Sealcroft is a special place, and fully deserving of the superlatives and accolades used to describe it in the Air B&B reviews. It was a gift to be able to stay here. The setting is stunning – not just the expansive ocean and mountain views, but the garden too. The yard and the lovely cove that backdrops it provide a sanctuary for birds: eagles, herons, geese, hummingbirds, red-winged blackbirds, ravens, mourning doves and robins. A few times we also heard [but didn’t see] some Swainson’s thrushes.
As a photographer, I couldn’t stop snapping pictures of the vistas that kept changing through the course of each day.
The only “problem” with this B&B is that it’s so quiet and peaceful, and its setting so spectacular, you won’t want to leave to go sight-seeing! The house is well situated as a base from which to explore the area’s many offerings, and we did pull away often to enjoy several highlights: an unforgettable walk along the coastline in East Sooke Regional Park [Beechey Head Loop]; cycling a beautifully woodsy section of the Galloping Goose, from Matheson Lake [where we swam] to the Todd Creek Trestle and back; a refreshing dip in the jade-green Sooke River Potholes; a scenic drive up to Botanical Beach, where we saw fascinating tidal pools full of marine life; an easy walk along the loop trail at Witty’s Lagoon just down the road. We also spent a day exploring nearby Victoria, to take in some sights not seen in previous trips there – including a drive up Mount Douglas, whose summit provides a sweeping vista of the region and its surrounding ocean.
On a practical level, we appreciated many things about this B&B. Eileen is a great communicator and responded quickly to questions and requests. Also, the apartment is well stocked with pretty much everything you could want or need. Having a complimentary breakfast provided the first day was a nice touch. A huge view deck with comfortable chairs was a wonderful spot to enjoy morning coffees or evening happy hours. Also, the apartment’s many [screened] windows allow for cross-ventilation from the sea breezes we enjoyed most of our time there – a bonus given that we visited in summer in the midst of a record-smashing heat wave, during which many inland areas [and even Victoria] broiled, while we found ‘our place’ blessedly cool! Finally, the super-comfortable beds and the gentle surf steps away made for wonderful sleeping.
We will not forget our delightful week at Sealcroft, and hope to return to experience this lovely get-away in another season. Many thanks, Eileen and Bruce!