The house was built in 1898 by a Mr. B for his wife and baby daughter
It stood for nearly a hundred years looking over False Creek in Vancouver,
witnessing the change of growing industry with saw mills, ironworks and rail
yards, and then in the 1970’s, the decline in industry and the gentrification
of Fairview Slopes and False Creek South. In 1980 the house was barged over
to Mayne Island to the present site where off and on for twenty years it has
welcomed guests to this very peaceful and beautiful part of the world. The house sits on three partly forested acres of native cedars,
hemlock and salal. Open areas are rich in their diversity from meadows
and lawns to a vegetable garden, animal shelters and a fruit, or pie,
garden. One of the best beaches on the island is a short walk through
the woods or following along beside a neighbouring sheep pasture. The food gardens are fenced to deter the local deer who are
a common sight on the property. A notice board enables visitors to record
sightings of the local flora and fauna such as eagles, raccoons, tree
frogs, and starfish. Two rather shy feral cats also share the farm.
For a few weeks last summer an orphaned Cedar Waxwing made the farm
his home. We have a hummingbird garden and feeders to attract the many
birds who live at least part of the year on the Gulf Islands. In the
fall and winter months, sea lions visit the area. Harbour seals can
be seen year round on kayaking ventures in Campbell Bay.
The Grounds
Wildlife
