10/10 Excellent
richard c.
26 Apr 2019
3 Nights in the Museum
The best part of staying at Ardenwald was meeting the owner and host Julie. She went out of her way to welcome ( walking out to the corner waving a flashlight on a very stormy and wet night ) TO MAKING SURE our harrowing 10 hour drive south from Vancouver down the clogged artery called I-5 was washed away by a choice of French wine of Don Julia Tequila. I was most impressed , that was a first as a traveller and a fellow vacation rental owner.
The place is a renovated 1890's church located in Selwood a funky neighbourhood close to cycle trails, rapid light rail, bus and shops. Access is through a antique wooden door into a private gated yard shared by 2 rental spaces, shaded and loaded with so many cool things to see, like the large twin hippo fountains that look real, bbq area, places to leave your bikes.
The suite itself is huge, loaded with an eclectic mix of art, antiques and Moroccan artifacts. Loved the tiled stairs. She has spared no expense in providing her guests with comfort. I really liked the tiled shower.
Lots of history within and without.
Although we were there to do the 4T trail and cycle Springwater track - a bonus was following the suggestions Julie gave us in her recommendations:
The Speakeasy for cocktails, the whole foods store nearby, Bert and Lous for breakfast and one we found ourselves called Central Bakery. The coffee is great and the tea place next door even better. Plus a Columbia Outlet store by itself hidden behind an antique store and Higgins Boiled Bagels.
Driving around was easy - no traffic jams. Cycling was even better.
I did make one suggestion and Julie plans to follow this up - forced air duct needs a hepa filter to stop any allergens blowing from outside or upstairs. We were there during heavy pollen time and got itchy eyes initially. However the place gave us quiet comfortable sleeps and that was the most important part.
Thank you Julie for your graciousness as a host and sharing your home d'art with us.
richard c.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
