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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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
Property Registration Number 0010781, H029983506
About the area
Chemainus
Located in North Cowichan, 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 hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Hansel and Gretel's Candy Company - 5 min drive - 2.1 km
Chemainus Marina - 6 min drive - 2.8 km
Getting around
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 21 min drive
Restaurants
Crofton Hotel Pub - 10 min drive
Motherhen - 7 min drive
Haida Way Family Restaurant - 4 min drive
Jollity Farm Shop & Cafe - 3 min drive
Saltair Pub - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 does it cost to stay at Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock?
As of 27 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Very private home 40 acres, ocean and ancient forest, kayaking off private dock on 13 Apr 2026 start from AU$625, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
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 North Cowichan 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).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our stay was absolutely wonderful! The host was attentive, but not intrusive. Questions were answered, minor issues that arose were immediately resolved.The house, the land, the welcome - all were perfect!
Sage G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2025
This group was so lovely to host. Respectful, great communicators and all around nice people. Highly recommend to any other hosts, love to have them come back to stay again. All the best!
Fabulous! Perfect! Incredible property. Host is wonderful. Had a big family reunion and there was more than enough room for everything and everyone. Big kitchen that spans right out to the conversational entertaining area, huge ground floor room to hold a big party of people opening out to a grassy sloping field surrounded by tall trees. Beautiful horse with the demeanor of a puppy wanting hugs and kisses. The fields, the forest, the walk to the beautiful waterfront, it is a magical place. Tranquil, secluded, quiet and able to easily hold a large group of people. Super clean and ready for check-in. Host was ready to help anytime we needed it. Lovely time, lovely place. Incredible value.
Andy M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Dec 2025
It was a pleasure to host your family reunion. I am always happy to see these wonderful get togethers with multi-generations coming together to connect. Hope to have you and your group back again sometime.
Absolutely lovely! Couldn’t have found a better place. The host was very kind and although we were working we all felt like it was a vacation! Thanks so much
The farm-style guesthouse was perfect for our needs, and we enjoyed wandering the extensive grounds. Nice country setting while conveniently close to town.
Fiona S.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2023
Thank you Fiona it was so nice to host your family. It seemed like you did a lot of sight seeing on the island which is lovely. Recommend this group to any other hosts!
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!!!
We love this property and Heidi is amazing. It is the perfect place for our girls weekend away and look forward to coming back again soon. This was our third time here! Love it!
Jeanette C.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2025
Absolutely loved hosting your group! The house is always left neat and tidy, great communication! Hope to see you again.
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 !
Melanie C.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2025
I loved hosting Melanie and her friends. They were so respectful and perfect guests. I loved seeing them really enjoy touring around Vancouver Island! Recommend for any other hosts!
Verified
4/10 Poor
John E.
5 July 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Family getaway
Property was not cleanCarpets and furniture were filthy outside needed a wash and grass mowed I would not recommend this property to anyone
John E.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2025
I really am shocked by your review. When you were here you told me it was an absolutely beautiful perfect house for your family. You said the property was beautiful and so was the house. Peaceful and quiet. Not sure where this came from but it is a first review of about 93 on 2 platforms that did not come back as a 5 star rating.
The property was perfect for our group of 7 older adults. The house was lovely with a central common area for conversation. The property was landscaped with beautiful flowers. Each day brought new glimpses of wildlife and happy horses. The nights were blissfully quiet. Heidi was a gracious host who responded immediately to all our needs.
Heidi was such a welcoming host and she was very responsive to questions throughout our stay.
The house was beautiful, and the trails and water access phenomenal.
Already planning another stay at this fantastic property
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.
Karen S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2025
It was such a pleasure to host your group of ladies and hear the story of how long you have been together in a community. Please come back again!!
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.
Karin N.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
Karin and her family were amazing guests. They were so kind and respectful. Great communicators. I hope they come back!!
Absolutely perfect for small retreats - 10-20 participants.
Phil L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct 2023
Thank you Phil, it was lovely to host your group here. Everything was left tidy and communication prior to the event was seamless. Highly recommend this guest!! Look forward to seeing your group again in the future. Kindest regards, - Heidi
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!
This is one of those rare listings where you are not just renting the house, you are renting the property as well. This is like having your own private park in your backyard. Decades old, towering cedar trees, local wildlife, interesting trails and all backing onto an inlet of the Salish Sea. When not exploring the amazing property there is a great nearby freshwater lake (if that is your preference) as well as the Saltspring Island Ferry and communities like Cowichan Bay and Chemainus.We liked the “farmhouse” feel of the home and the surrounding property was perfect for a family vacation.
Rudy
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2025
Thank you Rudy, I enjoyed hosting your lovely family!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
11 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The host, Heidi, made our trip to the Island a wonderful time. The home was beautiful and inviting and worked perfectly for us. We cannot say enough good things about this stay.
Our 3 week stay at this property could not have been better, especially with the kindness and knowledge of Heidi. We loved every minute!
joan s.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Sept 2022
Thank you Joan, your family was a delight to host. I loved spending time doing horse grooming with the kids. It was also so nice to see you enjoy Fuller Lake and other parts of Vancouver Island. Stay well! - Heidi
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.
Cheryl D.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2024
You and your ladies were a delight to host. The place was left so tidy that it was a breeze to clean. I hope you do come back. Thank you!
Fabulous stay in quiet pastoral setting! We will return.
Susan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
It was an absolute pleasure to host your family. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your time on Vancouver island and I would love to see you again in the future. Take care! - Heidi
About the host
Hosted by Heidi Schumann
I am passionate about horses, yoga and nature. Combining these passions on this property and sharing it with guests has been a childhood dream of mine. When guests arrive I encourage them to unplug from their technology gadgets (of course wifi is here!) but taking time to appreciate nature and the surrounding area. Ask me about the history of this farm as it dates back to the early 1900's and has been part of the rum running days and slave escape route as well as a colorful more local history. I love to share suggestions for vineyards, restaurants and hiking trails in the area. Swimming during high tide in the warm water off the dock is a favourite summer pastime. Hope to share this piece of paradise with you!! I can organize family games or children's nature walks and story telling. Making birdhouses or fairy houses with children is just a start of some of the playshops that can be arranged. We also have a local baking school that can take your group and teach you the skills of bread and dessert making. Let me know what you want to experience as a family or group and I am more then happy to help you plan your vacation both on the property and off the property.
Why they chose this property
This property is stunning with ancient trees and walking paths to the ocean. Lots of room to explore and yet 1 km walk to the town of Chemainus with it's small quaint shops and performing arts theatre. The Cowichan Valley has vineyards and farm to table restaurants and markets scattered throughout the area. Wonderful hiking trails and kayaking and boating all within 20 min of the Farmily Retreat. We are across the street from a lovely 18 hold picturesque golf course.
What makes this property unique
A very private house on a gated 40 acre ocean side property with room to collect as a group or family in the flex space or escape for alone time to read a book or walk and immerse yourself in nature. Private dock.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests