Ravens' Gate on Vancouver Island BC

Gateway to the Warm Lands! - Not exactly roughing it in a custom designed contemporary West Coast 4,000 sq ft luxury home situated above beautiful Maple Bay. Ravens' Gate is your entrance to the Cowichan Valley's many wineries, restaurants, and leisure activities. Ravens’ Gate is sophisticated accommodation for the discerning traveler in an architecturally designed, 3-storey luxury residence, situated on an acre of land overlooking Bird's Eye Cove and Maple Bay, providing ultimate comfort and privacy. The home’s elegant fittings, modern fixtures and refined finishes will please and rejuvenate. Enjoy time with your family and guests on the large outdoor deck overlooking the water with a glass of award-winning local wine as you grill up farm fresh Vancouver Island meats and produce or same day ocean catch seafood. Or gather 'round the indoor fireplace in the great room for quality time with a cocktail made with locally distilled gin, vodka or whiskey accompanied by live music on the baby grand piano before sitting down for a delicious meal in the elegant dining area. The oversized windows offer ocean views and the ample skylights let the sun-&-star light pour in. Come relax in the natural beauty of the setting as a home base for your explorations of the Warm Lands and you curate your own unique visitor experience in the Cowichan Valley & Vancouver Island. The garden suite, master suite and bamboo suite are private with ensuite bathrooms and double occupancy. The patio bedroom is double occupancy with an additional couch that sleeps one in a pinch and access to toilette facilities but must share a shower with one of the other suites. Shared access to the rest of the house includes the kitchen, dining room, great room, deck with grill & outdoor dining area, patio with seating, hot tub & fireplace, and the garden. For groups of less than 7, our onsite caretaker is available to provide select concierge services and handle any issues with the property during your stay. Ravens' Gate at Maple Bay in the Cowichan Valley is the ideal residence to entertain and treat clients, friends and family to the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer. Cowichan Valley, with its "Gourmet Trail," is an ideal location for food and wine enthusiasts. As well, its towering old-growth forests, alluring beaches, and meandering rivers attract numerous outdoor adventurers. It is a perfect place for a romantic 3 day weekend getaway or week away from the city with friends and family. Highlights 1. Cowichan Valley Food and Wine In the Cowichan Valley, discover a land of fishermen, foragers, vintners, organic farmers, artisanal cheesemakers, and slow-food chefs. The Cowichan Valley is blessed by a warm climate, ideal growing conditions for grapes and other fruits and vegetables. Tour and sample award-winning wineries and heritage farms in the area. Plan a trip to the Duncan farmers’ market or indulge at the many renown local restaurants (Hidden by Airbnb) – the astounding regional bounty produces some of the best food in the Pacific Northwest. 2. Cowichan Valley Outdoor Activities The Cowichan Valley is marked by a beautiful landscape, great for various outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountains, the valley is a spectacular setting of towering forests, abundant beaches, and sheltered bays. Sail or cruise from the Maple Bay Marina or Yacht Club to the surrounding Gulf Islands. Kayak, canoe and swim off Maple Bay beach in the Pacific Ocean or in the Valley’s many freshwater lakes and rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and golf throughout the Warm Lands. 3. Cowichan Valley Aboriginal Culture First Nations settled in the Cowichan Valley thousands of years before the Europeans arrived and have left a lasting legacy. The Valley takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "the warm land" – fitting, as the Valley enjoys Canada’s warmest mean temperature. The Cowichan Valley is centrally located along the Trans Canada Highway between the cities of Victoria (to the south) and Nanaimo (to the north). By Plane or Yacht - Access to Maple Bay via float plane or boat to the Maple Bay Marina. With prior notice, we can arrange car service for dockside pick up and drop off. If you arrive by boat or plane and want transportation for winery tours, local destinations or restaurants, we can help to arrange for car service with driver and/or self use of a convertible, two seat sports car or a 5-person SUV for local transportation while in residence. By Car - Access to Maple Bay, Duncan, and the Cowichan Valley via BC Ferries which dock in both Nanaimo and Sidney. There is parking for up to two vehicles at the house with room for a third in the driveway. For things to do while in the Warm Lands: Water and Outdoor Activities - We suggest tubing on the Cowichan River at least once. Try Stutz Falls as well. Kayaking is also a great option if that interests you. Kayaking is available of the dock in Maple Bay Marina and also on Lake Cowichan. A day trip to Youbo to swim in Lake Cowichan is a delightful way to spend a sunny day. A day trip by chartered sailboat to cruise Maple Bay and perhaps visit Salt Spring Island. Suitable charters are available online or from from Maple Bay Marina. Be sure to anchor in one of the coves and swim off the boat in the ocean. For hiking ask at Maple Bay Marina. They can provide insight to local trails and a map. A bit farther from the house use the Canada Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water. You should check out the BC Forest Discovery Centre. It’s fascinating. Also the Pacific Northwest Raptors is an amazing introduction to the birds of prey native to the area. Definitely worth a visit. There are whale watching cruises from Cowichan Bay. Horseback riding & golf are also readily available in the Valley. We recommend visiting Stormin’ Norman and Cowichan Country Club for golf. Let us know if you need any assistance. Food and Beverage Activities Groceries - If you are planning to cook in the house and you can time it right for fresh local produce be sure to check out the Duncan Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. It can’t be beat. Alternatively, there are the typical providers in Duncan: Superstore, Safeway, Thrifty's & Walmart. For a little local flavour, you can check out The Community Farm Store for local and international health and natural foods and products and for fresh seafood locally caught, try Mad Dog Crabs - fresh and well priced - it can’t be beat. The crabs are brought in daily! Or if turf is more your preference than surf they Quist Farms - Cowichan Valley Meat Markt along the highway for the freshest cuts of locally bothered meats. Dining - For an awesome brunch on the weekend - featuring some of the Valley’s best fresh baked goods - you really must visit Saisons Market. It’s only open at select times, so check online before you go. For brick oven, home made to order, fresh pizza from May to mid September, you might visit Bird’s Eye Cove Farm’s barn on Monday and Wednesday nights from 4pm – 8pm for the Valley’s best pizza. Just a short walk from Ravens’ Gate, you can grab a seat at one of the picnic tables and enjoy the beautiful weather and made-to-order brick oven pizza. Check out their website for more info (the last pizza night of the season is usually in early September). There are many choices for dining in the Valley. However, since you’re on the island, why not sit next to the ocean and enjoy something a bit unique? For waterfront dining we highly recommend the Genoa Bay Cafe just down the road from the house. Go before sunset and sit on the deck as the sun goes down. There’s also the Masthead in Cowichan Bay and Bridgeman’s Bistro farther down the highway in Mill Bay. You can drive into Cow Bay (as the locals refer to it) and go whale watching followed by dinner before heading back to the house. Wine and Spirits - For winery tours, tasting and storing up on the best wines and spirits produced in the Valley, we highly recommend visiting Emandare Winery, Ampersand Distilling Co, Averill Creek Vineyard, Cherry Point Wine Estate and Blue Grouse Vineyards. Beyond the Valley - Victoria: Finally - while staying at Ravens’ Gate, make sure you plan a day trip down to Victoria, the capital of BC, and a wonderful city to visit. Be sure to check out to the BC Royal Museum for some history and culture and enjoy afternoon tea at The Empress Hotel.