Li's Blog

Here's a beauty, in the lovely Maple Bay area of the "warm land", Cowichan Valley.

Originally a state of the art cattle barn, built in 1900, this gem was transformed (in the mid-1980s) into an amazing character home, with all modern conveniences and yet retaining that European flair.

Current owners, who have maintained, continued upgrading/renovating, during their ownership, have enjoyed a B & B business, beautiful summer weddings have been held here, and live theatre has been performed in the existing barn, behind the home.    The sign is still at roadside (Penfold Farm B & B), but the owners no longer offer this.

A sweetie character cottage has been featured by many local painters.

Close to all services/amenities, yet enjoying a rural ambiance, this gem awaits your pleasure!   

Formal entry/foyer, expansive living, library/den off, three guest bedrooms/bath in private "wing" (currently, two of the bedrooms are used as offices, by owners), with a master/sitting and ensuite on upper "loft" level....

A most appealing country kitchen, laundry off, formal dining, and a lovely music room (could be another bedroom, if desired).

The home would suit a family, or a professional couple working from home, and would certainly be valued as an appealing B & B opportunity, if of interest.

Even in Winter, when these photos were taken, long before Nature fluffs into the "Spring season", this property is serenely appealing.

Call me, for appointments to view (24 hour notice essential).

Here's an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a "ready to go" live/work option in the heart of Ganges Village!

Across from the Harbour, with unobstructed views of park and marinas and ocean from the living area, the streetside retail space offers lots of options...gift/gallery space, home decor, antiques/collectibles, create a specialty restaurant...an outdoor garden space would be ideal for ponds, ornaments, patio furniture...you decide!

The 2 bed/2 bath stylish upper level suite offers an oceanview living with private deck off, plus a cook's dream kitchen, separate pantry/storage, dining area, separate laundry...private deck off master, too.

Private entrance to upper level residential space means it can be rented out separately from ground level retail space, if you're just looking for a high visibility commercial property, as an investment, and not interested in personal use.

Parking behind, too.   On the main street, across from Harbour, great walk-by and drive-by "exposure", this truly is an opportunity to own one of the best commercial properties in Ganges Seaside Village.

24 hour notice essential; good tenant in place.

The Blossom Festival, a new idea for a "welcome to Spring" time, is to be held this year in early April (8 to 10).

A combined effort of the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring and Salt Spring's Tourism Group (a Chamber subset), this initial celebration has a definite  opportunity to grow in breadth.

This year's festival will include a Friday night concert by renowned bamboo flute player Takeo Tamashiro and a Saturday picnic with music in Heiwa Garden in Peace Park with MC Arthur Black.   On Sunday there will be flower displays and demonstrations at Lions Hall, along with a Taste of Salt Spring party featuring food from Island chefs.

There will be a Blossom Festival Passport and map that encourages people to visit a number of sites on Salt Spring -- farms, vineyards, restaurants, gardens.   A passport holder will collect stamps along the way and will be eligible to win some excellent prizes.   Watch the Driftwood newspaper for details on this.

A percentage of proceeds from most participating commercial venues will go to the Japanese Garden Society for continued work on the Heiwa Garden.

A business wanting to participate?   Contact Caffyn Kelley of the Japanese Garden Society (cjk@saltspring.com).

A very nice "bookend"...Blossom Festival in the early Spring and the fruition of Apple Fest in early October.   Very nice, indeed!

March 10, 2011.

Mark your calendars for ArtSpring delights: March 12th, 2 p.m., Amazing Animals Book Launch...meet author Margriet Ruurs and illustrator W. Allan Hancock. On the 13th, at 2:30 p.m., enjoy the Community Sinfonia Project: Quatuor Bozzini (pre-concert chat at 1:30). On Saturday, the 19th, at 8 p.m., catch the wonderfully talented Luanne Katz, percussionist extraordinaire! She will be joined by California pianist Theresa McCullogh and percussionist Chris Froh...enjoy a sampling of inspiring new music for percussion and piano, from around the globe. Lucky Islanders!

Live music venues this weekend:

Harbour House Hotel showcases Jim Moffatt on Friday, and enjoy the oh so talented Lloyd English and Ian Van Wyck on Saturday, and those Island favourites, the Barley Brothers, play on Sunday. Music from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Treehouse Cafe presents Barefoot Thieves on Friday, and Saturday catch Wesley Hardisty and Friends (music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.). On March 16th, Treehouse continues their celebration of food of different regions of the world with A Taste of the Caribbean. Enjoy!

On March 16th, Simply Organic presents a concert of alluring melodies by David Storm. At All Saints by the Sea, at 10:10 a.m. See you there!

Contact Lorraine Gane (250-537-5294)or Purna Ma (250-537-5190) for a one day workshop on March 19th, a unique qigong and writing workshop (10 to 5 at Salt Spring Centre of Yoga). Prior registration required.

The Salt Spring Arts Council is offering a one day workshop on March 26th, called Courage to Create: Demystifying the Artistic Block. Designed to take participants in new and inspired directions, the workshop will be taught by Louise Goodman, at Mahon Hall, 9 to 4. Pre-registration required by March 25th. (Pick one up in the mailbox at the side of Mahon Hall).

Something new this Spring season: the Blossom Festival, from April 8 to 10th. The Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring and the Salt Spring Island Tourism Committee are co-organizers of what may prove a welcome annual event. Plan to take part!

Love photography? Check out the third exhibition of the Salt Spring Photography Club, at Country Grocer's Country Roasters Cafe. Talent!

Transition Salt Spring presents the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium on Saturday, March 12th, at Still Point Yoga Studio (behind Harbour House Hotel) and on Sunday, 13th, at United Church, on Hereford Avenue. Registration at 12:30 p.m., for a 1 p.m. start, both days.

The 3rd Salt Spring Island Craft Fair is at Mahon Hall, March 19th, 11 to 5 p.m. ("Not Your Average Craft Fair").

Bring a story and bring a mug...CBC Radio is coming to Barb's Bakery and Bistro on Saturday, March 19th, from 6 to 9 a.m. Live performances, lively discussion, great food and drink are all promised (host Sheryl MacKay brings her North by Northwest program to the Island!).

It's been a true La Nina weather pattern this Winter...snow, arctic cold, pineapple express torrential rains, windstorms...pre-Spring is slowly taking over, though, and any sunny days are warmly welcomed!

Another reminder of "almost Spring"? Turning our clocks forward on Saturday night, the 12th...yes, Daylight Time is with us, again!

Spring Forward, remember...(not a bad message at this shift moment!).

Looking for an oceanfront opportunity on Salt Spring Island, with affordability?  

This Quebec Drive gem is a renovated retreat home, offering entertainment living/dining, chef's kitchen, 2 bed/2 bath (master ensuite), expansive oceanview decking and sunny patios.  Self-contained guest suite...dock for your boat!   Secure year round moorage in tranquil Long Harbour.  Just move in!

This Mountain Park Drive location offers super dock, protected Duck Bay moorage, and a stylish cedar cottage retreat home!   Sunny (s/sw/w), easy care...enjoy as a retreat for now and build your dream home later!   Opportunity!

Walker's Hook Road, offering Salt Spring's east side's very "soft climate", is a quiet coastline.   Semi oceanfront means that one's home lies across a quiet country road from the sea..."walk for miles" when the tide is low...seasonal moorage in Trincomali Channel, via mooring buoy...this cottage home, recently renovated, creates the perfect summer/weekender retreat for your pleasure!

Here's a lovely piece of land, semi-oceanfront, on Walker's Hook Road, private, sunny, quiet...ready for you to develop your dream!   Be self-sustaining here...arable land beside the seaside!

Authentic character home, pleasingly updated/renovated, in protected Walker's Hook Bay, nice beach, keep your boat on a mooring buoy in the Bay, sunrises and sunsets, 3 bed/2 bath home, wood floors, separate studio, kayak dock, hot tub with a view...ah, a patio to ponder life from!   California seller very motivated.

Scott Point Drive cottage/home (good tenant in place), with super dock, excellent building site for your future dream home...panoramic views, sunny (s/sw/w -- sunsets!), area of fine homes.   Great holding property!

More oceanfront opportunities, on the jewel of the Southern Gulf Islands?  Call me!

Liread33@gmail.com

Looking for business/commercial/investment opportunities?

Here's an array on Salt Spring Island, the largest and best serviced of the Southern Gulf Islands, and the one that offers the year-round lifestyle.

On McPhillips Avenue, adjacent to the new Library, there are two adjacent commercially zoned parcels, with rented structures.   An art gallery, a bike shop, a courier service, a music/book shop, a recording studio are the good tenants.   One could also rent spaces in the private parking lot behind the two buildings.   This is a development opportunity, and is a great holding property short-term.
The commercial core of Ganges Village cannot expand (Islands Trust).

Walk to town from this duplex zoned lot, with frontage on both Drake and Seaview Roads.   Again, develop now or hold for future appreciation!
(Note: single mobile belongs to "tenant").

High commercial zoning on this lot...frontage on both Drake and Fulford-Ganges Roads...adjacent to Embe Bakery.   There's also a driveway access off Seaview Road, just behind Embe Bakery.   Oceanviews out Ganges Harbour possible from here.   Holding property for now or develop your ideas!

5+ acres, St Mary Lake waterfront, very pleasing family run resort.  Currently 9 appealing cottages; zoned for 22.   Could also develop a "strata resort" concept here.   Call me, for details!   Again, this zoning cannot be repeated (Islands Trust).

Here's a terrific and elegant and busy B and B opportunity!   6 +  acres, oceanfront, foreshore licence in place -- build your dock and keep your boat at home!   Family retreat, corporate destination, or continue the popular B and B...you decide!

Always wanted to have your own restaurant?   Here's a gem, great location in Grace Point Square, completely upgraded/new equipment within past 2 years..."The" spot to be!   Outdoor patio for summer dining.   Ready for your flair!

Here's a 78 +/-  acre equestrian centre on St Mary Lake...stellar facility!   This is a true treasure...call for more details.  Unparalleled opportunity!

Very popular restaurant for sale...Harbour views, outdoor deck, the place for locals as well as tourists!  Sellers retiring...will stay to train!    Great package, here!

Call me (liread33@gmail.com)!

We are so lucky on Salt Spring...amazing restaurants, inspiring art galleries, thoughtful bookstores, environmentally aware residents, a 5 K diet possible with organic veggie and fruit producers...farms, orchards...educational opportunities...writers, singers/choirs, musicians of classical, jazz, rock, folk traditions and live venues to enjoy them...so lucky!

Thinking of dining out? Piccolo's for fine dining is an Island tradition, Harbour House Hotel with its emphasis on organic produce, Bocados Bistro with its European style, Marketplace Cafe's innovative cuisine, Calvin's Bistro with good food and Harbour views, Rock Salt Cafe's Fulford eclectic delights, Treehouse Cafe's live music charms, Seaside Kitchen at Vesuvius, above the sea, Bruce's Kitchen with its emphasis on organic and an eat in/take out philosophy...in the season, add Hastings House's stellar dining opportunity.

Wow...we didn't even get to the coffee/tea and goodies spaces: Rendezvous Cafe (French bakery delights), Cafe Talia, Barb's Buns, TJ Beans, Roasting Company, Embe Bakery, Jana's Bakeshop, Bruce's Kitchen....

I left out your favourite? Let me know...always good to try something new!

March 3, 2011.

Live music venues on Salt Spring this weekend:

Friday, at Harbour House Hotel, enjoy Alan Miceli, Saturday catch the oh so talented Lloyd English and Ian Van Wyck (Jazz delights), and Sunday it's the Barley Brothers (yes, their regular gig is back!).

Treehouse Cafe features the popular Lane 31 on Friday and Wyckham Porteous on Saturday (music 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.). On March 9th, Treehouse features A Taste of Thailand, as part of their celebration of food from different regions...enjoy!

On Saturday, also enjoy An Evening with Mae Moore at ArtSpring: doors open at 7 and show starts at 8 p.m. Rick May and Joby Baker featured.

A treat for everyone on Monday, as John Wort Hannam plays at the Salt Spring Folk Club's event...at Fulford Hall, doors open at 6:15 and show at 7 p.m. Soups, Suppers and Sweets by Fiddlehead Catering. A childhood friend of Ken Rouleau, diagnosed with ALS, all proceeds from the concert go to Ken. Be there!

Friday, the 4th, at ArtSpring, be inspired by Montreal guitarist and his quintet. Dennis Chang brings an evening of gypsy jazz to the Island...show at 8 p.m.

March 13th, ArtSpring presents Quatuor Bozzini from Montreal, one of Canada's new music ensembles...includes a world premiere composition based in part on music by Salt Spring's very talented Zav RT. Composed by Cassandra Miller, former conductor of Salt Spring's Tuned Air.

New shows at Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art on McPhillips Avenue...open 10 to 4 daily, except Sunday. Talent to entice!

Enjoy, too, the Wind Sculptures in Grace Point Square...introduced to the Island by Steffich Fine Art Gallery.

The very talented Brian Brett's poem has been shortlisted for a 2010 CBC Literary Award. His poem is called To Your Scattered Bodies Go. Fingers crossed!

Dining out, to welcome the growing early signs of Spring, is a welcome idea...special menu and pricings offered at Calvin's Bistro, with Harbour view, and at Bocados Bistro, in Grace Point Square...two great choices! Piccolo's, Harbour House Hotel, Marketplace Cafe...spoil yourself!

Salt Spring Documentary Film Festival this weekend, with gala opening on the 4th, and films continuing on 5th and 6th. Bruce's Kitchen is catering on Friday. Don't miss this annual event...at GISS!

In Toronto? Catch the exhibit "Unmasked: Treasures from the Pacific Northwest Coast", presented by Pegasus Gallery of Salt Spring and Mayberry Fine Art Toronto. March 5 to 26th.

On Salt Spring? Attend the important Islands Trust meeting at ArtSpring today. Be informed...many changes on the agenda, affecting many aspects of Island life. Be there!

Did you know? Daylight Saving Time begins in mid-March and the Saturday Market in the Park begins on April 2nd!

Ah...the season begins....

Step right into this beauty!     In the pastoral tranquility of Pringle Farm, this custom designed and built "west coast contemporary" home is ready to enjoy.

Sunny (s/sw/w) acreage, in area of fine homes, on community water, underground power, with exceptional ocean, islands, and mountain viewscapes!

Close to all services and amenities, to beach accesses (warm ocean swimming nearby) and to park hiking/walking trails, and with spacious decking and patios to expand summer living pleasures, this gem awaits your Salt Spring lifestyle!

Detached double garage, with spacious workshop, easy care landscaping, and level entry main floor for convenience.    Custom windows, wood floors, chef's dream kitchen, outdoor barbecue with sunsets...created by one of Salt Spring's top builders.

Call me, and let's view this one soon!

liread33@gmail.com

Here is a superaltive opportunity for an oceanfront "buy"...a quality custom designed and built home, on 6+ private and sunny acres, on special Salt Spring Island!

Anne's Oceanfront B & B has been the premier choice for many visitors to Salt Spring, in the 15 years this business has excelled, in this stellar location.

Built with a multi-purpose concept, the home lends itself to the continuation of this popular B & B enterprise, or could very nicely suit a family opportunity, and would be an exceptional corporate retreat concept.

Entry level main level is wheel chair friendly, and the full walk-in elevator links the upper level and the garden level very easily.

Main level enjoys formal entry/foyer, plus living room, spacious dining, cook's dream kitchen with butler's pantry and office off, a library/den (gas fireplace), plus two piece powder room, and a separate master-sitting with ensuite, and excellent walk-in closets...a true retreat space!

Upper level (via formal staircase or by elevator) offers four ensuite bedrooms, three with gas fireplaces and the fourth with an electric fireplace.   Exceptional panoramic ocean, islands, and mountain viewscapes from all rooms!

Garden level enjoys a terrific hobby room (artist? home occupation space?), plus expansive laundry and storage room.    An oceanview office, with two piece bath off, plus a guest bedroom/with ensuite bath, plus exercise room and office off, completes this level. 

Covered and spacious verandah decking off main and garden levels...expands summer living pleasures!

Foreshore licence in place; build your dock and keep your boat at home!

Property is zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio...bring your ideas, here.

Detached double garage, paved driveway...the classic cars will be happy here!

This one has it all....24 hour notice for viewings.  

Call me...let's check it out together....liread33@gmail.com