Whale Pod Chalet on Oaks Bluff
- Chalet372 m²
- Sleeps: 24
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 2
- Separate Toilets: 1
- Min Stay: 3–7 nights
Perfect for getaways or retreats. This mansion has a spectacular view.
Bedrooms
Owner
Kevin Keating
- Languages:
- english
About Kevin Keating
I was raised on the east coast of Canada. I grew up living close with the land. I spent many years traveling all over the planet. I am passionate about farming, current specializing in garlic and tomatoes. I express myself through building, most of the wood used to build the structures was selectively harvested wood milled from property. I am looking to expand the vision of the Whale Pod Chalet and Buddha Cottage. I plan to do this by incorporating more activities and amenities for the guests; such as spirit and health retreats, nature activities, water sports, weddings and reunions.
Kevin Keating purchased this Chalet in 1978
Why Kevin Keating chose Downtown
The breathtaking views and uniqueness of the buildings. Large property perfect for picture perfect and memorable weddings and able to house large amounts of guests. Also the seclusion, it sits high atop a cliff-face overlooking the ocean and is perfect for those seeking tranquility or to get away from the chaos of the world. It is perfect for any retreats or getaways or even for quality family time.
What makes this Chalet unique
Whale watching, pods of wild Orca whales routinely feed at the bottom of the cliff right beneath the property. Also, the panoramic far stretching views. It is gorgeous and perfect for soaking in the beauty of nature. The large size of the property makes it great for large gatherings.
Amenities
Featured
- Washer & Dryer
- TV
- Satellite or cable
- Children Welcome
- Internet
- Parking
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Pets Welcome
- Hot Tub
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 2, Separate Toilets: 1
Location Type
- near the seaDirectly on the ocean.
- Rural
- Beach view
- BeachfrontPender Island has over 30 public beaches 5 to 25 minutes away
- LakefrontMagic Lake dock is a 15 minute walk through the woods or a 5 minute car ride.
- Mountain view360 degree panoramic with over six mountain ranges including Whistler, Olympia, and Vancouver Island
- Ocean viewThe house sits atop a cliff-face and has a spectacular view of the Swanson Channel of the Georgia Strait. At night you can see the lights of Victoria in the distance.
- Oceanfront
- Water view
General
- Heating
- Linens provided
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryer
- Fireplace
- Parking
- Internet
- Towels provided
- Wireless InternetHigh speed over entire property
- Wood stove
- Iron & board
- Hair dryer
- Living Room
Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Hob
- Oven
- Microwave
- Grill
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Pantry itemsPre-packaged condiments are available
- Dishes & utensils
- Kitchen
Dining
- Dining area
- Dining
Entertainment
- TelevisionNetflix is available, web capable box connected to the main screen
- Satellite / Cable TVNetflix is available, web capable box connected to the main screen
- Stereo
- DVD player
- Books
- Music libraryNetflix is available, web capable box connected to the main screen
- Video libraryNetflix is available, web capable box connected to the main screen
Outside
- Garden
- Balcony
- Kayak / canoeTraining tour 10 minutes
- Bicycles
- Veranda
- Terrace
- Water Sports Gear10 minutes away
- Tennis
- Golf
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessibleWeekends and Weeks
- Long-term renters welcome
Pool / Spa
- Sauna
- Hot Tub
House Rules
Children allowed
Pets allowed - must be approved when bookingmust be approved when booking
Parties/events allowed
Smoking allowed - IN SMOKING AREAS ONLYIN SMOKING AREAS ONLY
Max guests: 24
Minimum age of primary renter: 19
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
21 Reviews
Amazing place for an easy-going family get-together
We just finished renting both the chalet & the cottage for a week in late September to hold a small wedding (17 people in attendance). We were able to have the ceremony on the property (in the garden near the cottage) and then enjoy a week relaxing with family and friends. It was absolutely perfect for our needs: spacious, affordable, very private, with incredible views (we saw orcas from the property 3 separate times in one week) and a very easy-going, reasonable, flexible owner. The cottage is newer and fancier than the chalet, but both buildings have great views and were built thoughtfully in tune with the surroundings. The cottage is great for writing, yoga, and feels very peaceful and luxurious. The chalet is great for large, easy-going groups who don't mind a "lived-in" feel; some bedrooms are fancier and have better views than others, but the house has so much space everyone was able to relax and fully enjoy. Our group loved the whole property - one family member already arranged to rent it again next summer! Big kitchen and tables for family meals and board games, several decks, a hot tub with amazing views, many nooks and crannies to escape to. Pender Island has a lot to offer - we spent hours at Brooks Point and could have spent more. The summer farmer's market on Saturday is popular. We went hiking, kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding, visited various beaches...but really most of our time was spent relaxing with family and friends in the chalet. It is not easy to find a property this big on the Gulf Islands for this price. I know because I looked very hard! Excited to go back next summer.
RUN!
If you're thinking of renting this place, run away as fast as you can. Place is very dated and needs tons of work. Beds and bedding smell so bad I had to sleep in my clothes so it wouldn't touch my skin. Gross.
Not like the pictures at all. Only thing nice is the view.
I highly discourage anyone renting this place. Certainly not worth the money he's asking!
Glad to be out of there! Will never return!
Customers failed to pay for the booking would not listen to reason had received a bogus contract showed them over 30 pages of correspondence with the person that actually booked and I have notes from all phone conversations. I lost $2000 with this booking I believe it was premeditated fraud
Not impressed
Well just spent 4 days there and that was more than plenty. The photos on the website are deceiving. Not as nice as it looks in those pics. Not as clean as it should be for the price. Sheets weren't even changed on one of the beds in the chalet. Property not kept up very nicely either. Nothing to do on this island especially if you bring kids along. Some locals not very friendly at all. Over all nothing what I expected. Very disappointed. will never go back The cottage was nice. Best thing there were the views.
When Jessica checked in I told her that three of her children where in the bed in question with there dirty boots on. She just laughed and did not tell them to get out.The group told me when they checked in that people on Pender Island had given them a hard time.Three times I had to go down to the local pub to drive some of them home Too drunk to drive and starting fights with the locals I could go on and on Have been renting for forty years and this is only the third bad booking Thank You Kevin
Spectacular Views
I rented the house and cottage for 9 nights for an annual knitting retreat in June. After 15 years on another island, the knitters voted that this was the best yet. Kevin was most agreeable and helpful with moving beds around to get the right combination of single and twin rooms. Lots and lots of extra clean sheets in the linen room. Towels were high quality and abundant, far superior to those provided in most rentals. Chef was generally pleased with the kitchen. Next year we will see about more shelves for food storage. We were providing gourmet meals 5 times a day for a week so had far more food and supplies than most groups would have.
The 35-45 age group went for long hikes each morning before breakfast, older ones tended to take their early morning coffee out to the sunny east-facing decks. So there was something for everyone before the serious knitting began on even more decks.
Yes, there is work to be done on the property, which is why I gave it four stars and not five. Kevin is trying hard to make improvements, but it is very difficult to get stable, reliable help on the islands. "Island Time" is very real, workers just don't turn up if the fishing is good, the hay needs cutting, or a child is sick. It's just not the same as renting a large house in Scotland where the family retainers live in a cottage on the property, or in Mexico with a caretaker catering to your needs. We are returning in June next year as this is the best self-catering property on the Gulf Islands and Southern Vancouver Island for a large group, and the pleasantest owner - and I have looked!
Bhard.
Wow. Couldnt have asked for a better week getaway with my buddies. Comfy beds, tons of space and towels for everyone and clean shot glasses. Had no problems with bugs, the hot tub or the oven. Very impressed. Every day was a blast and looking forward to coming back. Not to mention how warm and cozy the budda cottage was. 11/10.
Perfect
Best vacation I've ever been on, couldn't have asked for much more. The area is beautiful. cabin is beautiful, and there's TONS of room for people in the house. Kevin's a great guy, super easy to get along with and I can promise that I will be back more than once in the future.