Escape to The Farmily, a serene oceanfront retreat in the Cowichan region near Chemainus. Explore nature trails with fairy houses, kayak around small islands, and unwind in expansive fields perfect for family games like bocce ball and soccer.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 8279 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock
Welcome to The Farmily, beautiful 3,000 square house surrounded by 40 acres set on the ocean in the Cowichan region just outside of Chemainus. Very private acreage for a family or friend gathering. Perfect for children of all ages with nature walks, fairy houses on the trails, lakes and golf courses outside your door. Kyaking from your own private ocean front around the small islands and exploring the coastal waters is a lovely way to see the westcoast landscape. 3 Kyaks and oars are all provided. You don't have to leave the property to have a wonderful vacation. The property is a unique mixture of agriculture, equestrian property, estuary and 800 year old trees leading down to the ocean. Horses and deer are companions. Expansive fields, walking trails through private forest, 1/4 mile running track and grass areas for family games such as bocce ball, badminton, croquet and soccer. We have lots of lawn games here to use. Various walking trails along the ocean bluff. 40 fruit trees can be enjoyed during the fruit picking seasons. In the summer time you can swim off the dock in waters heated by the tidal sands. Digging for clams and oysters is also a favourite pastime in season. Horses on the property are always there for a good nuzzle looking for a carrot or treat. This private and beautiful house is spacious and comfortable for large groups or families who enjoy nature. All four bedrooms have private ensuites and there is a lower level relaxation, yoga and play area. All yoga mats, props already provided. Wonderful for any self directed workshops, book clubs, quilting groups or yoga groups looking for a spacious area to set their workshops. The host can also organize scavenger hunts, nature walks, horse drawn carriage rides or yoga and meditation. Lovely big fields and walking trails along the ocean bluff to your private dock. We are within walking distance of a beautiful golf course, Chemainus has a preforming arts theatre with quaint shopping and dining experiences. Within a 25 mile radius are some of BC's most celebrated vineyards, with farm to table restaurants. Fishing, boating, swimming and scuba diving is all available along the coastal waters.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Electric car charging station on site
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Kitchenette
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Breakfast available for a fee
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
4.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Dock
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the marina
Near the ocean
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Golf
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings
Any events you will need to have it pre-approved
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Any events you will need to have it pre-approved
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 0010781, H029983506
About the area
Located in Chemainus, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the ocean. Hansel and Gretel's Candy Company and Teafarm are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Antiques Post Office Mall and Duncan Farmers Market. Travelling with kids? Consider The Raptors and Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling. Visit our Chemainus travel guide
Is Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock located?
This family-friendly Chemainus holiday home is located by the ocean, within 1 mi (2 km) of Mount Brenton Golf Course, Chemainus Theatre and Fuller Lake Arena. Hansel and Gretel's Candy Company and Kinsmen Beach Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The farm-style guesthouse was perfect for our needs, and we enjoyed wandering the extensive grounds. Nice country setting while conveniently close to town.
This is a magical place-the house is spacious and well-appointed and the grounds are just spectacular! We were so delighted by the ancient trees, the marshes and the exquisite waterfront.
8 senior ladies enjoyed our stay. It is perfect for seniors as there are bathrooms in each bedroom, and all on the same level. No stairs to worry about, unless you care to go downstairs to the play/yoga recreation area. The e-mail was not always working…..spotty, but that was not a big issue. We enjoyed finding our way down to the ocean through the fields, and trails. All in all, we would recommend it. Many thanks to Heidi for leaving us a fruit basket, to die for pastries, coffee, and granola that some just took handfuls of!!!
The property was as advertised. So clean ,lots of room .Beautiful home. Heidi was amazing very easy to contact and replied quickly. She left us a welcome goody basket which was over the top! Baked goods, yogurt , coffee beans fruit cream ,fresh flowers !.Every night we came home to 5 to 6 deer eating the apples in the orchard. An amazingly outstanding stay. Thankyou !
The property was beautiful and the vacation home was perfect for our group of ladies. The home is clean and very comfortable; Heidi thought of everything! We highly recommend this venue and look forward to a return visit.
Heidi was a very friendly and thoughtful host, leaving an assortment of treats upon our arrival and providing clear instructions on where to find things, including kayaks, fairy houses, and good bakeries! The property is idyllic with so many tranquil and peaceful spaces. From hanging out with Francine and Lucy (the horses) to watching seals play in the water, there are ample opportunities for moments of serenity. The house was ideal for a family vacation with plenty of space to gather as well as enough room to enjoy privacy and quiet time.I would highly recommend this rental!
Kitchen, dining and living room is a good sized open area with the four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and shower off the main floor. In the lower area there is an L shaped couch and two armchairs for relaxing. Lower area also has space for kids to play, yoga or meditation with French doors leading to a large verandah with seating and a barbecue. We were a group of 9 women on a retreat. Good for vacations or retreats. Area central to mid and southern island sites. Heidi, our host was fantastic with a welcome breakfast of coffee, eggs, fruit, yogurt and pastries. Heidi was also quick to reply to any questions we had. Walk to beach was beautiful.
A wonderful place to stay with family. House is very clean & comfortable. All rooms are spacious and have big ensuite bathrooms. Kitchen is very well stocked. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings of the property and forest walk leading to the dock. It was a great experience and above all Heidi was very very quick to respond to any of our questions.
This wonderful place in Chemainus was a getaway with all the comforts of home. We enjoyed waking up to horses in the field, hiked the trails, and kayaked in the ocean. The home was spacious and clean. We traveled all the way from Hawaii and had a nice, relaxing vacation. Heidi was incredibly helpful and her special touches made our stay extremely memorable!!
This property is absolutely perfect for a getaway of several couples on a gourmet cooking weekend. Each couple had lovely bedroom with private bathroom and a central kitchen that was extremely well stocked. The setting is beautiful with a beautiful walk to the ocean side. Close proximity to Chemainus. Heidi was welcoming, helpful, and responsive. My group will likely be back!
This house was a great, relaxing vacation spot for my family. We enjoyed hanging around on the back porch and taking walks through the meadow and forest out to the dock. Close to Chemainus for groceries and local shops.
The host is friendly and informative, left us goodies upon arrival, and even helped us paint and decorate a fairy house to leave along the forest path.
I hosted a retreat here with 7 people staying and sharing the beautiful living space. The land brings so much to the experience, the movement space is so functional and Heidi is the perfect host. Gorgeous meadows, forests and being able to spend time at the ocean and with the horses is incredible. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to host a retreat in a quiet, beautiful space.
The property was perfect for our needs (3 couples, one with an infant). Four private bedrooms, each with its own ensuite was ideal.
The central kitchen was well stocked and spacious.
Our host was very accommodating.
One area for improvement would be the addition of blackout curtains for the bedrooms.
As always this house made another girls weekend a success! With the kitchen adjacent to the dining and living area, makes cooking enjoyable as you don’t feel separated from the conversations. All bedrooms just off the main living area with their own bathrooms are comfortable and nicely appointed. The property is serene and peaceful.
Heidi always has something special waiting for her guests and is so attentive and warm!
Thanks again see you in February!
Heidi is amazing. The horses are awesome, although I'm not going to lie Franny's my favorite. The pictures on VRBO do not give it justice. The walking trails and oceans and amenities offered as well as the house and everything in it could not be improved upon. If you're looking for a place to stay with fresh air Outdoors trails and yet all the modern convenience of the whole house, I wouldn't pick anywhere else.
We all had a very nice time on the property. We enjoyed the trails, the kayaks, nature, and even visiting with the horses. The space of the house was also very convenient for our group and we especially enjoyed the large kitchen for when we wanted to cook dinner. Heidi was a great host and was in easy contact if we needed anything. Also the tip to go to the Duncan farmer's market was definitely enjoyed by all. Overall A+ experience and would definitely visit again!
We were so impressed how clean everything was when we arrived. It’s the perfect set up for 4 couples as we each had our own bathroom. If we needed anything Heidi was right there with what we needed. She also left us a welcome basket of baking and fruit and shared her neighbours excess corn and fruit plus allowed us to help ourselves to anything that was ripe in the garden. She was an excellent hostess. We loved our time there.
Our family loved our 4 night stay at your spacious guesthouse. Each bedroom has its own bath with shower. The large kitchen is very well equipped, and the breakfast treats were greatly enjoyed! The walk down to the ocean, about 600 meters, goes through a stand of huge old fir and cedar, then a meadow with a frog pond, then a typical West Coast forest. A nearby bluff has a panoramic view of the islands off Chemainus. We thoroughly enjoyed the three kayaks. If you’re looking for seclusion and beautiful nature, this home will not disappoint!
A wonderful house on a fabulous property- the family had an amazing time kayaking on the sound, feeding apples to the horses and exploring the woods. Very comfortable with everything you need. Heidi is lovely host and provided us with breakfast goodies and home grown plums, apples and vegetables. Also a great source of what’s available to do and see. The town of Chemainus has some good bakeries and cafes, cute little parks and some wonderful murals. Nice base town for exploring the south part of Vancouver Island. Looking forward to returning.
Beautiful property - peaceful, expansive, inviting. Felt like we were out in our own world and yet good access to towns and activities. The en suite bathrooms for each of the 4 bedrooms was a great feature! What made it most exceptional - Heidi!! Spectacular attentive host who provided enriching activities for the kids and responded to any questions/needs from adults. Kind, engaging, generous. Only disappointment was the awkward kayak access to dock/water. Beautiful setting though
This property is a most special rental…
Inside:
Spacious, well-appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Lovely linens. Awesome yoga studio with all of the props/ mats needed ( I typically travel with my own mat) for a complete/safe practice. Beautuful kitchen with everything to prepare in-home meals. Great Wifi/Cell connectivity..
Outside: Heaven on 40 acres… gorgeous well-maintained walking paths…ocean at the end of the trail- apectacular views… the kayaks were awesome! Last but not least the canine/equine hosts and Heidi were the most welcoming and wonderful to connect with!
10 stars… wonderful!
Magical spot for my family in Chemainus! Wildlife everywhere! My family all had private sleeping and bathroom areas with a common great room which was a perfect set up. The property has it all - old growth forest, meadow, estuary, bluff with endless views, and a boat dock. My 3 year old grandson loved the fairy houses hidden along the trail - I think we found them all!
Our hostess Heidi, was so welcoming and kind leaving us some breakfast treats at check-in and bringing an adorable stuffie horse for my grandson. She also brought him a tricycle to tool around the large driveway.
Check/In/Out was a breeze as well. Can’t say enough about this fabulous place and the memories made.
Heidi was very accommodating She made special arrangements for my brother-in-law to have his RV near the home We were welcomed by our host and Heidi left us fruit coffee cream pastries and treats
The home was the perfect venue for our family There were only 2 children but they enjoyed the outdoor nature paths with little ornaments They played bocce croquet and catch
The kitchen was a great gathering place
Living room close by for games
This house was close to the wedding and also town Some good coffee spots and walking paths
Wished we could have kayaked but didn’t happen
I would definitely come back here again and hope we all do
Thankyou so much Heidi for everything
We did have one suggestion
A hot tub ??? It was a chilly weekend lol