Vacation Rentals by Owner

Garden of Eden?

Guest: Meltie (Mesa, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

When Louise built Victoria Garden Estate she must have had some inside informaiton on what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. The place was heaven to us as we enjoyed all of what Victoria Garden Estates has to offer. We celebrated my parent's 50th anniversary here and absolutely loved the house, the grounds and the location. We came from Iowa, Michigan and Arizona and met for a week's vacation. The house was very relaxing and perfect for our two kids (10 and 6) who spent as many waking hours as possible in the pool and hot tub. The days were incrediblly sunny and 75 degrees and the nights were cool and perfect for sleeping with the windows open. We felt like we were all alone in our own part of the world yet only a 5 minute walk to Deep Cove to shell and tidpool. We used the crab cages Louise provided and caught 8 large crabs in Sidney - the highlight of the trip for our boys. We picked fresh fruit daily on our walks, ate fresh salmon on the grill and most of all enjoyed our family time. We only had 8 people in the house but it could comfortably fit more. Thanks for the memories Louise.

Owner response:It was a true pleasure to meet you and all of your family during your visit. A 50th wedding anniversary is so special and I am happy you chose our Estate to celebrate it. I was delighted that the boys were able to use the crab traps and to catch so many crabs!!! We hope that someday you and your families will return to Deep Cove. Best regards, Louise

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family Reunion/wedding on May Long weekend

Guest: Barb and Ken (Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

My partner of 17 years and I were looking for a place to hold our family reunion/wedding of 30 people and that could accomodate our 5 children, their spouses and the grandchild all in one place at one time. We chose the perfect spot! This house, while being just lovely, was also extremely cosy and comfortable, and all of the family felt right at home. Louise, the owner was so helpful and accommodating. She did all of my wedding flowers to perfection and recommended a wonderful marriage commissioner to us as well as supplying all the tables and chairs. The house is fully equipped, right down to toys and little furniture for the children. Our family reunion/wedding was everything we wanted it to be. Thank you so much for everything Louise, we have such lovely memories of our stay here.

Owner response:Thank you Barb and Ken for choosing Victoria Garden Estate for your wedding and family reunion. I enjoyed getting to know you both and meeting your family. Your wedding was the perfect size for the Vacation House and I especially liked how you set up your reception tables in the kitchen's atrium considering the unpredictable weather, it was a nice set up. Thank you very much for taking care of our vacation house while you were there. We look forward to accommodating you and your family for your next gathering. Louise

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wedding/Family Reunion on the May Long weekend

Guest: Barb and Ken (Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 05/31/11

My partner of 17 years and I were looking for a place to hold our family reunion/wedding of 30 people and that could accomodate our 5 children, their spouses and the grandchild all in one place at one time. We chose the perfect spot! This house, while being just lovely, was also extremely cosy and comfortable, and all of the family felt right at home. Louise, the owner was so helpful and accommodating. She did all of my wedding flowers to perfection and recommended a wonderful marriage commissioner to us as well as supplying all the tables and chairs. The house is fully equipped, right down to toys and little furniture for the children. Our family reunion/wedding was everything we wanted it to be. Thank you for everything Louise, we have lovely memories of our stay here.

Owner response:Thank you Barb and Ken for choosing Victoria Garden Estate for your wedding and family reunion. I enjoyed getting to know you both and meeting your family. Your wedding was the perfect size for our vacation house and I especially liked how you set up your reception tables in the kitchen's atrium considering the unpredictable weather. It was a nice set up. Thank you very much for taking care of our vacation house while you were there. We look forward to accommodating you and your family for your next gathering. Louise

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect house for a perfect vacation !

Guest: CouCou33 (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 12/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

Beautiful House on gorgeous grounds in a great area. The living space is awesome and can really accommodate a large group. The bedrooms are really cosy and big. We've just spent the new year there with 8 adults and 4 children and we all had a great time. The owner is super nice and very friendly. I would recommend it any time !

Owner response:Thank you for choosing our vacation home for your 2011 New Years. It's always nice to hear back from our customers to let us know they enjoyed their stay at Victoria Garden Estate. I hope you get a chance to return and have equally as good of a time. Summertime with the pool, hot tub and gardens is a great time for families to come visit. Hope to see you again! Best wishes to you and your families. Louise

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

An Amazing Vacation

Guest: n/a (Ontario)
Date of Stay: 09/14/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/11

My family (of 6) and I came to Vancouver Island in Fall 2010, this was our first trip to BC. We had an amazing time! The house and property were beautiful!!! The location is perfect because it's very close (about 5 mins) to the Victoria Airport and to the BC Ferries service. The house is close to a nice town called the Town of Sidney, this place has everything you can possibly need. And it's only about 20 - 30 mins drive to downtown Victoria. We could wake-up in the morning and walk down to the water/ocean and through trails in the forest. The house was well furnished, equipped and clean! Our kids loved the playing in the yard and in the pool. I would like to say a BIG Thank You to Louise for welcoming us!!! We had a great vacation and we can't wait to come back!

Owner response:Hello Cheryl, I enjoy hearing back from our customers and your comments are important to us. I am very pleased your stay was enjoyed by all. Thank you for taking care of our vacation house during your stay. Your return visit to Victoria Garden Estate is always welcomed. Have a wonderful year! Warm Regards Louise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Knud Erik Nordenhof

Guest: Knud (Danmark)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

it´s a wonderfull place for all kind of people - a lovely landlady - fantastic surroundings - a wonderfull garden and different animal life.

Owner response:Hello Knud, It's alway nice to hear back from our customers especially since you and your family are from so far away. I am very happy you enjoyed the fishing trip my friend set up for you and I thank you for the salmon and halibut you left for me. We are still enjoying it. I hope you get a chance to come out again to Vancouver Island. Best always. Louise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comments on Experience At Victoria Gardens

Guest: Ron and Marilyn (Woodland, California USA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Our family clan consits of "5 families"; two in the State of Washington, Two in the State of California, and us - parents of our four adult children. Our situation was that our "clan" needed to come together to celebrate a 50th Wedding Anniversary in June, 2010. In short order the internet was utilized and after several family councils Victoria Garden Estate was selected. The decision was made because of the Internet description of the house and the interaction with Louise, Estate manager, and the booking agent, EMR Vacation Rentals. It was a confidence-building exchange of information. All of our questrions were readily answered, and we felt that we were dealing with people that knew their business. So, for one full week we spent time at the estate. There were fourteen (14) of us, ranging from under two years to Seventy-four years of age. The weather cooperated, the deer, rabbits and neighborhood friendly cat ran freely about the place. We had many short walks to explore the neighborhood. Before we forget, there is a "Country Store" near the estate - located at the intersection of Wain and West Saanich Roads as we recall - has great sandwhichs for lunch among other items. Great place for a snack or such. It was recommended by Louise and she knows the exact location. The house was fully equipped with the necessary utensils for cooking. All we did was supply the food. During the whole week there was no need to contact the manager for any problem. (She was close by in case anything questionable developed). The atmosphere of the estate was wonderful. We can summerize the week with the phrase: "Never a discouraging word was heard". That's a true statement which is neat for fourteen people!! Evening family board and impromptu games and world cup soccer games on TV were part of the daily routine. Most days were spent sightseeing to various spots on the island. Sleeping arrrangements were excellent. Separate rooms allowed those who wanted to sleep late, think teenagers, to do so without being disturbed by the others. Meals were grand gatherings where we comparied individual trips and experiences. Good relaxing environment. Everyone fell in love with the house - a georgeous house. Location was great. Buchart Gardens was about half an hour away, Sidney ten minutes and Victoria about one hour. (Sidney has everything you need, including Bookstores). None of this whole clan would ever hesitate to book another reservation at Victoria Garden Estate.

Owner response:Dear Ron and Marilyn, Thank you for choosing our home for your vacation in North Saanich and happy your stay here was enjoyed by all. We are honored you have shared your experiences that you had while in our home with other guests viewing our property. Thank you very much for taking care of our home while you were here. Your return visit to Victoria Garden Estate is always welcomed. Warm Regards Louise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: Jessica, Chelsea, Keely (Edmonton)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

My girlfriends and I had a wonderful getaway at Victoria Garden Estate. We are from Edmonton and needed a week away from the city. This place was just what we needed. It's very secluded and private but only a short drive from all the amenities. Five min from the airport was a very nice surprise. The house itself is outstanding...nicest house I have ever been in. We felt like movie stars! The property is very large with lots of gardens and the pool was fun. The owners are very nice and helpful. They told us about the many wineries in the area and we had a blast visiting all of them! We will definitly return next summer, thanks again Louise

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Girls Getaway

Guest: Jessica, Chelsea, Keely (Edmonton)
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

My girlfriends and I had a wonderful getaway at Victoria Garden Estate. We are from Edmonton and needed a week away from the city. This place was just what we needed. It's very secluded and private but only a short drive from all the amenities. Five min from the airport was a very nice surprise. The house itself is outstanding...nicest house I have ever been in. We felt like movie stars! The property is very large with lots of gardens and the pool was fun. The owners are very nice and helpful. They told us about the many wineries in the area and we had a blast visiting all of them! We will definitly return next summer, thanks again Louise

Owner response:Thank you Jessica, Chelsea and Keely for sharing your comments with our other guests and I am very pleased you enjoyed yourselves at Victoria Garden Estate. Our large home was perfect for your Women's Getaway with the private pool, hot tub and extensive gardens where you can sit back and relax with your good friends. This home has spacious kitchen, dining and family rooms that make it ideal for large gatherings. With 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms we can accommodate 15-18 guests. We are close to the beach, hiking trails and shopping is just 5 minutes away. If you are planning on returning I can provide a private wreath making class for your group. It is easy and alot of fun! With thanks, Louise

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: CLW (Petaluma, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/11/08

This is a beautiful home in a wonderful location. It was perfect for our large group. The property is private and quiet, and yet close to shopping, sightseeing, and many activities. We really enjoyed our stay!

Owner response:Thank you for your comments we appreciate you taking the time to write. I hope that someday your family will return to Victoria Garden Estate for another family reunion. Thanks! Louise

Recommended for:

Very nice!

Guest: CLW (Petaluma, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/12/08

This is a beautiful home in a wonderful location. It was perfect for our large group. The property is private and quiet, and yet close to shopping, sightseeing, and many activities. We really enjoyed our stay!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/17/08 Review Submitted: 07/17/08

Thank you Louise! What a truly luxurious and beautiful home and yes it’s an Estate. The flowers in the rooms and around the Estate are spectacular. Bob and Louise are more than helpful with local and general information about the area and surrounding island(s) and events there, plenty of both!The food in town is a short1 mile away in Sidney, a portside town. It’s great and quaint. You can shop and cook for the well equipped kitchen as well.We bought local fish and cooked it on the BBQ there…WOW now that’s fresh!The beds are comfy and private. For families like ours of 12 we had no problem having space. There’s a family room large enough for all to sit down and recount the day’s events or even watch a movie on the large TV. Ponds, badminton, pool, spa, gazebo (lit at night) and vast lawns are just part of the allure here. There’s even a gift shop and studio where dried flower gifts can be seen in production We were there a week and it wasn’t enough. Trips to the famous Butchart Gardens or Victoria are a short drive. Artisans of glass, silver and more showed up downtown 2-3 times while we were there or yu can isit their studios.Even the Ferry ride to Sidney port was awesome as you wind thru the islands many calm bays where the forest grows down to the waters edge.Weather its exciting whale trips or just relaxing at the estate it’s all close and all beautiful.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/16/08

Thank you Louise! What a truly luxurious and beautiful home and yes it’s an Estate. The flowers in the rooms and around the Estate are spectacular. Bob and Louise are more than helpful with local and general information about the area and surrounding island(s) and events there, plenty of both! The food in town is a short1 mile away in Sidney, a portside town. It’s great and quaint. You can shop and cook for the well equipped kitchen as well. We bought local fish and cooked it on the BBQ there…WOW now that’s fresh! The beds are comfy and private. For families like ours of 12 we had no problem having space. There’s a family room large enough for all to sit down and recount the day’s events or even watch a movie on the large TV. Ponds, badminton, pool, spa, gazebo (lit at night) and vast lawns are just part of the allure here. There’s even a gift shop and studio where dried flower gifts can be seen in production We were there a week and it wasn’t enough. Trips to the famous Butchart Gardens or Victoria are a short drive. Artisans of glass, silver and more showed up downtown 2-3 times while we were there or yu can isit their studios. Even the Ferry ride to Sidney port was awesome as you wind thru the islands many calm bays where the forest grows down to the waters edge. Weather its exciting whale trips or just relaxing at the estate it’s all close and all beautiful.

Owner response:Hello Rod and family, We very much enjoyed your visit here at Victoria Garden Estate, it's really nice to receive comments from our guests, thank you. We do hope we get a chance to have your family return to our vacation home in the future. P.S. I am waiting for our double pink poppy to go to seed and as promised will send you some so you can enjoy them in your garden! Enjoy the rest of your summer. Louise

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Our Wedding Venue & Family Accommodation

Guest: Carly&Steve (Kitchener, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 05/16/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

We had the most amazing and relaxing time at the estates! My husband and I had our wedding there in May 2008 and some of our close family and friends (as well as the two of us) stayed at the estates for the week. We had an outdoor ceremony in the garden and the reception was inside in their dance hall. We stayed on the grounds the whole day including all of our bridal and family pictures, no rushing around to other venues. It was such a perfect setting; private and romantic; our guests were totally enthralled by the dance hall and the beautiful flower gardens. We had lots of "the best wedding I have ever been to" in our guest book! Thank you!!! Carly & Steve

Owner response:Carly and Steve, Thank you for sharing the experiences that you had while in our home with other guests viewing our property on line. We are pleased that your wedding day and family stay was pleasant. Thank you very much for taking care of our home while you were there. Warm Regards Louise

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.