My family of five adults just spent three nights of the thanksgiving weekend at this beautiful waterfront retreat. The house was very spacious and comfortable with stunning views. We enjoyed relaxing in the main room and on the deck and taking in the extraordinary scenery. It was a special treat to spot seals and dolphins swimming just off the shore. We prepared our thanksgiving dinner in the well equipped kitchen and enjoyed our dinner and wine by the fireplace fire. We explored a bit of the island with an excursion into the charming little town, a trip to the Saturday morning farmer's market and a visit to the apple festival. We hiked up to Dorman's Point and took a walk by the water at the lighthouse park. There was lots to do on this lovely Island and much that we had to save for our next visit. Our Bowen Island experience was an excellent one overall.

A marvelous house and incredible view. 3 couples stayed here with plenty of private and shared space. Extremely well equipped kitchen. Master bedroom is large and amazing . The other bedrooms are smaller but very nice; they are on the second floor. Bowen Island is rural and charming. We loved our visit. 2 things to note: if you do a lot of cooking there, (and you don't need to, there are restaurants available) cleanup and recycling requirements take some work. Also, although the ferry ride is only twenty minutes, the ferry is 45 minutes at least from Vancouver proper, and there is often a wait for the ferry, so the total amount of time to get there has to be taken into consideration. Regardless, we give it 5 stars for a great place to relax with friends and family.

Amazing views - wonderful home. Great time was had by all.

We spent a long weekend up at the house with a group of old friends. Our immediate impression was "Wow!" The pictures don't do the place justice. Plenty of space for 3 couples. Well-stocked kitchen (lots of spices). Beautiful view and excellent finishes in the house. The dock is a little precarious and roped off. Felt a little unsafe, even at the portion near the newly built stairs. But that's ok. We spent most of our time taking in the view on the awesome deck, watching wildlife and listening to the waves. We rent a lot of rental houses all over the U.S. and Canada and my husband specifically wanted to note that the grill is probably the best one we've come across at a rental (clean and actually works, unlike many of the grills we encounter). The Island itself has plenty to do, including hiking, biking, kayaking and several restaurants and little shops. I'd recommend getting most of your groceries before coming to the Island though as the prices were higher than on the mainland. The house is well-managed with great communication with the property manager. We'd definitely come back. You won't be disappointed.

My daughter got married on Bowen during our stay, and she and 7 of her Bridesmaids got ready at this beautiful house. The view was just amazing. At night with the clear sky you felt like you could touch the Big Dipper. So many stars. Impeccably clean. Loved our stay

A beautifully designed house with incredible views from every room. The last bit of road coming in is very steep and a little beat up so don't rent a sports car. Maybe a four wheel drive in the winter would be good too).

The house is so lovely - filled with light and amazing views.

Owner Response

Thank you so much for being our guests. Love to have you return to our special home. Charles and Jan

If you want to get away and enjoy beauty and tranquility, this is the place. There are incredible views from everywhere in the house. The house is just as pictured, with lovely gardens all around and everything we needed for our stay. There are 2 perfect places for reading inside if it's too cool outdoors: a loft area with a double chaise lounge chair and a window seat in the master bedroom, both with beautiful views. If you are light-sensitive when trying to sleep, you may want to bring an eye mask; there are no window coverings over the windows in the master bedroom (which cover the entire back wall) and a skylight right over the bed (and it stays light until VERY late in summer and gets light early). Also, we didn't find any cards or board games to use in case of cold or rainy days, and you should bring your own book (other vrbos we've visited have provided these, but I don't think they are on the listing here). No problems in getting in touch with the manager when needed. The trip from Vancouver is easy. Make sure to buy groceries BEFORE you get on the car ferry. The fee for the ferry is round-trip, btw.

Wonderful time!!

We love this home. It's complete with all the amenities but most of all the most spectacular view. Jan was very easy to work with and accommodating. Thank you for hosting us!

Everything is good! View, room, deck, kitchen, also enjoy sauna meanwhile looking at the best ocean and mountain view! It is 10 of 10 experience!

Just looking at this picture makes us want to go back! The "green" home is just stunning and the views are to die for. The location is amazing and provided for lots of wildlife - we saw an Orca, seals, eagles and lots of other birds and ducks. Would highly recommend this spot and look forward to it again. Jill & Rob North Vancouver

This home was a fantastic retreat from our busy days in Vancouver. It is well appointed, comfortable, clean and beautifully situated in a lush garden with vast water views. The owners were easy to work with, and we bought a weekly pass for the ferry. Loved the local market, Chocolate West (try Poblano hot chocolate), and hiking all around the island. Truly a slice of heaven that we hope to treasure again. Your breath will be taken away by so many aspects of wildlife, natural beauty, and comfort.

This green home and its location are perfect to relax for a day, week, or longer. The built-in cutting board above the compost makes it easy to cook and clean up. The spa tub is wonderful- you can watch the sunrise or sunset from it-sheer relaxation. The beds are so comfortable, and we could hear the rain pattering all night. Slippers throughout the home keep the floors clean and your toes toasty-warm. We even saw some harbour seals enjoying the bay. Will definitely book again and highly recommend to our friends and family.

Owner Response

So glad you had a close to perfect stay at the Eastman Waterfront Retreat. It sounds as though we were able to create the just right peaceful environment for you and your family. Love to have you return any time. Summer are nearly perfect too. Jan and Charles.

This property is incredible! There are amazing views from every room and the home was absolutely spotless upon arrival. Our family of six spent two nights here and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The quality of this home cannot be beat. We enjoyed watching the seals in the water and the ferry going by in the distance. So peaceful and beautiful. We also really enjoyed our evening out at Doc Morgan's for dinner and the harbour is full of quaint little shops. Some of the best chocolate I've ever had was from Cocoa West Chocolatier. Communication with Jan, the property manager, was great; lot of information and thorough instructions prior to our arrival and there are instructions throughout the home just in case you forgot how something worked. We felt very welcomed. We really appreciate the owner of this property sharing his treasured home! No question this was a 5 star experience!

Much much exceeded our expectation. Unbelivable 180 degree ocean view from all rooms. Very open, confortable layout. Most important, this is the best vacation property Ive ever stayed with so many supplies you can imagine. 5 stars!

Owner Response

Sherrene, thank you so much for your 5 Star review. We do have a well stocked spice cabinet and we know that our guests appreciate it along with the olive oil that we supply. Love to have you return any time. Best, Jan and Charles.

A 3 day family get-together to celebrate my BIG birthday. The house was spotlessly clean, well equipped and comfortable. We put the wood fireplace to good use on chilly evenings and during the day there were plenty of chairs on the deck for us to just sit and contemplate. If a quiet retreat in a natural and beautiful setting, is your desire, then this is the place to stay.

Owner Response

Dear Colin, we hope we will be able to host you and your family again soon. Our cleaning staff will be pleased to hear your compliments......they strive to provide extra clean properties and we are happy to hear that you noticed. Peace and Tranquility included at no charge.......it is a treasure for sure. Much appreciated, Jan and Charles.

We are a busy family and loved the tranquility of this home. Only thing I missed were blinds on the windows to help with nap time and sleeping in past the sun! Well equipped kitchen and home, wonderful deck and loved the visits from the deer. We'd love to get back sometime

Owner Response

Thank you Michelle for leaving us a review.....future guests really appreciate it and we do too. We agree with you and are now in the middle of ordering window shades for the bedrooms. I love to sleep in myself and.....yes, a nap in the middle of the day too. Guaranteed the window shades will not block the gorgeous waterfront views. Love for you and your family to return. Best, Jan and Charles.

Our family and friends stayed for a too-short three days at the Eastman property on Bowen Island. It was the highlight of a two week trip through Canada. The home is a short 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver and even shorter drive through coastal rainforests to the property, which occupies its own rocky promontory with unimpeded views of ocean and islands. It was indeed a retreat, with no other houses in sight - we saw more seals and otters than people. The home itself is beautifully crafted with comfortably modern eco-friendly materials and appliances. The kitchen is fully kitted out and we were able to enjoy all our meals looking out the two-story storm windows or watching sunsets from the wide deck. A path down from the home leads to a private dock and rocky beach from which we swam, searched for starfish and picked blackberries. I'd highly recommend this to anyone looking for a convenient but peaceful natural retreat.

Words can't express how beautiful this property is!! The view even on a cloudy day is just breath taking!!! House had everything we could ever need, and every room has a gorgeous view. Many days we would wake up to deer right in the front yard, my daughter went nuts with excitement! Tons of food places to choose from, we will definitely be coming back soon! Just make sure you have a car or rent one, very easy to get it on the ferry and makes it much easier for getting around!

Owner Response

Thank you so much Amy for sharing your Eastman Waterfront Retreat with others. I am always thrilled to see the deer in the yard......we are visiting their island, for sure....they own it. Great advice about bringing a car. The Retreat is not along the bus line and guests certainly need transportation to explore Bowen Island. Although Zoom Zoom Scooters are available to rent in Snug Cove. And just in, (9/19/16) there will soon be a Bowen Island Taxi. The Taxi was boarding the ferry on its way to Bowen....it just needs a driver or 2. Stay tune. Thank you for being our guests and love to have you return.

This home turned out to be exactly as advertised--a luxurious relaxing retreat right on the water. Home is impeccably maintained and very comfortable. Kitchen is well equipped, we cooked most of our meals in the home. Views are fantastic. The description is not clear, but there is also a loft with a futon in addition to the bedrooms. A caution for anyone with mobility issues, there are a lot of stairs inside and out--especially down to the dock. The little village is nice, although it was quiet when we visited. It is always a pleasure to find a place such as this home, we would definitely return.

What a restful retreat. This beautiful house nestled on the edge of the ocean is the perfect place to get away from it all. Every place in the house makes the most of the spectacular view, from the two-person tub to the cozy lounger upstairs. We never wanted to leave!

Owner Response

Emily, we were so happy to share the Eastman Waterfront Retreat with you to bring in the NEW Year. The views are spectacular from every room in the house......and relaxation is a welcome benefit as well. Please come again soon. Jan and Charles.

Paradise will not be much better than this: beautiful home perfectly in tune with its surroundings, stunning panoramic view from every vantage point on the property and inside the home, swimming and kayaking, friendly neighbors, serenity and peace. **High points: watching sea lion antics, kayaking to the little island (easy kayak with our average kayaks), watching the gray whale one morning. The kitchen was big enough for multiple cooks; a very clean, well appointed facility! Our adult family of 5 loved the eco-friendly aspect to the home. But it is a commitment one makes to the owner to respect his directives. Therefore, I would not recommend it for anyone whose facility needs to house parties, reunions, obstreperous individuals, where attention by everyone to house rules is just not going to happen. Otherwise..... This is an absolute, DO NOT MISS, opportunity. You will not be disappointed!

When we arrived to the waterfront house we found ourselves in an oasis of peace and beauty. Green trees around and waves gently touching the shore lifted our hearts. We were listening to the nature and the crystal clear sea water relaxed our mind. Gorgeous place of tranquility left an emotional remark on us and we would like to come back...

We spent 4 amazing nights in this beautiful house on Bowen Island during summer of 2015. VIEWS, VIEWS and VIEWS. Beautiful views of water and islands from every corner of the house. Plus the house is very well equipped which made our stay very comfortable. Loved the outdoor shower. Waking up looking at the beautiful views through the large windows, preparing a meal in well equipped kitchen and sitting on the deck was a vacation in itself. Thank you for a Wonderful Stay.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect vacation with our families. The Eastman Waterfront Retreat offered us comfort, relaxation, and natural beauty as far as the eye could see. There was a group of nine (we rented the cottage next door too) which included both sets of parents as well as my grandmother, and everyone felt like we had treated them to a luxury resort. It was equipped with everything we needed and more. We ended up making use of the private dock every day after cobbling together some fishing gear. Everyone would either gather and look on from the deck or try their luck on the dock. It became a fun past time that everyone could enjoy. Being so quaint, Bowen Island was an easy place for us to explore as a big group across a range of ages. We enjoyed the Eastman home and island so much that we ended up not going into Vancouver as often as we had originally planned. Thanks to Jan & Charles for taking such good care of us!

We were there for 2 nights and it was certainly too short. The house is gorgeous and well-maintained. So peaceful and relaxing, perfect place to get away from busy city life. My 6 year old is missing that beach house so much now, she took pictures of sunsets and reindeers from the sun deck every night, and she said it was the most beautiful and peaceful house she had ever see in her whole life. We had great time and will certainly go back on our next vacation.

Owner Response

Grace, we are so glad that you found the peace and quiet that we strive to deliver. We would love to have you return......soon.

Everything that needed to be said has been said already in previews reviews. It is the small details that added to the allure: binoculars to scan the water and the mountains, the side deck chairs and quiet spot to read, the cubby dining area with wine glasses, the outside shower area out in the elements, the study area upstairs with a sofa...night of blazing stars through the skylights...the morning serenity. Well done!

Owner Response

Girish, we know that you traveled quite a distance for your summer vacation on Bowen at the Eastman Waterfront Retreat. It is great to know that we delivered on all of your expectations. We hope you return to make use of our new stairs down to the waters edge.....it is perfect for launching a paddle board, kayak, or for a swim. We welcome you back as our guests again......soon.

This rental completely lived up to its listed advertisment and more. The owner prior to our arrival was very accomidating and was able to assist us completely. The photos can never do the beauty of the surroundings justice, which are completely breathtaking. The home was very warm and inviting, well stocked in everthing we needed other than personal groceries. I highly recommend the restaurants Tuscany's, Miksa and Artisan Eats. My husband friends and I regret we had to leave the serenity of this lovely place to return to our own homes.

We really enjoyed our weekend at this gorgeous, clean and spacious home. The beds are heaven - lovely linens and pillows - the best part is waking up and seeing such a spectacular view from the comfort of your bed. There was so much room for the ten of us - we could enjoy being together or having alone time. The house is maintained perfectly, the instructions on care are clear, and it's so easy to open the door and relax.

Owner Response

What a GREAT review of our beautiful property. You have captured the essence of what we feel is so special about our very private waterfront location. We realize that linens, pillows and comfortable beds are so important.......nearly as important as our spectacular view. So Glad that you all enjoyed your stay.

We stayed in the main house. It is totally quiet, private and serene. If you want to get away from it all this is the place. It's spotlessly clean, extremely comfortable and well equipped with a gorgeous view to the mountains of the sunshine coast in the distance. The spirit of the past owner lives on with the yogi images and sensitivity to the natural environment. The only thing I would have liked would be a way to get down to the ocean for a swim. But I don't suppose too many people will be wanting that as the water is only 19 degrees. There is a public beach a few minutes walk away.

Owner Response

Hi Paul, we wanted to let you know that we have heard your request. This summer we built stairs down to the beach below the Retreat. Our guests now have private access to our beach below. It is perfect for a swim, launching your paddle board or kayaking. Come on back and jump in.....the water is beautiful, up to 21c this summer. Best to you, Charles.