About the house

The house is nestled in a quiet, verdant, private neighbourhood which lends itself to creativity, contemplation, focus and grounding. The house is clean and comfortable and offers space for creative energies to flow. Creators are welcome to live and work in the house for a variety of lengths of stay, from a week to a month. Guests are responsible for their own grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry.

Ground level entry opens to the kitchen, dining room, living room, a small study and a water closet. Downstairs are three bedrooms, a full bathroom with tub/shower and laundry facilities. Two of the bedrooms and all upstairs windows offer forest views and a peek-a-boo vision of the water. Bedrooms are only accessible via a staircase. Guests with accessibility needs are invited to consider the Lodge at Rivendell Retreat. Penny Lou Cottage is a pet free, perfume free and smoke free environment.

Bowen Island is accessed via a BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove. It is possible to walk from Snug Cove to the Cottage, approximately 20 minutes uphill. The Island also offers amenities within a hilly walking distance in the local village – groceries, pharmacy and other shops, as well as many opportunities for walking and hiking easily accessible from the house.

Who is eligible for a stay?

Penny Lou Cottage is open to writers, playwrights, songwriters, composers and illustrative storytellers. We seek to support a balance of emerging and established creatives of different backgrounds and identities. The cottage is located in a quiet neighbourhood, so is suited for people who are looking for a retreat like atmosphere. While visual artists are invited to apply, it is important to note that the space is not set up for large scale pieces.

Potential users must submit an application. Applications are reviewed four times a year (March, June, September and December) by the Penny Lou Cottage Committee. Due to demand, applicants should not expect more than one stay a year.

What are the obligations of a guest?

A peaceful atmosphere is encouraged at all times. We invite guests to mindfully and respectfully engage with the space around them including the neighbours, the natural world, and the house itself. They will be responsible for cleaning during and at the end of their stay, including laundry. Guests are expected to leave the house as they found it.

What does Penny Lou Cottage provide?

Basic utilities including Wi-Fi, full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes and cutlery. Linens, including sheets and towels, are supplied as are laundry facilities. There is onsite parking, and an offsite caretaker is on call to answer questions or in case of emergency.

Tips for a good stay

For our west coast climate, raingear and boots will no doubt be useful. For comfort and wellbeing, we suggest hiking boots or walking shoes, slippers and a yoga or Pilates mat if a guest likes to practice. Guests should bring a bicycle if they plan to ride. E-bikes are also available to rent in Snug Cove. There are no taxis and limited bus service. There are few streetlights on Bowen. Practicalities to pack include a flashlight or headlamp and a charge bank in case of power outages.

Financial accessibility

Penny Lou Cottage has a principle of financial accessibility using a pay-within-your-means model. Receipts for income tax purposes will be given on request for amounts more than $350 per week or $1500 per month. We also welcome donations to cover the additional costs of running the cottage. They are greatly appreciated. To donate, please visit the Rivendell Website and write Penny Lou Cottage in the Dedication Information section.