This historic school building is now a floating oasis for your relaxation. Queen sized bed in a separate bedroom, spacious bathroom, cozy living area and full kitchen makes this cottage spacious and comfortable for your stay. Bringing kids? There is a pull out couch in the living room for additional guests. There is even an in-unit washer and dryer.
The Schoolhouse Pricing
All prices subject to all local taxes and GST
Summer Season 2024 (May 1 – Oct 1)
Daily (per night) – $195 + tax ($204.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1150 + tax ($1207.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $4000+ tax ($4200)
Winter Season 2024-25 (Oct 1 – May 1)
Daily (per night) – $175 + tax ($183.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1050 + tax ($1102.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $3500+ tax ($3675)
Summer Season 2025 (May 1 – Oct 1)
Daily (per night) – $249 + tax ($261.45)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1500 + tax ($1575)
Monthly (30 nights) – $5225 + tax ($5486.25)
Winter Season 2025-26 (Oct 1 – May 1)
Daily (per night) – $215 + tax ($225.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1290 + tax ($1354.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $4500 + tax ($4725.00)
Special Rate Holdover
If you book your 2025-2026 stay before September 30, 2024 then we will hold 2024 rates for your booking!
The History of the Schoolhouse
The “Schoolhouse” is an authentic cottage dating from the 1920’s when it was originally constructed in North Saanich’s rural setting as a one room schoolhouse. It served that function until it fell into disuse before the Second World War. During the war the Dept. of National Defence purchased the building and moved it onto the Holy Trinity Church lands at the edge of the airport, near Patricia Bay, to be used by the Air Force.
After the war, Claude Enever, a radio operator from the Dept. of Transport, acquired the building and converted it to be used as a cottage. The board and batten siding was removed and a small addition made to one end to make a kitchen. A new roof and shingle siding made the transformation complete. Mr. Enever remained in the cottage until his retirement.
When the Air Force determined they no longer required a number of small buildings on the airport lands they sold the various buildings by tender. The Schoolhouse was acquired by Frank Edlington who then moved it to his property at 9393 West Saanich Road- now known as Pendray Farms. The cottage was in use there until the early 1990’s.
In the spring of 1993 Pendray Farms wished to have the building removed or demolished. Efforts were made by local historians to save the building, but the local government did not assist. The cottage was saved from destruction in July 1993 by our enterprising neighbours, Hidden Harbour Marine Centre. After a lengthy hiatus for planning and logistics, Jim Witter and his crew moved the cottage to the Esquimalt Graving Dock and created a float platform for it to float on. They then substantially renovated the Schoolhouse, inside and out including such vitals as plumbing and electrical services. The Schoolhouse transformation was complete in 1997 and remained a fixture at Hidden Harbour until October 2023 when Westbay Marine Village acquired it. We again freshened it up, brought electrical, plumbing and other services up to date and now offer it as a most charming and unique vacation cottage with an interesting history.
Timings
- Minimum 2-night stay
- Check-in time: 2pm
- Check-out time: 11am
Amenities
- Romantic floating Vacation Cottage
- Completely self contained and private
- View of downtown Victoria & Harbour
- Front porch with chairs
- Queen size bed
- Electric fireplace
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Cable television
- Stereo CD
- Private bath
- Wifi
- Weekly and monthly stays get a housekeeping refresh once a week and fresh towels as required
Deposit Policy
- Reservations of 6 days or less require a one-night deposit
- Reservations of 7 days or more require a one-week deposit (One week includes 7 nights).
- Reservations of one month or more require a one-month deposit (One month includes 1st to the 31st).
Cancellation Policy
- Reservation deposit will be refunded if sufficient notice is received:
- Reservations of 6 days or less require 24 hours’ notice prior to 2:00pm check in
- Reservations of 7 days or more require a one-week cancellation notice
- Reservations of one month or more require a one-month cancellation notice
Accessibility
Before you book a reservation, please be aware and consider that the floating cottages, as attractive and charming as they are, are not easily accessible for those with mobility issues. The cottages are located in a marina environment which has several obstacles and hazards for those less agile or less mobile. The cottages are located some distance from the marina parking lot (some 500 feet or so, with one almost 750 feet away.)
Access to the marina itself requires navigating steps, a ramp that can be quite steep at low tides, gates and docks that do not have handrails. Moreover, things move in a marina, particularly in the wintertime when it is windy or a storm surge gets the marina docks moving about. The cottages themselves require you to step up onto the floating platforms upon which the cottages are built. Wheelchairs and scooter transportation is not possible.
Movement of the floating cottages
Just as the name suggests, the floating cottages float and they will move with wind and current or the passing of boats that may roll up a small wake. The movement is not significant for most people and it is definitely part of the charm- it is a floating cottage after all- but please be mindful that the cottages are not stationary objects.
Smoking and candles
We do not allow smoking of any kind of substance (including cannabis) in any of our floating cottages. Smoking outside and on our docks is permitted. For insurance and fire safety, we do not allow the burning of candles or any other open flames in our floating cottages or on any deck or attached wooden dock.
Pet Policy
We love dogs here at Westbay and we will allow pets (particularly dogs) in some circumstances. Please check with us about any pet you may wish to bring with you by calling our office before you book. You must pre-clear your pet. Any pet that we permit to occupy one of our floating cottages must be kept on a leash and in your control at all times when not inside the cottage. Remember also that the marina is home to a number of dogs (and a few cats) and they think they own the place so your pet must be under control to maintain peace among the local pet hierarchy. Also, as you would expect, you are entirely responsible for all costs relating to any damage to the floating cottage resulting from your activities in it, including anything your pet may do. Bring your own pet beds. No pets on the furniture please!
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