Sunday 1 February 2015

The Farmhouse: A Unique Vacation Experience

Whitaker Farm

The Farmhouse on a misty fall morning
Imagine vacationing in a calender, how relaxed would you feel?   Find out at The Farmhouse.  
The Farmhouse on Whitaker Road is an art filled, 3 bedroom home, separate from the rest of the farm,  kitted out with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, two patios, an outdoor dining area, bbq and laundry area.   This non smoking home sleeps up to 4 adults comfortably: or 2 adults and 3 children.

Sunset
There are direct flights from Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and, seasonally, Puerto Vallarta into the Comox Airport, just a short drive from town.

This recently remodeled home boasts a large eat in kitchen, three cozy farmhouse chic bedrooms, a breezy living room.  

Kitty Coleman Beach
The impressive land neighbors Kitty Coleman Gardens and is a short walk (950m) to Kitty Coleman Provincial Park & Beach, which has it's own boat launch.

The eastern portion of the park is home to a single majestic old-growth Douglas fir, estimated to be more than 500 years old. 

From there you can see Bald Eagles, Whales, Seals, Sea Lions,  Dals porpoises.  This is quite the popular spot for Salmon Fishing.

You are also a 20 min bike ride to Seal Bay Park.  The K’ómoks Band named it Xwee Xwby Luq or “place of serenity and beauty.”


Daisies all spring and  summer
The Island provides several beaches on the Georgia Straight to visit such as Miracle Beach just a hop, skip and a jump away.

This mid island location is perfect for day trips to the many unique communities on the Island's coast.





Sunflowers kiss the sky in fall
The Comox Valley boasts the longest growing season in Canada which means the Farmer's Market Season will be in full swing when you visit,  or if you are really keen, take a bike and do a farm tour!  You can also get to know some of the local artists who make this valley their home.  Maybe a daytrip to Denman Island is in your plans?

This location gives you lots of flexibility knowing you will have a peaceful place to call home at the end of the day.


A lush botanical garden for you to  enjoy

BC is home to over 187 species of butterflies, more than any other province in Canada, and with all the fertile soils and committed gardeners you are sure to see your share.

Oh but wait, perhaps butterflies aren't your thing... how about wine?  Vancouver Island, and the Comox Valley have a burgeoning wine industry, so why not take a wine or meadery tour?  Perhaps go for a sail, rent a bike, hit a golf course or visit a museum, gallery or two.





There are so many festivals to take in; The Filberg, Sandcastle Festival, Campbell River Shoreline Arts Festival and so much more.  And after all that activity, you don't want to miss going to one of the many spa's, we recommend the Hydropath.  Of course you will want to do some shopping, make sure you take some chocolate and pastries home to The Farmhouse for later.  Finish it up with wine and award winning cheese from some of the Valley's finest producers at home on the deck, watching the sun change to stars in this peaceful, light pollution free location. 

Whitaker Farm Botanical Gardens

Perhaps you are more of a homebody.  Don't stray too far from home as you will be staying on a peaceful 26 acres. Take a walk through the pasture to the 9 acres of  rain forest  sit beneath the trees and listen to the mountain fed creek.

Next wander past the barn to the lavender garden, settle down on one of the many benches  and let the scent wash over you as you relax and rejuvenate.



Lots of spots for quiet reflection
The Farmhouse has been newly renovated with a chef's kitchen & dining area, cozy french provincial bedrooms (one queen, one double, a twin daybed) and a breezy living room perfect for puzzles.  Is the weather too nice a night to stay inside? Then head outside to dine al fresco under the tree at the outdoor dining room for 6.  

To see more pictures click on this link here, or  check out this little video:  https://vimeo.com/96544845


Wanna join us in The Farmhouse at Whitaker Farm?   
Daily rates are $200.00 with a three day minimum.  
We offer a fantastic weekly rental Friday - Friday for $1250 (plus cleaning fee and damage deposit) 

If this appeals to you review the booking calender and notes below, then please email us and I can give you the details and confirm dates. 


"My wife and I were in search of a relaxing getaway honeymoon after our wedding and we couldn't have found a better spot. Mariette was the most wonderful host! Upon arrival there was a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and homemade goods straight from the garden. We had such a warm welcome and it really set us up for the entire week. We were given lots of recommendations of things to do in and around the area and were never steered in the wrong direction! We went to the Kingfisher spa, ate cronuts, visited a farmers market and drank local fruit wine - it was wonderful. The farmhouse will always hold a special memory for us and we wouldn't hesitate recommending to anyone who is looking for a cozy getaway on the island."   Erin B 
Cleaning fee $180 plus refundable damage deposit $500.  
Dogs considered on a case by case situation with applicable fees.


Cherry & Benito Welcome You!
Amenities:
  • riverside location
  • short walk to beach 
  • off leash paths nearby
  • quiet neighborhood
  • hosts on site 
  • wireless internet
  • phone with free long distance within Canada & US
  • cable & netflix
  • Kitchenaid convection oven
  • Miele dishwasher
  • laundry facilities
  • fridge
  • elder friendly
  • Beds:
    • Queen Bed
    • Double Bed
    • Twin Bed
Things to note:
  • Dogs will be considered on a case by case basis with extra deposit required.  
  • Wheelchair accessibility:  Unfortunately due to the age and size of the home it is not wheelchair accessible.  
  • Elder friendly, living area is on one floor however there are stairs leading into the house. 
  • This is a farm so the terrain, albeit flat, is not paved. 
  • This is a natural area, so there are wild animal visitors.  Please pay attention when in natural areas.     


BOOKING CALENDER

Indicates previous Farmhouse booking











Thursday 1 January 2015

Come take a peek at the farmhouse



In spring 2012 we took a trip to the South of France that changed our lives.  We always enjoyed eating local but  lived in the prairies. 

When on vacation our great joy was to eat local foods and indulge in the culture by staying in local villages.

When we arrived home we wondered if we could repeat this experience here in Canada and so we searched for our new home with room to grow.

We found this wonderful farm the next year and by May 2014 we took possession and began our new life on the farm.




Our goal was to make this little 1930's farmhouse feel the way we felt when we were in Provence last year where we relaxed and ate great local food and always had wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces and even though we were renting a house, it felt like home.

So here is your home away from home:

Built in the 1930's this farmhouse was home to a family of 7!


A wonderful bright front door is always open to you


A view from the front door

Hang your laundry on the old fashioned clothes line... or let the dryer do the work


Kitchen dining nook, table extends to fit six

A kitchen view of the outdoor dining area



A cozy, bright living room awaits you.

Local Art fills the walls

Relax with a great book from our bookshelves

Lots of room for intimate conversations and laughter








The elegant middle bedroom


Stylish farmhouse chic front bedroom



The cozy daybed bedroom


Don't pack your beach towel or your raincoat as we have gear for all weather for you here.



Dining al fresco under the Cherry tree - hope you get here in June for those!

Take a walk to the forest behind the fields

A View From Under the Big Maple Tree by the Creek

You can also take a break right by the creek!
A bounty of raspberries for you to enjoy July - August

Hops in the Garden in September


These raspberries give new meaning to the word eating local!
Daisy is always happy to meet a new friend, especially one with carrots!

Benito - the guard Donkey

Cherry & Ben

Zelda the barn cat
There is always something tasty for you to try


And don't forget to stop and smell the lavender

Alium

Spring garden

Alium in Spring

Daisies

Echinacea through the summer

Lavender in July and late August

Sunflower in Fall





You are welcome to meet the animals but they stay well out of your way unless you bring them carrots.

Walk down to the creek past 4 acres of gardens and fields