The guest house, also designed by John Keay, is surrounded by trees, shrubs, flowers and plants of all descriptions set in an extensive year round English style cottage garden. The spring garden is especially spectacular with February crocuses followed by March daffodils (and other narcissi) which give way in April and May to a riot of tulip and rhododendron colours. Of course some argue that the roses of summer are more satisfying than the bulbs of Spring and others contend that Fall’s dahlias are simply the best. Contrarians are amazed by the smaller but colourful show that Winter jasmine and bold primula make in Winter. We like them all.

The house sits high on the property and from it the sea and Salt Spring Island are glimpsed through a woodland cover. The amenities include a queen size bed, a tiled four piece bathroom, a gas fireplace, a small kitchen, ample closet space, a window seat for reading, a built in desk for writing, a television and VCR for watching, a stereo for listening and, of course, lots and lots of books and music, hardcover and paper, CDs and tapes.