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French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat

Cottage in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat

With BBQ, & outdoor propane heater
Your private cottage in the wilderness of Port Renfrew!
Private kitchen
Interior
kitchen with gas stove

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4430 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Port Renfrew, BC
  • Place, Pacific Gateway Marina
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Port Renfrew Dock
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Port Renfrew Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat

Summary:

★ The Original Port Renfrew Vacation Rental just got better! ★



➞ Private Deck with Custom Firepit & BBQ

➞ Minutes to Botanical Beach, Avatar Grove, Lizard Lake, Fairy Lake, Patcheedaht Beach

➞ Walk to The Renfrew Pub, Pacific Gateway Marina & other Restaurants



》Pet Friendly!

》Free parking for two vehicles

》Perfect retreat for couples, friends and small families.

》Stay cozy when the power goes out with a Gas Range, Fireplace and Battery Backup (for internet)



Registration details

Provincial registration number: PM860139052



The Space:

★" We absolutely loved our stay. The fire pit, location and coziness was amazing. We will definitely be back."★



➞ A real gem in the heart of Port Renfrew. The perfect place to escape the city, or unwind and relax after a day of adventure!



➞ The bedroom is quiet and comfortable with a queen size bed and the living room has a pull-out couch.



➞ Enjoy a drink & smore's around the custom-built firepit!



》 Unlike other cottages in the community, we've upgraded to two hot-water tanks...enjoy that shower after a long day of hiking!

》 Port Renfrew is in the wilderness, and the power goes out often - Our battery backup system means you can charge your phone and continue to use the internet for up to 2 hours in the event of an outage!

》 Of course, Netflix and Cable TV is available - in addition to a library of classic DVD's.

》 Fun board games!

》 Pets welcome, just not on the furniture :)



Guest Access:

➞ Access to the cottage is via a keypad on the front door. You will receive the entry code upon booking.



The Neighborhood:

Located in a the Wild Coast Cottage community. There are neighbours close by. Privacy may be limited in outdoor areas.



Please note that each cottage in the neighbourhood is privately owned. If you visit at another cottage and bring dishes, chairs etc. please be sure to return them to their original cottage. Some cottages are rented like ours, but most are used only by their owners and families. Please be respectful of their privacy and property.





If you don’t feel like cooking The Renfrew Pub, Bridgeman’s West Coast Eatery, Coastal Kitchen Café and Tomi’s Home Cooking are all a short walk away.



The local General Store is about a 1km walk along Parkinson Rd and has a small selection of groceries, beer, wine and a cash machine. It’s a good idea to stock up on groceries on your way to Port Renfrew either in Sooke on your way from Victoria or in Lake Cowichan.



The list of activities in Port Renfrew are endless; seeing some of Canada’s tallest trees, getting close and personal with marine life at Botanical Beach and hiking the West Coast and Juan De Fuca trails. There is also surfing, beach combing, kayaking, beach combing, whale watching, storm watching and world class fishing.



Getting Around:

There's no public transit here. While you can walk to most amenities within Port Renfrew, you'll need a vehicle if you wish to get to Botanical Beach, Avatar Grove, etc. Restaurants are all within a 10-15 minute walking distance



Other Things to Note:

the cottage is nestled in a rainforest, surrounded by the lush beauty of nature. While the hosts make efforts to clear away cobwebs, animal and bird droppings, as well as leaves and debris before guests arrive, they kindly ask guests to understand that the cottage is situated in the habitat of these creatures. Therefore, it's natural for them to rebuild their webs and nests. Appreciating this delicate balance between human habitation and the natural environment adds to the charm of the stay.



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There is limited cell service in Port Renfrew, but the cottage has WI-FI. Guest can email, or enable WI-FI calling on their smart phone, or use other application to call such as What's app, or others. There is also a couple pay phone in town if needed. Current cell phone providers that work in the area are Rogers, Fido, Shaw and limited Telus.



Interaction with Guests:

I will be available by Airbnb messages and email.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet friendly
Outdoor Space
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The cottage is part of the Wild Coast Cottages community. Some cottages are rented like ours, but most are used only by their owners and families....

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Port Renfrew

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area is home to this cottage. Pacific Gateway Marina and Port Renfrew Dock are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve.
Map
Port Renfrew, BC

What's nearby

  • Pacific Gateway Marina - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Port Renfrew Dock - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Port Renfrew Beach - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Juan de Fuca Provincial Park - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Botanical Beach - 17 min drive - 5.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Haliwoods - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Coastal Kitchen Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Beach Camp Coffee Co. - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Beach Camp Coffee Co. - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Tomi's - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is French Girl's Lair: The Original Renfrew Retreat located?

Situated in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Pacific Gateway Marina and Port Renfrew Dock. Port Renfrew Beach and Juan de Fuca Provincial Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

T N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was cozy and cute and extremely clean. All the required information was shared with us online or was accessible via physical binder in the cottage. The kitchen had all you need for simple cooking. A few minutes walk to the ocean, in a nice and quiet neighbourhood. It is a perfect place to unwind, 100% recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Darryl S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice quiet setting for a get-away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tessa O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay, clean and had everything we needed. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

frank b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cottage. Near amazing hiking. Enjoyed our stay. Neat and tidy. Close to restaurants too!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carole R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love it! Cozy spot.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommended!

Beautiful property in a perfect location.Very clean, well stocked, and exactly as described. We’d definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lenore

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely cabin. Well furnished and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very convenience location

Very quiet location and easy access to docks and the park
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
We enjoyed our brief stay at Handsome Dans Port Renfrew. The cabin was quaint, comfortable and clean. We were fortunate to be able to stay for one night as many properties require a 3 night stay. The location was close to various beaches in the area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pierre

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice little cabin. Very clean and well maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Getaway

The French Girls Lair provided a lovely weekend getaway in scenic Port Renfrew. It has all the amenities you’ll need for a great stay
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nothing to dislike. Fantastic place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

weekend in Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is a hidden gem on the west coast. Beautiful beaches and easily accessible. Cabin was so cozy and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness
Very easy to access this immaculate suite. Friendly and helpful hosts. Very pleased with our stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nik M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Juan De Fuca Trip

We had a great time! Exactly the spot we needed before our big hiking trip
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Alysha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little getaway

This was such a cute little cabin. It was tidy and provided us with a comfortable, cozy night as the rain poured down. We were saddened to find that the fireplace didn't work and the BBQ flames didn't always stay lit, however it didn't impact our experience overall. I would definitely come back for another stay!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Alexander R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and cozy stay. Everything you need within walking distance.

Small concern over utilities but the manager’s reply was prompt and communications were sufficient (although the problem was never resolved). However, the stay was fantastic and offered everything we needed to enjoy our spring break.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Janice L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short stay in Renfrew

We enjoyed our overnight stay, the cabin was clean, quiet and fairly well outfitted. It would be better if garbage removal was addressed by the host.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tish B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surrounded by the Beauty of creation

Well equipped & maintained comfortable cabin with nice privacy on the deck. Very comfortable bed! Nestled in the midst of the spectacular beauty of Port Renfrew. It was only a brief stop for us, but perfect weather and lovely peaceful getaway
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Retreat

I was only on the property for a few hours for a good nights sleep, but everything looked like it did online and the owner communicated well so we could get in easily.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Fabulous location. Travelling with relative from England. They loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Emilie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little place

Stayed 1 night. Appreciated the selection of movies books and games. Everything was clean except that the dishes needed to be re-washed from the previous guests and the couch cushions looked a little grimy.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Really cute cabin. Comfortable queen bed. Super clean with good size fridge and gas stove. Fireplace inside was nice and took the chill off after being outside all day. There was a fire ban on so didn’t get to use the outdoor fire pit but it looked great. Absolutely loved exploring the beaches and hiking all around Port Renfrew. Would recommend staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Daphne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The gas fireplace in the house was inoperable, which was not communicated prior to arrival. Lots of other broken or not operational amenities, unfortunately. The property is for sale so I think there may be a lack of care in keeping the property to the high standards expected of this resort. I have stayed in this resort previously and had high hopes but was didsppointed with this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

victor A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy

Family of four. No problem.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Handsome Dans

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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