The house is located on South Pender Island in British Columbia. Access to the Pender Islands (North and South Pender are joined by a single-lane bridge) is convenient from Vancouver, Vancouver Island or the Seattle area. Ferry service and seaplane service information is provided on the page titled "Useful Links". There are too many fun things to do on Pender to list here, but hopefully the "Useful Links" will give you some inspiration, and if you like relaxing, hiking, kayaking, farmers markets, artist studios, frisbee golf, etc., etc. - then Pender is the place for you.
The property is oceanfront, but in a sheltered cove, nestled between South and North Pender Islands. We have a South-West facing exposure, so there's lots of sun to enjoy on those sunny days. We're only a short boat ride away from Bedwell Harbour and the Beaumont Marine Park, and in the other direction from the Port Browning Marina - kayaking in this area is wonderful. Literally steps from the end of our driveway is the entrance to the Mount Norman regional park - a great hike rewarded with spectacular views of the Penders and surrounding islands from the summit. The house is adjacent to more park area, and only a minute stroll from Mortimer Spit's public beach - so there's lots to do and explore right in the immediate area around the house. We share a floating dock with the neighbours, so you can bring your boat, or use the dock for relaxing in the sun.
The house is a new, luxury home with 4 bedrooms. The master bedroom (Queen bed) has its own ensuite bathroom, a fireplace and balcony. The bathroom includes skylight windows, a glass-block shower stall, a jacuzzi tub and twin sinks. The two other bedrooms on the upper floor contain a Queen bed, and two twin beds in a room decorated more for children but still very comfortable for adults. These two bedrooms share a hallway bathroom with shower in tub, and sink. Another feature of the upstairs level is the "wrap-around" mezzanine that overlooks the Great Room, and provides a sofa, loveseat, and lots of room to spread out a jigsaw puzzle!
Downstairs the 4th bedroom is equipped with a Queen bed and a sofa. This bedroom has its own sliding door which opens onto the front deck. The bathroom is adjacent to the room and has a "fish-theme" decor with shower in tub and sink.
The 2-story Great Room offers floor-to-ceiling windows so you won't miss any of the view of the cove - or the otters and seals that play there. The two leather recliners near the window are a great spot for reading, watching the wildlife, or checking out the boats that pass through the canal that separates North and South Pender. There is also a large sofa and easy chair, colour TV, and stereo including CD player. You won't have to worry about an evening chill - every room in the house is equipped with baseboard heaters, and the Great Room has a Tulikivi soapstone stove.
The lower level also includes the dining area with a 10-person dining table, and a gourmet kitchen with centre island, wine captain, microwave, convection oven, ceramic cooktop, full-size fridge and freezer, and dishwasher. The water supply to the house is from our own cistern - and filtered and UV treated - and a reverse osmosis unit in the kitchen ensures that the purest possible water is available for ice-cubes and drinking! The kitchen is fully equipped - you'll only need to bring food, and the island's grocery stores are well-stocked if you want to leave the shopping until you get here.
Full-size washer and dryer are in a separate laundry room.
The house is well-stocked for guests - sufficient dishes, plates, cutlery, etc. for eight, as well as small appliances (coffee maker, blender, electric kettle, etc.). All towels and linens are provided - all you need to bring are your beach towels. There are a couple of PFDs (personal flotation devices, or lifejackets) in the house but these should properly fit the user, so please plan to bring your own if you intend to do any boating (there is an inflatable dinghy available) or for children. Because the house has easy access to the dock and water, please plan ahead to follow good water safety practices, especially if children will be in the house (we insist young children in our families wear a PFD while on the dock).
For "room-by-room" descriptions and more interior photos, click here.
