Gulf Islands British Columbia Self Catering Holiday Lets

Picture yourself relaxing in a 4500 sq-ft luxury home, located on the waterfront with spectacular views of Georgia Straight, Howe sound and the snow peaked coastal mountains. Imagine the long driveway lined by cherry blossoms leading to the house through 5 acres of manicured lawns and carefully kept gardens. Don't be surprised if you have to stop, allowing some of the deer that frequent the property to move out of your way. Think of the tranquility and privacy of this getaway setting, nestled between the towering cedar and fir trees that shield and protect you on both sides of the property.

Once inside, the gourmet kitchen, the richly appointed interior and impeccable furnishings will immediately take your breath away: With massive stainless steel appliances and seemingly miles of tiled countertops, a big oak-topped island and beautiful cabinetry, the fully-equipped kitchen is a joy! The guys will love the big deluxe stainless BBQ, located on the patio just outside the kitchen. Four sets of glass doors leading to the oceanfront patio virtually ensure that you can enjoy the view from every couch, chair or comfortable seat in the living or dining room. If you love to curl up with a book, then the cozy wingback chairs and the warmth of the living room fireplace are a dream come true. As you ascend to the second floor, you will be amazed by the artwork, including the towering mermaids who watch over you as you climb.

Previously a 5-star B&B, the house has four individually styled bedrooms, each complete with fireplace and ensuite bathroom. The ensuites located within the three upstairs bedrooms include shower, Jacuzzi tub and incredible ocean views. The bedroom on the main floor also includes a fireplace, ensuite with regular tub and shower, as well as access to its own private patio overlooking the ocean. With two king and two queen-sized beds, there is room for the entire family. Should additional sleeping space be necessary, an additional queen sized pullout couch is available in the den downstairs. Also in the den, you will find a desk with computer and internet, and a large comfy chair in addition to the pull out couch. The kids will enjoy the board games, large flat-screen television, DVD / VHS machine and movie library, as well as X-Box machine and games, which are all located in the den. The door from the den leads to an additional patio with a table, chairs and a 7-man outdoor hot tub. The up-stairs family room is extremely cozy, lined with beautiful built-in mahogany bookcases and desk, with more of those amazing ocean views. The family room also includes an additional television, DVD player and wet-bar with fridge. Finally, the fully equipped laundry facilities located on the second floor will allow you to clean any clothes necessary during your stay.

In terms of local amenities, Gabriola Island has everything a vacationer could need. At Folklife Village near Descanso Bay and also at Silva Bay, you will find a full sized grocery store, liquor stores, a pharmacy, clothing boutiques, a bank, hardware stores, excellent restaurants, a spa, and several shops where the fabulous local art can be viewed or purchased. For those nautically minded, rental kayaking, sailing and scuba diving are all available on Gabriola. For those wishing to get a little exercise, take advantage of Gabriola's nine-hole golf course, explore the beautiful beaches or take-in the scenery walking or biking the system of wilderness trails.

Gabriola Island is served by a regular ferry service with departures to and from the island occurring every hour from early in the morning until late at night. The ferry carries passengers and approximately 75 automobiles from the ferry terminal located in downtown Nanaimo, directly to Descanso Bay on Gabriola in 15-20 minutes. Once you reach Gabriola, a pleasant 10-minute drive up North road will see you arriving at the estate.

For those who cant avoid the call of business for the entire stay, there is regular seaplane service that connects Gabriola to Vancouver three times daily; departing from Silva Bay located less than 5 km away. If relaxation or excitement means a trip to the mall, then a short trip back to Nanaimo; Vancouver Islands shopping Mecca, will be for you.

South Pender Island Retreat on Pender Island is an excellent place to experience the laid-back island life. South Pender Island Retreat is a high bank ocean front property, overlooking serene Browning Harbour on beautiful sunny Pender Island. Surrounded by lush cedar forests you will no doubt have a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation at the South Pender Island Retreat.

The house is newly renovated with all new appliances. The kitchen is fully equipped for all your cooking needs. You can watch the wildlife in the harbour as you prepare your meals. The cozy living room is ideal for sitting by the woodstove, or daydreaming as you watch the eagles cruise the shoreline. The main floor bedroom has a queen sized bed and a walk out patio to the garden and forest. There are two more bedrooms for your family to enjoy, one bedroom has a double bed and the second has two twin beds. Both of these rooms feature skylights to watch the night sky as you drift off to sleep. All of the bedrooms have feather duvets and fine quality linens. The house has two full bathrooms, one on the main floor and the second off the family room. There is a full family room on the lower level for watching TV, playing games, enjoying the wood burning stove, or just watching the ocean life. Also, for your use, there is a full laundry room with washer and dryer. The house has a multi-level deck from which you can watch all the boating activity in the harbour while sipping your morning coffee.

South Pender Island Retreat is close to all amenities, despite its rural setting. Driftwood center, a ten minute drive away, has a grocery store, liquor store, pharmacy, book store, gift shops and bakery where you can easily get all the supplies you need. While you are on Pender, you can visit many local artist studios to buy original art. The island has many hiking trails that range from light and easy to challenging and exhilarating. During the summer months, be sure to visit the Pender Island farmers market at the community center. You will be able to buy fresh cheeses, vegetables, flowers and visit vendors selling a wide variety of handy works. There is an excellent golf course on Pender Island, so don't forget to bring your clubs! If golf isn't your thing, be sure to visit the disc golf course in Magic Lake. Kayak and scooter rentals, an excellent way to experience the island, are available at the Otter Bay Marina. Pender Island is steeped in history and if you are so inclined you may take a historic driving tour or visit the local museum.