A Happy Nest up in the trees, unique Salt Spring Cottage close to town
This bright, quiet cottage is situated on 6 wooded acres only minutes from Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC. It is the perfect romantic get away for people who need a break from the fast pace of the city. It's only minutes from the famous Ganges Saturday market. A quick ride up to Mount Maxwell brings you to the best views on the Southern Gulf Islands. Like yoga? Well, we are a quick walk down a country road to the Salt Spring Island Yoga Centre.
The owners are a certified Acupuncturist and a Massage Therapist that also does Rolfing. Come down to our studio just down the driveway!
Paradise doesn't get much better than this.
Keywords: Cabin
Property manager
Bruce Winstone
Premier Host
Languages
English, French
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Salt Spring Island
Located in Salt Spring Island, this cabin is in a rural area. Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Spa by Lenice are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mount Maxwell Provincial Park and Ruckle Provincial Park. Dinner Bay Japanese Garden and The Raptors are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Salt Spring Island, BC
What's nearby
Salt Spring Saturday Market - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
Salt Spring Island Visitor Centre - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
Ganges Marina - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
Saltspring Marina - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
Long Harbour Ferry Terminal - 11 min drive - 9.2 km
Getting around
Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base) - 5 min drive
Restaurants
Shipyard Restaurant - 58 min drive
Rock Salt Restaurant & Cafe - 13 min drive
Switchboard Cafe - 4 min drive
Oystercatcher Seafood Bar & Grill - 4 min drive
Tree-House Cafe - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A Happy Nest up in the trees, unique Salt Spring Cottage close to town pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at A Happy Nest up in the trees, unique Salt Spring Cottage close to town?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Happy Nest up in the trees, unique Salt Spring Cottage close to town?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A Happy Nest up in the trees, unique Salt Spring Cottage close to town located?
Situated in a rural location, this cabin is within 3 miles (5 km) of Cusheon Lake, Artspring Arts Center and Salt Spring Saturday Market. Spa by Lenice and Salt Spring Island Visitor Centre are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Happinest...location to Ganges was excellent and the place was very comfortable. Thank you Bruce and Kathe for a relaxing and pleasant stay on Salt Spring!
Unique, restful, well-designed cabin in the trees. One of our favorite VRBO places! Loved the bright winter light while we were there. Great bed! We felt away from it all, yet Ganges was only 7 minutes away. Also highly recommend host Kathe’s therapy session/acupuncture just down the driveway.
It's the sweetest cabin, with everything you need for a great stay. Super close to the town! We recommend buying lamb and veggies from the farmers markets to cook up at home!
The “Happi/nest” was the greatest little getaway for my husband & I. We loved the big windows in the living room & bathroom. The bed was very comfortable & the kitchen contained all supplies we needed. Thank you for a great stay💕
Excellent location, very close to Ganges!
Host is a great communicator, very quick to respond to all my questions!
Lovely cottage! Would definitely stay again. :-)
Great hosts for this lovely rustic and cozy cabin in the trees. It’s a short drive into Ganges where there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants to explore. We were here for two nights and will stay longer next time.
My partner and I wanted a cozy stay and we found it! This place is awesome, perfect for staying inside playing board games or for exploring the island. The bed is so comfortable, the views (especially from the bath) were amazing, we will definitely come back again.
Cute and quaint, cozy little retreat in the woods. Lots of bird songs to hear, but note that sounds of nearby road are also noticeable. Enjoyed a few good movies as there is an interesting selection of dvds. It is perfectly relaxing; don't forget your bubblebath!
We loved our time at the Happinest! A very quaint cabin with all the amenities required to feel right at home. We didn’t rent a vehicle, so it was a bit of a jaunt into town, but we soon discovered that we enjoyed these walks! Thanks to our hosts for making this an enjoyable week!
This was the perfect place to hide away for a couple of days. It is very rustic with basic amenities but that suited me just fine. The bed is very comfortable, there's a lovely seating area surrounded by windows and the kitchen is functional. Huge tub in the beautiful bathroom that I didn't take advantage of due to drought concerns but the shower worked fine too.
Gail N.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
6/10 Okay
Susan M.
12 April 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication
Reviewing my 4 days stay
The property was a bit neglected. A coat of paint on the doors and windows would make it look way more inviting. The approach to the cabin was difficult to manoeuvre.
It rained the whole time we were there. A wood burning fireplace would have made it way more cozy.
However, despite all this, my husband and I did have a relaxing time. We watched a lot of movies on Netflix 😀
Pros
Air conditioning!
Pans & cooking utensils were all there and in good condition
Comfy bed and bedding
Lots of towels if needed
Large soaker tub
Full size fridge
Location
Overall a beautiful little cabin
Cons
This cabin is in need of maintenance.
Decks needs upkeep- also some nails sticking out on the deck
Aerator missing on the kitchen tap
Bathroom sink barely draining
If a window did have a screen, it was ripped and non-functional (this has also been mentioned in a review from September 2022)
BBQ hose leaks if moved slightly
Internet router is prehistoric
Lacking some basic cooking items like aluminum foil
Needs a thorough cleaning in the nooks and crannies
Coffeemaker options is a percolator or slow drip only (and the filter has holes in it)
The drive up could be difficult for some drivers or vehicles
A Happy Nest is a special place. It is not far from Ganges and the delights of Salt Spring yet with the birds singing and only the very distant hum of the occasional car, it is very much in the "in the woods"; private and surrounded by nature.
It has everything I needed and the bed was extremely comfortable ! The bathroom is wonderful. Not just because of the big tub and rainshower (hot with great water pressure), but also because of the vast windows looking into the forest.
The deck that wraps around the cabin ensures you can capture the sun into the late afternoon. Inside, the living around is very comfortable and the kitchen has everything you need.
Internet access was spotty, but you don't come here expecting to be "connected". It's not that sort of place:)
I recommend the short drive to Mount Maxwell (I biked, but I think any car with reasonable clearance is fine). I had clear blue skies first thing, before others arrived. The beauty of staying "in the foothills" / so close.
For me, I was looking for a couple of nights "away" to recharge my batteries and The Happy Nest provided exactly the base to do that. I will not hesitate to return:)
Thank you Bruce.
Denise S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Sophia
11 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
I needed some solitude, so I was looking for a cozy place where I could comfortably unwind. I found that in the Happinest. I enjoyed the comfy bed, taking in the morning view from the porch, cooking myself meals, taking a bath in the longest bathtub I've ever been in, and building a fire in the woodstove.
Bruce was extremely communicative but not imposing. He was helpful, bringing extra firewood and clearing the driveway after snowfall. The ideal host!
I personally didn't find it difficult to get around without a car, but it's definitely an added cost to plan for. I walked into town a few times and I utilized Silver Shadow Taxi for about $15 one way to/from the house.
Others described the property as more rustic, but it was exactly what I was expecting and a looking for: a cozy, hippie-ish cottage. It was extremely clean and everything in the house is in great shape.
Lastly, as a female, solo international traveler, I felt very safe at the property, as well as everywhere on the island. I definitely recommend staying here and I hope to return someday!
We loved the property nestled in the trees with lots of light and big windows. So surrounded by nature, we were a bit disappointed to hear traffic on the country road below, but generally speaking it was a very peaceful and comfortable and well-equipped cabin, true to it’s description on the site.
lawrence h.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
About the host
Hosted by Bruce Winstone
We moved to the island to get closer to nature and raise our family. We want to share Salt Spring with others. What drew us here will probably draw you too: the artists, the alternative lifestyle, the peacefulness, the beauty, the healing, the friendliness. Salt Spring has it all and is arguably the nicest place to live in Canada. Salt Spring is a natural fit for us. We are both healers and this is a healing place. Our healing techniques make a lot more sense right up close to nature. Enjoy any one of our specialties; Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Rolfing, private yoga or the Alexander Technique.
Why they chose this property
What makes this property unique
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests