Walk-on Oceanfront \"Harlequin House\" Retreat in French Creek
About this house rental
Situated in Parksville, this lovely house for £276 per night is a great choice for your next vacation. Due to new BC Government "short term rental" regulations we can only offer stays of 90+ days. Text me at 2502487953 for details. “Harlequin House” is an ocean front home in a quiet neighbourhood at the end of dead-end road. Enjoy the ever changing marine life scene from the house or stroll a few steps down to the foreshore to watch the bird, marine mammal and boat activity from there (lawn chairs provided!). Our house has two levels: the upper floor has two bedrooms (both with Queen-sized beds, one has an ocean view), two bathrooms, living room with gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, dining area, sunroom and deck; the lower floor has two bedrooms (one with a Queen-sized bed and ocean view, one with two single beds), one bathroom, a living room, small kitchen and patio. Our home is an older home and is perfect for 2-4 couples, groups of friends or families who seek a comfortable home to enjoy a holiday or reunion. Ask us for details. Harlequin House is located just south of the French Creek marina (which forms part of the view), between the Oceanside towns of Qualicum Beach and Parksville. Restaurants, grocery stores, other shops, art galleries, an aquatic center, ice rink, Saturday farmer’s market, and many other amenities are all only a few minutes’ drive away. Children love exploring "our" beach at low tide. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the area – Harlequin House is an ideal base for golfing, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, skiing, site-seeing or just relaxing. • Birding: we can provide directions to multiple local birding sites for those looking for forest, freshwater or marine birding opportunities; • Fishing: guided marine fishing is available at French Creek Marina. In October fly-fish for Coho from the rocks in front of the house or in the nearby French Creek estuary. Ask John for other local fly-fishing opportunities. • Kayaking: borrow one of our single person kayaks provided, or bring your own kayak, launch off of the beach and check out the coastline from the water. • Golfing: three golf courses (Morning Star, Eaglecrest and Qualicum) are within 5 minutes’ drive of the house. Others are nearby. Golf is a 12 months of the year activity in Oceanside! • Hiking: options range from climbing Mt Arrowsmith to strolling the Parksville boardwalk, all levels of hikes can be accomplished as day trips from our house. • Cycling: Oceanside has a good network of bike paths within the community as well as a mountain biking trail network to challenge a full range of skill levels. • Skiing: we are one hour from Mt Washington Alpine Resort. Play in the snow by day (Alpine ski lifts, nordic ski and snowshoe trails available) then relax with an ocean view in the evening. • Sight-seeing: multiple options including Horne Lake caves, visit a Gulf Island (Lasquiti Island ferry departs from French Creek Marina, you will see it from the house; Denman / Hornby Island ferry is 20 min drive away), check out our waterfalls (spectacular Englishman River Falls Provincial Park or Little Qualicum Falls Park both are about 15 minutes’ drive away), visit a salmon hatchery (Big Qualicum River hatchery is about 20 minutes away), check out the Coombs market with their Goats on the Roof, or venture further afield (about 2 hours’ drive) to see Long Beach and Tofino. We are happy to provide any help you might need in planning your vacation. We live nearby and will be available if needed but will otherwise leave you in peace to enjoy yourselves.
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Parksville
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(147 Reviews)
5.0
Loved our stay over Christmas at John and Suzanne's place. It was very comfortable for 8 adults to stay. It's well equipped. The rooms are comfortable, nice living areas, and having an extra fridge downstairs was a nice added bonus. The view is great and the two resident eagles flying around were wonderful to see.
John was very responsive to us, allowing an early check in and putting up a Christmas tree after seeing if we wanted one.
Would definitely recommend a stay here!
5.0
Had a lovely stay at French creek. Beautiful views. Even saw a whale. Beds very comfy. Fire in living room very cozy. Lots of room to spread out. Walked on the beach when tide was out. Hosts very friendly and helpful. Lots of basics in kitchen - spices etc which was nice. Had 3 nights there.
5.0
Thank you for a wonderful stay once again. We had a wonderful time and you ensured that we had great weather as well. Thank you, we will be back.
5.0
Beautiful view
Beds were comfortable
Suggestions:
The electric kettle should be replaced due to some kind of build up on interior
Would be nice if paper towels would have been provided
5.0
Very comfortable accommodations.
The beds are comfy with a lovely water view especially the one upstairs. Kitchen is well equipped with all the spices you could want although oregano seems to be the most popular as it was out but I’m sure it won’t be when you go.
There are no adult games. Not even a deck of cards.
We did buy a new scrabble game and left it there so that’s a start. On the bright side there is Netflix and a lovely gas fireplace. So cosy on a dreary day. The view can’t be beat. Good secure walk to get down to beach but be sure of foot as it is a very rocky shoreline. Once you get through the rocks it is amazing!!
All in all it was a fantastic getaway.
5.0
Beautiful view
Beds were comfortable
Suggestions:
The electric kettle should be replaced due to some kind of build up on interior
Would be nice if paper towels would have been provided
5.0
We loved the location of this property. The views were amazing and walking along the waters edge was super fun. Lots of tide pools and interesting things for our kids to explore. The house was spacious and laid out well for multiple families. Overall a great place to stay!
4.0
3rd time staying at this property. Great house and location for a family getaway.
5.0
Our family’s stay at Harlequin House was exceptional. Our group of 8, including 3 children, enjoyed every aspect of John and Suzanne’s lovely home. It was spacious and clean with a nice seaside cottage feel. Beds were all comfortable, kitchen was well equipped and everything we needed was there. Our hosts had thought of everything, indoors and out! Watching the eagles in the trees around the property was an added bonus! So much to explore when you took the sturdy metal stairs down to the rocky seashore below. Plus there was sandy beach in the little bay just a few minutes walk from the house. Wandering there and watching the tide come in and go out was a favourite with the kids. Always something new to find. We were blessed with wonderful weather the week we were there and took full advantage of the many things to do in the area. Thank you John and Suzanne for sharing your home with us. Truly a great experience.
5.0
Stayed here for 4 nights with 8 adults and there was definitely enough space. Great for two groups as well , the downstairs has separate suite. We had everything we needed. The view is beautiful! I never got tired at watching the eagles that sit in the nearby trees. There is lots to do and see, on the property and beach and in nearby towns. Great trails nearby to walk , it’s such a gorgeous area! My whole family really enjoyed our stay. Thanks for offering your house to folks that need a dose of nature :)
5.0
Beautiful home and location. Mornings on the deck were wonderful watching the eagles and having coffee.
5.0
The house is older, and it shows in places - kitchen and bathroom cupboards and drawers - but was super clean and certainly large enough for three retired couples. Great location, and fabulous views from the deck. Stairway access to the ‘beach’ - large flat rocks, not sand.
Communication with John was quick and easy. The only suggestions I would make would be perhaps provide a few more things in the kitchen, e.g. tin foil, plastic wrap etc., and an umbrella on the deck would be awesome - it gets sun most of the day so we were sometimes looking for shade!
Our group had a great time and would certainly return. Thanks John.
5.0
We loved the house and had plenty of room for the five of us. All the amenities were there, which was great, and the location was superb.
We are hoping to make this an annual event.
Thank you for the lovely place to stay!
5.0
Watching the wildlife from the deck was a highlight of the trip for our whole family. We saw orca whales pass right by the house. It was the perfect location from which to explore the area, with many breath taking, easy hikes and trips for a young family nearby.
5.0
Our family of 8 all met in Parksville for a few days. The layout of the house worked wonderfully for our group. Big kitchen opening to dining room & livingroom.
The deck facing the Ocean was amazing. We watched the seals & eagles for hours. The kayaks were an added bonus & we were able to explore the bay.
5.0
The process was extremely easy and the host responded to our request quickly.
5.0
We had a lovely spring break weekend away with our friends and kids. The kids all enjoyed the beach and all the great local attractions. We will definitely come and book the house again!
5.0
We loved the house and location. We had everything we needed and the property was very clean. The host was always quick to respond to all our question. We will definitely make this a regular get away. Thank you.
Gloria
5.0
A perfect fit for our group of four guys in a curling tournament
5.0
A home that is quiet, comfortable and well maintained. It has a beautiful view of the ocean and has a nice beach area to explore.
A very enjoyable stay!
5.0
The views were outstanding and being on the water was a great treat. We were greeted by eagles when we arrived and later saw seals when we walked on the beach. It is a spectacular location and the perfect size for our group of five. The place had everything we needed and more; could not say enough positive things. Definitely worth every penny!
5.0
Lots of space, amazing views, very quiet area, will definitely book here again.
5.0
Beautiful property in great setting. Enjoyable for all!
Our thanks to the owners!
4.0
Sitting on the back deck overlooking the French Creek harbor is HEAVEN. We couldn’t wait to wake up eat, congregate, happy hour or reflect on that view of high or low tides and gaze at the mountains! Perfect spot to write your book or read a book. The area was perfectly situated for us to go to the hiking trails, Quaclcum beach or take day trips to Victoria, Tofino and parts in between.
The only concern was the owner didn’t repair the broken front door knob nor address the screenless windows in the main family. But truly these were inconveniences that were quickly ignored once we returned to our favorite spot on the back deck.
Neighbors are very friendly greeting us as we walked daily to get our steps in. The green folder the owner left us provided a good summary of area attractions and things to do.
5.0
We have been coming here every year since 2020 and it doesn’t disappoint. Lots of room, clean and beautiful views. Thanks! :)
5.0
Fantastic views. Great location. We enjoyed it a lot.
5.0
This was our second summer vacation at Harlequin House. Stunning vistas, quiet and private, good beach access, spacious sunny deck, good kitchen for group cooking, easy access to shops and running/walking trails (Englishman River Regional Park), in good company with resident eagles, seals and 2 families of California quails. Hosts are low-key but responsive. Will come again!
5.0
After a long hot drive' we pulled down the long driveway of John and Suzanne's home, opened the door and sighed with delight. The view from the living room out to the water was fabulous, the kitchen is huge and remarkably well equipped and the sundeck out deck is slice of heaven. The house has 3 full bathrooms - all with robust showers and seemingly unending hot water! The lower floor also has small kitchen - a real gift for stowing away extra beverages...and outside the lower level is a shady patio and lawn area - perfect for heated battle of lawn darts or bocce or to escape the heat for awhile. This home is perfect sojourn for large family or 2 families with just enough separation to keep everyone sane...highly recommend and would rent again in a heartbeat.
5.0
Feels like home
This is the second time for me at this house and I still loved every minute of it! The hosts are awesome, the views are fabulous, the pub next door makes the best lobster rolls, there is a brilliant whale watching company also right next door— really there is not much more you need! We had a blast and would come back again in a heartbeat!
5.0
Family Retreat
Another wonderful week with fabulous weather and a perfect venue. Whether relaxing on the deck, the lawn, footsteps from the beach--it was a relaxing, renewing time for three generations to enjoy each other's company.
5.0
Needed Getaway
We had a wonderful stay. My son loved playing down on the beach. The house was perfect for the much needed rest and relaxation that we all needed. House is perfectly located to multiple fun day destinations. Hope to come and stay again!
4.0
Breathtaking Panoramic Views!
Upstairs was a delight. Downstairs, however, was a bit gloomy and dated. Lovely garden (no fence) and the Eagles were a treat to have in residence!
For the price this is a very good holiday rental. The solarium and the deck are heavenly. No easy access to the water though. The rocks are perilous for anyone under 5 or over 60. But a four minute drive will take you to the little beach, where you can park at the picturesque marina and go for a swim. (And then pick up some fresh seafood at the store there). All in all a delightful spot.
5.0
We were two families (4 adults and 4 kids under 4). The house was perfect for us and could easily have accommodated more guests. The views from the house were amazing, and we loved spending time and enjoying meals on the deck (which looked like it had been recently redone with beautiful glass panels). There is also very easy and quick access to the beach, and we made good use of the two kayaks that come with the house.
Location was great—short drive to Save On Foods, Qualicum Cheeseworks (where they have milk on tap!), Parksville and Coombs. Would highly recommend the pizza from Salt Pizzeria which is a very short drive or 20 min walk away.
Communication with John was very good. Kitchen was well stocked with cookware and utensils. We did have to pick up our own cooking oil. Water pressure in the showers was great.
Would definitely book again!
5.0
Great views and beach access
We were two families (4 adults and 4 kids under 4). The house was perfect for us and could easily have accommodated more guests. The views from the house were amazing, and we loved spending time and enjoying meals on the deck (which looked like it had been recently redone with beautiful glass panels). There is also very easy and quick access to the beach, and we made good use of the two kayaks that come with the house.
Location was great—short drive to Save On Foods, Qualicum Cheeseworks (where they have milk on tap!), Parksville and Coombs. Would highly recommend the pizza from Salt Pizzeria which is a very short drive or 20 min walk away.
Communication with John was very good. Kitchen was well stocked with cookware and utensils. We did have to pick up our own cooking oil. Water pressure in the showers was great.
Would definitely book again!
5.0
Great family vacation by the ocean
We had an all around great time, from grilling fish from the local market on the bbq, to sitting on the deck watching eagles catch fish, to enjoying the board game and book collections. Our group ranged from ages 5 to 65+, lots to do for everyone. John and Suzanne were great through the whole process from booking to check out.
5.0
This property was perfect for 6 senior fibre artists who need both together and alone time to create and recharge. The view was awesome, the seashore was geologically interesting and location was quiet.
5.0
Inspiring for artists
This property was perfect for 6 senior fibre artists who need both together and alone time to create and recharge. The view was awesome, the seashore was geologically interesting and location was quiet.
5.0
Fantastic property right on the seafront
What a find if you like to watch the sea and be very comfortable. Whilst the weather wasn’t great at times we were able to enjoy the spectacular views from the many windows and sit outside in the covered area. The deck is just the place to enjoy relaxing and watching the wildlife. There were only 4 of us but the property could easily accommodate 8. Would recommend staying here as it’s very close to everything you would need to explore the area .
5.0
The pictures don’t do the views justice and there were a pair of eagles building a nest next to the deck. Only complaint was the sea lions were too loud in the morning but how cool is it to be woken up by sea lions!!!
5.0
Amazing views
The view is amazing. We saw lots of eagles and one morning we even saw some orcas swimming by in the distance. We took little walks on the beach at low tide with plenty of things to explore for the kids.
The place is very spacious and the kitchen had everything we need.
Parks and other beaches are a short drive away. It was a perfect mini vacation for me and my family. We would certainly come again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Parksville?
The average price for a rental in Parksville is £149 per night. This rental is £127 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Walk-on Oceanfront \"Harlequin House\" Retreat in French Creek. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Walk-on Oceanfront \"Harlequin House\" Retreat in French Creek. Enjoy the water!
Is Walk-on Oceanfront \"Harlequin House\" Retreat in French Creek pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Walk-on Oceanfront \"Harlequin House\" Retreat in French Creek?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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