Your private Shawnigan Lake property
How the vision of a local businessman in the 40s became
the premier "Vintage Cabins" vacation rental today.
This vacation property includes two cabins: The Bluebird (circa 1940) and the Boathouse (circa 1945) both situated closely together yet because their placement guests enjoy privacy.
Legend recounts how Chuck and Iris deMacedo built a legacy of memories on their beloved Shawnigan Lake where friends and family loved to gather.
The "cabin" was constructed from reclaimed wood. The true rough cut 2x4 timber formed the walls and trusses, edge grain fir planking for flooring, and asphalt shingles as exterior cladding. Over the decades the cabin morphed in proportion as the family grew and the demands for its use changed.
It got its name from their son-in-law Henry, who was known to greet you with, "Is it a Bluebird day?" Followed with, it's always a Bluebird day at Shawnigan." So, its only natural that, situated as close to the water's edge as possible, it naturally provides a quiet place of retreat or a place for the kids to play games while the adults enjoy the peace and "stillness" in the Bluebird Cabin.
You can still see where the walls and doors once were when it was a two-room cabin with a screen-in porch area. Since then, it has been refitted to accommodate modern-day living conveniences.
In 1945 the boathouse was moved from "on-water" to the land, and quickly accommodated overflow from the main "cabin". It too was made from reclaimed material. In 2022 it was restored. The original shiplap interior was retained, and the ceiling vaulted to expose the original trusses. A Juliet balcony and French doors were installed. Today guests enjoy retreating to the cabin, and listening to and watching the lake activities.
The area within the Bluebird where the family once gathered has been replaced with a covered deck. A chandelier found on the property was restored and now hangs outside illuminated the outdoor dining area. The original mirros-glass found in the mirror dates back to the early 1900s and provides a looking-glass view of the lake. These are two of our favourite features at the cabin. Regardless of the weather, the panorama through the windows never gets old. It quiets the soul.
At Vintage Cabins, you’ll experience Shawnigan Lake like the good ‘ole days when life was, still. The cabins have been outfitted in vintage-style furnishings in partnership with local vintage shops such as West Coast Vintage, A Vintage Storm and Union 22. We have searched for items dating from 1912 to 1960 to decorate the cabins. It is our hope that we awaken your curiosity … and that you may ask, “I wonder what life was like then?”
If you experience it and you like it – you can buy it because everything inside the cabins are available for purchase.
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Sleeps 3 comfortably: 1-sleeping area with queen bed and separate (loft) sleeping area with one single bed.
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450 sq ft historic cabin, newly refreshed.
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A highlight ... the 400 sq ft private deck newly installed 2022 with 180-degree views of Shawnigan Lake and full-view of Mt. Baldy with patio seating for 4, and dining table for 8 equipped with new stainless-steel BBQ, and of course, morning sunshine!
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2-room cabin: living/lounge area, bedroom, dining area, kitchen, bathroom.
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Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher.
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Kitchen utensils: pots, pans, dishes, glasses, cups, and cutlery.
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Cooking equipment: electric stove and oven, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster.
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Basic condiments: salt, pepper, and sugar.
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The Library loft includes books and sleeping for one.
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Remodeled bathroom with new shower.
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Stocked with books, and games.
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Free Wi-Fi access.
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Drinking-water cooler with cold and hot water on-demand.
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Private dock and ample seating situated in a sheltered south-end locale on Shawnigan Lake with unobstructed views of Mt. Baldy.
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Heating and air conditioning.
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Sleeps 2 comfortably: equipped with two single beds.
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Boosts spectacular views of the lake. Situated on the water's edge with a private deck and Juliet balcony.
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1-room cabin: ideal for sleeping, relaxing or retreating to.
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Free Wi-Fi access.
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Drinking-water cooler with cold and hot water on-demand.
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Private dock situated in a sheltered Butler Bay on Shawnigan Lake with unobstructed views of Mt. Baldy.
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Seasonal cabin. Only available during the summer months.
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No heat nor air conditioning.
These two lakefront cabins have undergone a complete refresh - ready to provide a comfortable lakeside experience.
Book your vacation retreat now for 2023.
Travelling via BC Ferries from the Mainland (Vancouver)
If you are travelling from Vancouver by BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com) please visit BC Ferries for sailing schedules. Here you are able to make travel reservations and receive current travel advisory notifications.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Bluebird and the Boathouse.
where life is, still