Summer seems to be the season for taking time to get out of the city and exploring the natural beauty of our local landscape. When considering where to head for a weekend getaway, I find that the accommodations of my stay are just as important to the whole experience as the actual destination. Especially for a quick jaunt out of the city, each moment adds value to the vacation and therefore makes the details of where you sleep, eat and unwind of key importance.
Next on my weekend getaway list of places I must check out is Inn the Estuary, nestled in the quiet beauty of Nanoose Bay; while the surrounding area has many local activities and sights to see, the Inn itself is what's calling me. With an incredible design, executed by my friend and fellow designer, Angela Robinson (AngelaRobinson.ca), the Inn the Estuary suites offer just the simplistic luxury and natural beauty that my mind and body are looking for to create a true getaway.
What is it:
Bed and breakfast vacation suites, located in the centre of an wetland/estuary in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island.
Occupants:
Marianne and Harold Robinson.
Major selling feature:
A modern home surrounded by nature and water, featuring private and self-contained vacation rental suites. Each suite features outdoor tubs, fireplaces, kitchenettes and private patios overlooking the estuary, ocean and mountains.
First thing we considered when designed the house:
Incorporating the natural outside environment into the architecture and interior was a priority for us.
Feature we brag about:
As a result of the work we’ve done to improve and restore the natural estuary ecosystems, we’ve gained an abundance of birds, fish and wildlife. In the fall, we can watch the salmon spawning in our ponds!
That one conversation piece:
Upon arriving, guests comment on the way the house blends effortlessly into the landscape. We were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture when designing our home.
The décor:
Oversized picture windows frame the beautiful outdoor scenery from each one of the suites. Two of the suites have a warm, traditional feel to them. Our newest suite was designed by our daughter, Vancouver based Interior Designer, Angela Robinson. The look and feel of this space is more contemporary and Scandinavian inspired.
Downsides:
Nanoose Bay is quiet community, so frequent public transportation can be a downside. We recommend that guests bring a car so they’re able to explore the area and enjoy the many nearby restaurants and attractions.
Neighbourhood haunts:
Nanoose Bay is located between Nanaimo and Parksville, so there are numerous beaches and nature trails of all types nearby to explore. A few places of interests in the area include, Fairwinds Golf Course, the Dinghy Dock floating pub, Cathedral Grove, Milner Gardens, Horne Lake Caves and WildPlay adventure park.
Compared to your last place:
Our last home was located in central Nanaimo on Long Lake and was also a bed and breakfast. The major differences between our last home and our current, other than location and surroundings, is the design and layout of the house. Our last house was a four-storey home, with the B&B located on the bottom two floors. Our current house is a sprawling rancher with one suite upstairs. We ran our former business as a traditional bed and breakfast, where as this time we’ve designed our inn to have private and self-contained accommodations. Guests are supplied with all of their breakfast ingredients, and are able to prepare and enjoy it in their own space and time (and in their pajamas if they wish).
Favourite house/inn activity:
Kayaking through the estuary into the bay at high tide, relaxing in a hammock in our private trail, having cooking campfire on the edge of our pond, observing the vast wildlife (including deer, fish, birds, bears, beaver, otters, mink, muskrat, rabbits, frogs, etc) soaking in a private outside tub or simply relaxing on the deck in the evening looking at the stars in the clear skies away form the big city.
