FAQ

• Where is Cobble Hill?
• Can I get there with public transportation?
• How close are you to Victoria?
• Do you take children?
• Do you take pets?
• Do you allow smoking?
• Are you a "Green" property?
• Do you have televisions in your guest rooms?
• What taxes do you charge?
• Where and when do you serve breakfast, and what kind of breakfast do you serve?
• Is internet access available?

Where is Cobble Hill?
Cobble Hill is a small village on the southeast side of Vancouver Island, about halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo, so very centrally located. Cobble Hill is part of the Cowichan Region, centered around the City of Duncan, BC's new and growing wine region. Other communities close by are Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake and Cowichan Bay.

Can I get there with public transportation?
There is bus service from either Victoria or Nanaimo with Greyhound, but it runs along Hwy. 1 and it will not get you to our door. Although there is local bus service as well, it is somewhat limited and it does not come on our road. There is a local taxi service. In order to enjoy exploring our region and immediate area, you really need your own vehicle. It's also a great area for cycling!

How close are you to Victoria?
We are approximately 40-60 minutes from Victoria, depending on where you need to be. Downtown Victoria, where you will find the Royal BC Museum, the Parlaiment Building and the Empress Hotel, as well as whalewatching adventures, is about an hour's drive.

Do you take children?
Children and families are welcome at Cobble House. We are not a children-oriented home, so please bring everything you need with you.

Do you take pets?
We are big dog lovers at Cobble House, and we lost both of our own dogs, our “canine kids”, within the last few years. Accepting other people’s pets in our B&B is something we have decided not to do, due to the additional requirements and the possibility of wildlife around our home. Of course service dogs are welcome.

Do you allow smoking?
We are a non-smoking home, as are most Bed & Breakfasts, but you are welcome to smoke outside. We do live in a forest environment at risk for forest fires in the drier summer season, so we ask you to smoke outside with care. We'll be happy to provide you with an ashtray.

Are you a "Green" property?
Cobble House actively reduces, reuses and recycles and has been doing so for many, many years. We take our own shopping bags and reuse or recycle any paper, plastic, metal, wine bottles and pop cans. We use environmentally-friendly products where ever possible. In summer our sheets are airdried outside on the line. We replace light bulbs with energy saving ones; compost all kitchen waste (except animal products) in the garden; turn off lights and equipment when not needed; run only full loads (not a problem when you have a B&B!) in the dishwasher and washer; use non-disposable containers, which are refilled, in our bathrooms and use products that are not tested on animals where ever possible.

Do you have televisions in your guest rooms?
We do not have televisions in our guest rooms as we like to promote a relaxing and peaceful environment, with consideration to all of our guests. We do have a tv and dvds available in our Great Room, which is open to our guests until 10:30 at night.

What taxes do you charge?
We only charge 5% GST, Goods & Services Tax. As we have only 3 rooms, we currently do not need to charge Hotel Tax, which is charged by properties that have 4 rooms or more.

Where and when do you serve breakfast, and what kind of breakfast do you serve?
Breakfast is served in our diningroom between 7 and 9 am. We are not able to accommodate requests for room service or later breakfast times, due to the fact that Cobble House is primarily a one-person operation. Check out our breakfast page on our site for some ideas of what we will serve you at the breakfast table, and check out our Guestbook for some comments about our breakfasts!

Please make sure you tell us in advance if you have any food allergies or if there are things you do not eat!

Is internet access available?
Yes it is. Our computer is available for a quick checking or sending of e-mails. Our house is also equipped with wireless internet so you can use your own laptop. A dedicated guest computer is planned in the next few years.