Victoria, Canada
Member since
2013The member has not specified any exchange dates
Updated heritage home on idyllic Vancouver Island (Victoria) - forests, seaside
In 2024 we are looking for a two or three day exchange in Vancouver, Seattle, Tofino or one of the Gulf Islands (Gabriola, Hornby, etc.) .
Next year (2025) we are interested in a two or three week exchange Europe. Particularly interested in Italy and France - however, we're open to offers!
We live in a well-maintained 110-year-old home officially designated by the city as a significant historical building. Although it's a picturesque "heritage home" it does, of course, have all the modern conveniences. Visitors especially enjoy our panoramic view of Panama Flats, a protected wildlife park. which can viewed three balconies facing it.
We live in Victoria, British Columbia - a popular seaside tourist city on the balmy southern tip of Vancouver Island. Our house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms (both with showers and bathtubs), a gas fireplace, an award-winning kitchen, a study and a fully equipped music studio.
Our home is decorated in an elegant old-world style although the appliances are modern. An extension (in period style) was added a decade ago. It is a 10-minute drive to the seaside and 10 minutes to downtown - we also offer our well-maintained Volvo 240 stationwagon for transportation. We're also on a bus line going downtown.
One thing that makes this house special is its spectacular view of a park area which is an excellent country walk. As previously mentioned, it is a protected wildlife area - a plus for bird watchers. You can watch the sun set while relaxing on a wicker chair on the balcony as you sip a glass of wine.
Victoria and Vancouver Island are world-famous for great hiking, sailing, kayaking. Beautiful old-growth rain forests, breath-taking ocean views. This is a moderate part of Canada weather-wise - it's never cold and gets to a comfortable room-to-warm temperature in the summer. The scenic Gulf Islands are on your doorstep. Vancouver is just ferry ride (or 20 min seaplane trip) away.
The city of Victoria is renowned. for its unusually attractive downtown area with lovely old buildings, great shopping and dining (tons of restaurants), the world-famous Butchart Gardens, the stately Empress Hotel (famous for its high tea!) and the Royal B.C. Museum.
I am a arts/entertainment writer for the daily newspaper in Victoria. My wife is a hospital administrator. We recently retired - so we are open to both long and short stays - we are very flexible. Our email is adrianman2@shaw.ca
We have done many exchanges on Intervac over the years. We are a thoughtful, responsible couple who will treat your home as we treat our own.
Our Family
- 2 Adults
- 0 Children
- 2 Exchanges made
Occupation
- Journalist
- Hospital administrator
Our Home
- House Type: House
- Environment: In the suburbs
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Total Area: 0 m2
References
In my house
- Pets - Not allowed
- Small children - Allowed
Exchange Types
- Home exchange
Indoor
- Free internet access
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Fireplace
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Clothes dryer
- Television
- Piano
- Other musical instruments
Outdoor
- Terrace or deck
- Balcony
- Garage / private parking
- Bicycles: 2
Facilities
- Non-smoking house
- Use/Exchange of car
- Seclusion/Privacy
Our Destination Wish List
- Open to any destination
- Hornby Island, BC V0R, Canada
- Gabriola, BC, Canada
- Tofino, BC, Canada
- Seattle, WA, USA
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
Spoken Languages
- English
- English
Our Neighbourhood
Nearest Airport: victoria international airport -
Residential neighbourhood.
Occupation
- Journalist
- Hospital administrator
Children
- We do not have children.
Pets
- We do not have pets.
About Our Family
My name is Adrian Chamberlain. I am an arts writer with the Victoria Times Colonist, the daily newspaper in Victoria, British Columbia. My wife, Penny Chamberlain, is a hospital administrator in Victoria. We had an adult daughter, Katie Chamberlain, who is a television journalist in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We did several Intervac exchanges years ago, and are now ready to do some more. My wife and I are both published novelists - Penny has written 3 novels for young adults. I have also written two novels for young adults, as well as a collection of humourous stories about our pug dog, titled Adventures with Ollie. I am also a musician (piano/keyboardist) who play in two local soul/ funk bands on a recreational basis. We are a very responsible couple who will leave homes in exactly the pristine condition we find them in.
Lifestyle
My wife Penny and I are avid travelers who've visted Spain, Greece, Italy, France, England, Ireland, Mexico, and the United States including Hawaii.
References
This member has completed 2 home exchanges. Those referenced below may contain feedback/impression from its exchange partners: