Nestled in a fir and arbutus forest, this recently renovated and professionally decorated separate, private cottage is behind our home on a 2.5-acre property on the Malahat. The huge picture windows and vaulted ceilings make you feel like you are living in a treehouse. The fully equipped kitchen has a full size range, microwave, fridge/freezer, and 18” dishwasher. The dining table seats 4. The living area has a new sofa with a comfy pullout queen-size memory foam mattress. There is a 36” TV with ROKU in the living room, so you can watch your own Netflix, Prime, etc, account and a DVD player with many movies in the cupboard. The electric fireplace feels cozy in winter. There is an in window air conditioner in summer months. On the other side of the entry you will find the bedroom with king size pillow top medium firm mattress, ceiling fan, bedside reading lamps and a lap top size desk that can be used for those working from home or for hair and makeup as there is a large mirror above it. In the large closet, you will find hanging space for your clothing, a stacked washer and dryer , as well as an iron and ironing board. The bathroom is accessed from the bedroom and has a shower only, with excellent water pressure, a comfort height toilet, and vanity with storage and a hair dryer with mirrored medicine cabinet above to store your toiletries. A heated tile floor in the bathroom. Immerse yourself in nature here. Numerous varieties of birds, deer, and on occasion, bears and cougars have been seen from the windows. There is an outdoor dining table for 2 and comfortable patio furniture that can be used in numerous spots on the large wrap around covered deck with retractable awning in one area. A propane BBQ is provided for your use.

We have severe ALLERGIES in our household and extended family who also use the cottage, so we cannot accommodate any animals. We also use unscented laundry detergent and no fabric softener. We understand fragrance sensitivities.

This is a NO SMOKING property. 🚭

We don’t recommend this property for toddlers or young kids for safety reasons outdoors. We plan to upgrade in the future. There are 3 natural, uneven stone steps from the path onto the deck with handrail.

There are exterior metal roll down window shutters that make great black out for sleeping as well as fabric blinds inside. Due to the proximity of the TransCanada highway, some people may notice some traffic noise during the day. It’s very quiet at night.

Located just minutes off the TransCanada Hwy, the only road leading "up island" as the locals say, gives you quick access to this scenic drive leading to many tourist attractions north of Victoria as well as getting you to the inner harbour downtown Victoria in 30 mins. Other popular destination drive times are:
• Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal 45 min
• Victoria International Airport 40 min
• Beacon Hill Park 30 min
• Fisherman’s Wharf 30 min
• Ogden Point Breakwater ( cruiseship terminal) 35 min
• The Empress Hotel (inner harbor) 30 min
• Grocery stores 12 min
• Hatley Castle and Royal Roads University 20 min
• Fisgard Lighthouse and Fort Rodd Hill 25 min
• Butchart Gardens 35 min
• Goldstream Provincial Park 7 min , home of seeing the salmon run and numerous hiking trails
• Duncan, City of Totems is 30 min
• Chemainus, City of murals 45 min
• Parksville 1 ½ hours , Qualicum Beach 5 min further
• Cathedral Grove (also known as MacMillan Prov Park) is just under 2 hours
• Crofton Ferry Terminal (goes to other Salt Spring Island terminal) 45 min
• Duke Point Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo 1 hr
• Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo 1 ¼ hr
• Mt. Washington Ski Hill 2 ½ hrs
Activities in the area include:
• Hiking
• Cycling (miles of railway lines have been converted into cycling and walking trails)
• Kayaking, SUP
• Golf, I last counted 17 courses with 25 km radius (many open year round)
• Wineries, gin and spirit distilleries, cider making and even a meadery
• Snow skiing in winter even when golfing in Victoria
• Many great restaurants surrounding us
• Shopping
• The Malahat Skywalk is now open and is just on the other side of the summit.

Winter Guests: A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, as we get snow at this elevation (850 ft) and the roads leading to the property are steep and winding. As a minimum, your car must be equipped with M&S logo tires or chains to travel the Malahat Oct 1 to March 31.

We live in a private community. There is no “Arbutus Woods Signage” to protect the privacy of ourselves, neighbours, and guests.

Please note we have a strict NO PET/animals policy due to ALLERGIES. The property sleeps a maximum of four people and has plenty of parking.

All guests must upload government issued ID within 24 hours of booking or the booking will be canceled. guests over 1 month will be required to sign a lease.