Location: Victoria, Vancouver Island, The Islands, British Columbia, Canada (Brentwood Bay 12 Miles from Victoria)
Accommodations: Oceanfront Cottage, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
If you are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, let us invite you to this most 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 1-866-654-9370
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
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Oceanfront: The Boathouse is built on concrete pilings over the calm waters of Brentwood Bay
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance: unlimited calls to Canada and the U.S.
- Broadband Internet: No charge High Speed Internet
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- 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.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- Oceanfront Cottage with private dock - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
- The Boathouse on Brentwood Bay - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
- Sunrise from the verandah - Victoria , Canada Ocean Front Cottage with Private Dock
- Yachts at anchor in Brentwood Bay
- The Boathouse stained glass window
- The "Great Room"
- The Galley
- The Cozy Library
- Stained glass window in Bathhouse
- Bathhouse interior
- The view from the "loo"
- Your hosts Harvey and Jean
- Kayakers entering Tod Inlet
- View of Saanich Inlet after a long day
- Sunset from the verandah
Guest Comments (8)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #225893
There have been 4279 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
Positive Rating
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.
Positive Rating
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
Positive Rating
Few things remain constant; fewer still are as wonderful as one's memories of them but year after year, the Boathouse is the exception. We look forward all year to our time here, thinking of it in snatches - the quiet nights, the lapping of the water against the rocks, the sight of a family of geese making their way across the Bay at sunset. Then we're here and it isn't just (just!) as wonderful as we've remembered. It's better. Because no memory encapsulates it all, expresses adequately the sheer joy of being here. For as long as you continue to make it possible for us to share this place, we will be back. Thank you, Jean and Harvey! With warm affection Cheryl and Jim, Portland, OR
Positive Rating
Today marks our 30th wedding anniversary. (Melanie picked our wedding date 7-8-7-8 so maybe I wouldn't forget it!) We discovered you somewhat by accident due to my misreading the guidebook. Best mistake I ever made! As the world's best musicians playing poorly together would not make for joyful music, a perfect vacation is when everything plays in concert. Your home and your hospitality made magical music in our lives. We are blessed to have been here and been treated so very well. Frank and Melanie, Woodland, CA
Positive Rating
Looking out from the "library room" at sunset on Canada Day. Purples/oranges/blues all there. What a sight! We've gone through 2 sets of batteries in 2 days. Spectacular is the only worthy description. Learning to relax takes time and this is the place to do it. It's hard to add what has already been written...I'm just thankful for the time spent here. Thankful that our hosts are willing to provide an experience opportunity laced with quality attention to detail. A silly but true way to sum it all up: *price of gas from Whistler to here = $70 *price of ferry from Horseshoe Bay = $67 *price of 2 nights at the Boathouse = you know because you're staying here *being at the Boathouse for 2 nights = PRICELESS! Richard & Kathleen, Jacksonville, FL
Positive Rating
Jean and Harvey Thank you for sharing your space (and rowboat!) with us. The Boathouse is such a unique and lovely space, an astonishing paradise in a suburban setting. Somehow that combination makes the traveling experience into a "home" experience as well. We've enjoyed our stay immensely. Betsy and Tom, Boulder, CO
Positive Rating
Jean and Harvey, We are so happy we found the Boathouse. It is truely a magical place to be. We loved seeing the Butchart Gardens but left early because we couldn't wait to get back and enjoy this very special place. We sat on the deck and watched the beautiful sunset. The Boathouse reeks with charm - you did a wondeerful job decorating. We loved being able to row to the Butchart Gardens! This is so peaceful here - we will definitely be back! Thank you so much for your hospitality! Jennifer and Craig, Rocklin, CA
Positive Rating
It doesn't get much better than this!! Relaxation comes so easily here! I wish we could take it home with us! Everything you have created here is just perfect and your attention to detail is just unbelievable! I love all the little vases filled with cheerful flowers! Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and making our "20th" unforgettable! We hope to be able to come back for many more... See you next year... Roger & Sandra, Lafayette, CO