana)
Date of Stay: 04/20/11
Review Submitted: 04/28/11
The Boathouse is everything and more of what you see on the website. Harvey and Jean provide and maintain a little slice of heaven for their "guests". My husband and I had a most memorable anniversary in this magical boathouse. All our needs and wants were met by the special touches provided. The minute you arrive you feel a sense of calm and closeness to nature with comforts unmatched. The queen bed with its bedding was like falling into a cloud and we slept better than anywhere we have ever stayed. It turly is a one of a kind special place!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Guest: Felicity and Philip (Perth, W. Australia)
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
Thank you, Jean and Harvey, for your wonderful hospitality. This is truly a beautiful place and we have been privileged to have enjoyed it for the last four days.
Recommended for:
Guest: Pam and John (Seattle, WA)
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
We would echo everything your previous guests have said about the Boathouse. We particularly appreciated the complimentary "shuttle" to and from downtown, the congratulations banner, card, and champagne, and all your help with making our travel plans. We had a great time and would love to come back sometime in the future. Thank you!
Recommended for:
Guest: Sue and Warren (Bristol, U.K.)
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/22/10
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
The Boathouse, the reason we came to Vancouver Island! Unique and so, so beautiful. A truly wonderful experience, which we hope to return to one day. Thank you, Jean and Harvey.
Recommended for:
Guest: Mike and Patty, Wilton, CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
This was the perfect place to celebrate 25 years of marriage. We loved rowing to Butchart Gardens, watching the jellyfish, and listening to the seagulls. We danced to Nat King Cole, relaxed and read. Thank you for staying open the month of October. I bet there's not many places like this by the waterfront. I feel so blessed. Over the past 25 years you've given people a precious gift...the gift of wonderful memories. Thank you for your hospitality and all the extras that made us feel so special.
Recommended for:
Beautiful, peaceful, Heaven on Earth
Guest: Shellie
(Dayton, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10
Review Submitted: 06/18/10
We stayed 2 nights in The Boathouse in June of 2010. Jean and Harvey were the most gracious hosts, and the cottage was charming in every way. There is a small basket of tapes and cds, and I was so pleased to find a tape that my grandma played everytime we were together at her house for holidays when I was a child (Roger Whittaker) along with several more of our favorites. Our stay was the perfect combination of something new & exciting and something familiar & comforting. We Loved taking the dinghy to Butchart Gardens and taking an evening stroll to dinner. This is a fantastic place to visit! Everyone should experience it!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway.
Guest: Donald Olson
(-)
Date of Stay: 02/09/09
Review Submitted: 02/09/09
From FROMMER'S Vancouver & Victoria 2008. "Best Alternative Accommodation": The Boathouse is a real (converted) boathouse with a private dock and rowing dinghy. Vancouver Island has nothing else like it and I can almost guarantee you'll fall in love with this tiny, secluded cottage...a former boathouse...set on pilings over Saanich Inlet on Brentwood Bay.
Recommended for:
Guest: Rob & Mitzi
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/21/08
Review Submitted: 07/21/08
We used to think the stairway to heaven was an upward climb. The Boathouse proved us wrong. Jean and Harvey, your little slice of heaven will always be a favorite place in our hearts. We have fond memories of past visits and hope to create more in the future. Your very gracious hospitality makes every stay a joy. Thanks for all the little extras that made our 25th anniversary extra special. Rob & Mitzi, Bothell, WA
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #225893
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