Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the cottage?
The cottage was built during the fall of 2006 and winter of 2007 and we welcomed our first guests on June 15th 2007.
How many people does the cottage sleep?
There are enough beds for seven people:
A queen bed in the master bedroom
A bunk bed that has a double on the bottom and a twin on the top in the second bedroom
A double fold out couch in the living room.
Seven is a lot to put into a 600 square foot cottage so unless you know and like each other really well we wouldn’t recommend it.
Do you welcome children?
Yes, we love to have families stay. Salt Spring Island and our cottage are the perfect place for a holiday with kids.
Are you pet friendly?
No, leave your pet at home and enjoy our local wild life. Deer can regularly be seen grazing all around the cottage and a resident partridge nests in the woods beside the front door.
Is this a ‘No Smoking’ cottage?
Yes.
Is the cottage part of a resort?
No, this cottage is the only one on the property. Our house is also on the property but you are completely private from it.
Is the cottage a B & B?
Yes, a self catered one, in other words, we provide breakfast foods that you prepare at your own leisure.
Here is what we provide:
Orange juice
Milk
Cold and hot cereals
Coffee
Black and herbal teas
Hot chocolate
Sugar – brown, white and honey
Flour
Salt and pepper
Spices
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Is the kitchen fully equipped for cooking meals?
Yes, there is everything you will need to create fabulous meals from a full set of pots and pans to varying sizes of bowls, cheese grater, colander, a block of knives… you get the picture.
The kitchen is also well stocked with dishes, cutlery, mugs and glasses for everything from juice, to beer, to wine to martinis.
What appliances do you have in your kitchen?
Major appliances, all full size:
Fridge
Stove
Microwave oven
Dishwasher
Small appliances:
Coffee maker
Coffee grinder
Toaster
Blender
Kettle
Is there a BBQ?
Yes, there is a gas fired grill on the deck.
Is there a fireplace? Heat?
Yes, electric baseboards are the main heat source for the cottage and they get it toasty and warm very quickly on cold days. There is also an electric fireplace that creates ambiance more than it does heat. There is a fan in the fireplace that you can turn on to get the heat moving if you so choose.
Do you provide shampoo? A hairdryer?
Yes, we use Saltspring Soap Works products and provide you with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. We have chosen to use large bottles because they are more eco friendly.
Yes, to the hairdryer as well.
Does the top bunk bed have a railing?
Yes. When we did the photo shoot for the website it was not yet installed but it is now. It is a very safe bed to sleep in.
Is there a washer and dryer in cottage?
No, but there are two laundromats in Ganges.
We have allergies, could this be a problem in your cottage?
We use pure cotton sheets and hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets. The cottage is cleaned with very pure products. The floors are wood or tile, there are no wall to wall carpets in any rooms. We do not allow pets or smoking. It is a very clean space and should not trigger allergies for most people. What comes in through open doors and windows while you are visiting we cannot control but up on the mountain here the air is fresh and clean.
How private is the cottage?
The cottage is completely private from the main house and has its own driveway. Although you have glimpses of other houses what you mostly see is beautiful ocean views, trees and mountains.
Does the hot tub work?
Yes, and we keep it going all year round.
Is there a TV? Sound system?
There is an LCD TV but it can only be used for viewing movies through a DVD player which is provided. The cottage has a small, eclectic selection of DVDs for you to enjoy. Please do not hesitate to bring more of your own if you like. There is a BOSE stereo system so bring your favourite CD’s or iPod as there is also an iPod dock in the cottage. This system also has a radio.
Is there a telephone?
The cottage has a telephone that can be used for local calls only. Cell phone coverage on the island is hit and miss but they do work at the cottage.
Is there WiFi?
No, relax and leave your computer at home. If you must connect to the world in this way there are several coffee shops in Ganges where you can enjoy a coffee and tap into the WWW.
How far is to town?
The town of Ganges is about a 15 minute drive from the cottage. The village of Fulford is a 10 minute drive away.
Are there any places to swim close to the cottage.
The cottage is between two lakes, both less than a 10 minute drive away. You drive past Cusheon Lake on the way to Ganges and past Stowell Lake on the way to Fulford. Both are pretty little lakes that have small beaches and docks to lounge on.
Are there hiking trails close by?
Yes and we provide you with a book that details not only the hikes close to the cottage but also other great hiking around the island.
How can we find out about island activities?
We provide you with a binder that is full of ideas of things to do. There is a tourist bureau in Ganges that is also a good resource for ideas. Brad and Rineke, your hosts, are also very willing to share their favourites, just give us a call or e-mail us.
Where is the cottage?
You can see exactly where we are by going to the “Getting Here” link on the website and clicking on the map.
How do we find the cottage?
A month before your stay we e-mail you an information package that gives you directions on finding and getting into the cottage.
Got a question we didn’t answer here?
E-mail us at info@oceanviewcottage.ca or call us at 537-1923.