People who think that the journey is more important than the destination have clearly never stayed at one of these magical accommodations. From fairy tale cottages to bonafide Hobbit holes, to stunning feats of futuristic architecture, these four stays in B.C. are bucket-list worthy.
Cob Cottage, Mayne Island
A cob house is a structure made from natural fibrous organic material, like subsoil modified with sand or clay, and water, sometimes lime. The unique organic-looking structure looks like something out of The Brother's Grimm or Hans Christen Anderson with hewn arch doorways and whimsically crooked exposed wood.
The fact that this cob cottage is also located on remote Mayne Island (next to Galiano Island) makes it all the more special because it really is a gem in the middle of nowhere and there's a year-long booking lead time.
The cottage has one bedroom up the driftwood stairs from the living which has a fireplace, there's a cozy kitchenette and dining nook plus an outdoor common area that looks like something out of The Flintstones.
Rolling Earth Farm Cob Villa, Roberts Creek
The Cob Villa in Roberts Creek is more of a charming ramshackle vibe than the meticulously aesthetic cottage. It's made from 80 per cent found and sustainable materials and has an outdoor kitchen with a propane camp stove, a picnic table, and all other cooking essentials. There's also a creekside shower and claw foot tub that's been painted to look like it's made of cobblestones.
The house is located on a six-acre working farm with a dog, chickens, bees and the occasional black bear. Guests are welcome to roam the property and explore the adjoining trails on either side.
Inside there is a nook with a queen size bed and a loft with a double bed and little artistic painted touches throughout to make it feel like a fairy tale come to life.
Second Breakfast Hideaway, Bridesville/Kootenay Boundary
Arguably Hobbit holes are the pinnacle of fantasy architecture. They are designed to reflect the quaint characters who are obsessed with food and the comforts of life so their homes are made for rest and relaxation. This Hobbit-themed accommodation is built into the hillside on a secluded ranch 25 minutes from Mount Baldy Ski resort and 15 minutes from Rock Creek and the Kettle River.
There are Lord of the Rings references thoughtfully placed throughout the house like elvish above the fireplace and a flag of Rohan in the bedroom. There's also a dining nook, kitchenette, and living room decorated with candles and dried hanging herbs. Outside, there's also a fire pit and sitting area.
Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island
This resort between Nanaimo and Courtenay on Vancouver Island is made up of pods suspended up in the trees and connected by a series of rope bridges. There are three spheres to choose from: Luna, Melody, and Eryn. They have five round porthole windows including one that acts as a skylight and creative fold-out dining and sleeping sections to maximize the 126-inch width of the orb.
There is a composting outhouse and the base of each sphere and then a private three-piece bathroom for each sphere at the bathhouse. There is also a cookhouse on the property that has a sauna and small galley kitchen shared by all guests.
Up in the trees, the spheres look like a combination of an alien hive and sleeping in the treehouse jungle gym of your childhood dreams. The main circular window of the spheres is great for wildlife watching on rainy days.
