Canada’s Sunshine Coast: for ocean and nature lovers
House • Halfmoon Bay BC Canada
8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Beds
2.5 Bathrooms
3 Car spaces
Primary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Non-Reciprocal
Hospitality
Hospitality Description: For emergencies or with last minute accommodation, we welcome you to reach out to us for help.
Statistics
Listed December 2022
Views 6510
General Overview
The Sunshine Coast's location by the ocean, its variety of beautiful beaches, lakes, hiking trails and villages, as well as its proximity to the city of Vancouver by ferry make it a wonderful destination choice for vacationers.
Our home is set in a private sunny half-acre surrounded by gardens and trees. Open planned, spacious, welcoming, and designed with our growing children in mind, it’s well equipped for large groups and families, and cosy enough for small. Adjacent to us is a small recreational park and acres of peaceful forests filled with easily accessible hiking trails. A variety of beaches and two small convenience stores are a few minutes drive away.
The Space
A bright, open-plan kitchen and family room lead out to a large deck, a grassy fenced yard for children to enjoy and a peaceful garden landscaped for privacy. A living room, dining room, den, laundry room and bathroom complete the main floor. Upstairs are four comfortable bedrooms to sleep eight (king with ensuite and jacuzzi tub, queen, queen, and twin), a family bathroom and a bonus room with a pool table.
We have games, toys and books for children and adults, two TVs with Cable, Netflix, Prime and Britbox, a DVD set with movies for the family to enjoy, and high speed internet.
Guest Access
Two stories with four bedrooms upstairs, our home would be unsuitable for those with mobility challenges.
Notes
Canada's Sunshine Coast is famous for its natural beauty, with miles of scenic coastline. For nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers, it’s one of the best vacation spots in Canada.
From the north to south coast, there are various towns and villages to explore with restaurants, farmers markets, galleries, shops, playgrounds, pubs, breweries, spas, beaches and seaside walks.
The city of Vancouver is a ferry ride away, so this is an excellent holiday choice for those who wish to enjoy time in Vancouver along with a more relaxed vacation on the Sunshine Coast.
Check out this link to see more of what the Sunshine Coast has to offer:
https://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/things-to-do..
Features
Fridge
WiFi
Bed sheets
Oven
Towels
Washer
TV
Heating
Hair dryer
Microwave
Iron
Dishwasher
Smoke alarms
Workspace
Clothes dryer
Coffee machine
High Speed Internet
Garden / yard
Bathtub
Air conditioning
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
BBQ
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Balcony
Fireplace
Toys
Covered porch / verandah
Bikes
Pool
Gym
Wheelchair accessible
Home cinema
Hot tub
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Standup paddleboard
Camping gear
Kayak
Sauna
Tennis court
Meat-free kitchen
Kosher home
Piano
Travel Styles
Long term
Weekend
Adventure
Budget
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Village
Mountains
Beach
Water
Culture
Hiking
Cycling
Golf
Cross-country skiing
Ukraine support available
House Rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Low allergen
Dates of Availability
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Neighbourhood
Living between the ocean and forest, we’re surrounded by coastal nature. Our home is just steps to a small park backed by a beautiful network of forest trails which are well maintained for walkers and riders of all abilities. We love our daily hikes through the forests as well as all of the ocean activities our area offers. A short walk, including stairs, will take you to Francis Beach, while Sargeant Bay Beach Park Is just a few minutes by car, unless you prefer a longer walk through the shady trees. Here there's lots of space to swim, paddle, rock jump, explore tidal pools, and learn about our local birds and wildlife. Other public beaches in Halfmoon Bay are all within a ten minute drive so it’s easy to take the kayaks or board and go for a paddle. Two convenience stores, one with a new oceanside cafe and a variety of local food and drinks are also a few minute’s drive away.
In Sechelt, our nearest town, you'll find restaurants, pubs, shopping centres, a movie theatre, an aquatic and fitness facility, a library, a golf course, a hospital, a lovely sea walk and a long pebbly beach.
*Please note that if you wish to get groceries on your way to our home, grocery stores and restaurants are in Sechelt, coming from the ferry.
Getting to my home
From YVR airport in Vancouver, you can take an uber/taxi or public transport to Horseshoe Bay, where a short ferry ride will bring you to the Sunshine Coast. From there, Halfmoon Bay is a forty five minute drive away.
Alternatively, a float plane will take you from YVR to the Sunshine Coast in less than thirty minutes, and you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Vancouver and British Columbia’s southern coastline before arriving in Sechelt.
Nearest airport
YVR
Getting Around
You will require a vehicle to visit the sights, as public transport is limited.
A car trade can be negotiable.
Map of Approximate Location
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People Like Us Local Guide
I'm happy to help you with your travel plans or questions you may have about the area. We can meet for coffee, you can visit us for appies, or we can go for a little boat ride in our zodiac if the seas and weather allow.
Patsy and Bill are exactly what makes People Like Us such a special community. From the moment we arranged our exchange, Patsy went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed for our stay. She checked in before we arrived and kindly sourced stair gates, a stroller, a high chair and other such items which made travelling with our little one so much easier. Patsy really spoilt us with a welcome basket filled with delicious homemade goods (homemade pie, cookies and sourdough!) as well as some local goodies.
The journey from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast was very easy, involving a short ferry ride (which our toddler loved!) Patsy even met us off the ferry, which was such a thoughtful and generous thing to do.
Patsy and Bill’s home and location is the perfect spot for a relaxing break. We loved spending time in their beautiful home, exploring the beaches (our favourite was Porpoise Bay) and enjoying the local area. There is a playground just a short walk away, and we had great days out at the aquatic centre in Sechelt (with slides both big and small, and a lazy river), and exploring the lovely towns nearby.
Thank you so much, Patsy and Bill, for your incredible hospitality and for sharing your beautiful home with us (and for trusting us with your car!) We had such a relaxing and memorable stay. I would wholeheartedly recommend exchanging with Patsy and Bill.
If you've read through the other reviews, you can well guess what Glenn and I experienced during our stay. We agree with every sentiment about the beauty and comfort of the home, the gardens, the location, and these amazing PLU members.
For us, the home felt organic to the area. Each piece of artwork reinforced the natural beauty and history of Halfmoon Bay. The warmth of the wood, the stone fireplace, and the well-placed windows, the piano and the pool table make being indoors almost as delightful as being outside.
And oh the outside! There is an old-growth tree in the backyard garden that is stunning. The trees in front surround a hidden circle that feels magical to enter.
Just a few steps away is one of the area's many parks with well-maintained trails. Seriously, these are everywhere. Some lead to the coast, some lead into the woods. Each is stunning in its own way. We especially recommend a visit to the Skookumchuck Narrows. What an experience!
We could go on and on about everything we did (museum, art show, market, great dining) but suffice it to say it was all enjoyable.
And what to say about our hosts, Patsy and Bill? They are lovely human beings who exemplify the best of PLU. Their warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit were apparent from our very first interactions. We feel privileged to have been so welcomed to their home.
From early communications with Patsy and Bill it was evident we would have a wonderful exchange, and we did. We brought our bikes and did some wonderful cycling and hiking in Connor Park just down the street. We enjoyed Sechelt and took our time poking around Gibsons, as well. Patsy and Bill surprised us with deliscious goodies but it was the non-tangibles that made it a special experience. With the warm, comfortable home and the spirit of hospitality displayed from the start, it was easy to feel at home, the moment we walked in. Our time was made even more enjoyable when you know you are partnering with such lovely people. Thank you Patsy and Bill for the apple pie experience, both literally (apple and blackberry, actually, yum) and in spirit.
We had the most wonderful hospitality stay with Patsy and her husband, Bill, in their beautiful home on the Sunshine Coast. Patsy and I had been in touch since our last visit to the area a couple of years ago, and she was so kind and helpful in sharing local tips as we planned this trip. When she heard there was a mix-up with one of our other stays, she graciously offered for my daughters and me to spend an extra night with her and Bill — even though she had never done a hospitality stay before! We were so touched by her generosity and openness.
Their home is large, comfortable, and beautifully appointed, with stunning coastal surroundings. She set us up with two lovely guest rooms — one for me and one for my girls — and made us feel completely at home. Patsy and Bill are such warm, delightful people. She truly went above and beyond, even taking us out on her boat to a nearby island for the day. It was such a special and memorable experience — something we never would have done otherwise.
That evening, she prepared the most delicious dinner of fresh salmon, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and salad, followed by a homemade blackberry crisp made from berries she picked herself. It was absolutely amazing! We spent the evening sharing stories, talking about travel, and enjoying such genuine, heartfelt conversation.
The next morning, Patsy had a lovely breakfast ready for us before we headed off to catch our ferry for the next part of our trip. We’re so thankful to Patsy and Bill for their kindness, warmth, and generosity. This stay was truly a highlight of our time on the Sunshine Coast.
I would highly, highly recommend Patsy as an exchange partner or host — she’s simply the best.
Patsy and Bill’s home really made us say “wow” the moment we walked in. The garden is absolutely beautiful and the inside is spacious and so tastefully decorated, with a well equipped kitchen. We loved the really kind and generous welcome gifts with tasty regional treats and thoughtful activities for our children. Patsy was in touch throughout the exchange with really helpful tips and suggestions of things to do. We loved Smuggler’s cove, and the lovely forest walks straight from the front door and the many beautiful beaches. Being able to borrow the paddle board was a real added bonus. High winds stopped us visiting Thormanby island but we leave with no regrets, only wonderful memories of the most precious family time. Anyone with the chance to exchange with Patsy and Bill should jump at the chance, I cannot recommend it enough.
We had a wonderful time at Patsy's beautiful home on the Sunshine Coast. We were welcomed with a beautiful gift basket filled with delightful treats for us and the kids. Patsy's home was clean and inviting. We enjoyed the serene privacy of her backyard, overlooking her meticulous garden. We timed the kids running laps around the yard to burn off energy while we enjoyed our coffee.
The kids enjoyed learning how to play pool and roll ball. Patsy also had some great toys to keep our kids entertained.
We visited many recommended spots in Patsy's detailed home manual. Some of our favorites were Porpoise Bay, Dan Bosch Park, Garden Bay Lake and Coopers Green Park. The farmer's market was great!
We also enjoyed a couple of hikes to Skookmchuck Rapids and Secret Cove Falls.
Upon arriving home, our house was just as clean as when we left it. Patsy made all our beds for us and surprised us with a departing gift and wonderful card.
Communicating with Patsy was a breeze! Quick to respond, polite, and easy to communicate with.
It was an absolute pleasure to exchange with Patsy. Thank you! 😊
Patsy and Bill have a beautiful home on the Sunshine Coast. We did a 3-way home exchange where we stayed at Patsy and Bill's Halfmoon Bay home, they stayed at Natasha's (Ching) home in Kelowna and Natasha will stay at our home as yet undefined. Patsy was so thoughtful, leaving us gluten-free homemade and other local treats. Their home was spotless and very comfortable. We explored Conner Park, just outside their front door, Sargent's Bay, a 5 minute drive away, where one evening we saw dolphins playing, and Cliff Gelkin Provincial Park, only a 30 minute drive away. The parks were awesome! Cliff Gelkin had many beautiful trails with waterfalls and bridges that interconnected. We also explored Sechelt, Robert's Creek and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. Patsy was so easy to communicate with. We really enjoyed our 5 nights at Patsy and Bill's home. Thank you very much!
Patsy is the sweetest and most lovely lady. Our exchange at her home was one of the happiest weeks of our vacation. Communication with Patsy has been kind and incredibly helpful since I reached out last year.
Spending time on the Sunshine Coast was a dream for us and we made every moment count. The location of Patsy & Bills home in Halfmoon Bay was ideal, so close to Sechelt & Gibsons.
Fresh flowers, freshly baked soda bread and a basket of yummy local treats were gratefully received when we arrived.
Patsy was integral in the planning of our time in the area and gave us some fab tips. She kindly checked in with us everyday to ensure we were OK.
Their home was so spacious we didn't know what to do with ourselves! We didn't even use most of the rooms. Having the beautiful garden full of colours and flowers set in stunning landscaping to relax in after dinner with a glass of wine was just the icing on the cake. Patsy was even so kind as to place allergy pillows on my sons bed and cut back the lavender bush he is allergic too.
The beaches in the area are so serene, we didn't have the best weather but as BC needed the rains we couldn't feel bad. The scenery is to die for and there is a great selection of restaurants and shopping in the area.
All in all we felt completely welcomed and totally at home in Patsy & Bills dream place. We loved every moment of her super kind hospitality. I do hope we can welcome them to Sorrento at some point in the future as my only regret is that we didn't get to meet.
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your home, we are so grateful. Everything was just perfect.
Lots of love to you both,
Vanessa & the boys xxxx
We had a fabulous vacation at Patsy and Bill's home in beautiful Halfmoon Bay, BC, on the Sunshine Coast. Their home was very comfortable and clean, and they welcomed us with treats, a thorough home manual, and lots of ideas for exploring the area, Some highlights of our stay included kayaking in Egmont, a day trip to Powell River, visiting the many nearby beaches including Sargeant's Bay and Welcome Beach, and swimming and paddle boarding on Ruby Lake. Thanks for a great stay Patsy and Bill!
Patsy and Bill are really nice people to exchange with. They are very kind, helpful and the communication with them is great. It was for sure they wanted us to have a great time in their beautiful, spacious and clean house on the Sunshine coast. They did everything to make us feel welcome in their home and surprised us with a basket with all kinds of delicious things to eat on our arrival. There was soup in the fridge and Patsy baked us typical Canadian Nanaimo bars.
The Sunshine coast is absolutely beautiful. Great hiking through endless forests, swimming in secluded bays and lots of places for kayaking. And the wildlife in British Columbia is amazing. We saw a lot of whales, seals and even some black bears. Imagine enjoying a nice cappuccino and breakfast overlooking the bay with whales spraying and breaching in the distance.
From Sechelt it is easy to visit Vancouver and Vancouver Island with the ferries. We loved the ferry rides with amazing views of the fjords and inlets. We did a nice bike tour through Vancouver city and we joined an amazing bear tour from Vancouver Island. We saw a lot of wildlife: grizzly bears, elks, seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales.
Only good memories of this wonderful exchange. We fell in love with this part of Canada and Bill & Patsy, it feels like we know them already for a long time. Highly recommendable exchanging with these wonderful people.
When returning home everything was the same as we left, it was clean and Patsy baked us a delicious zucchini chocolate cake from our own garden.
Patsy and Bill's home is beautiful! It's spacious, well designed, great for a larger group. Their yard is private and beautifully landscaped. The beds are really comfortable. The kitchen is fully equipped. I especially enjoyed the Vitamix for my morning smoothies.
They had kids toys and books to enjoy. The location was ideal. Close to Sechelt and lots of lakes, including my favourites for kids - Ruby lake and Katherine lake.
I'd love to stay here again!
Patsy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. She left gifts for my kids, homemade jams, and a freshly made pie and sourdough bread! We were so impressed by the effort she put in. I recommend this home to anyone looking for an amazing holiday on the Sunshine coast!
Les and I spent a week at Patsy and Bill’s place in Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia near Sechelt. What a wonderful experience! Their home is spacious and beautiful; full of nature and First Nations art. We had our pick of four bedrooms and each was prepared to a very high standard. They spoiled us with homemade pie (Blackberry/Apple) and cookies. Delicious!
Their front and back yards have large open spaces and Patsy and Bill have a gift for gardening. Their flowers and greenery are stunning (plus they make them easy to water).
Patsy and Bill left us lots of information about the local area, including their favorite places to shop, sights to see and activities to explore. They were also available to us all week if we had any questions. They even had a couple of kayaks that they made available to us. Like all PLU friends, we kept in contact during our exchange so that we could share our vacation experiences with each other.
Patsy and Bill were such wonderful hosts for us. Their love of their community and their pride in their home shines through. If you have the opportunity to experience a home exchange with them, you will be glad you did!
This was our 2nd time hosting Patsy and Bill, and will not be the last!
They were the perfect guests - courteous, easygoing and simply the best kind of guests.
We chatted often and they asked beforehand if their families could join them and provided us updates as the exchange progressed.
They left our place in good shape and generally a joy to deal with. We truly felt that we were simply hosting our friends.
Come back again anytime!
Patsy, Bill, and their family were truly exemplary guests and completely embody what PLU is all about. They were actually the first members to reach out and welcome us to the platform, so it meant a lot to be able to host them and play a small part in their dream of visiting Scotland.
From start to finish, they were honestly everything you could hope for in guests—warm, genuine, and a pleasure to communicate with. They took great care to read our home manual and treated our home with real respect and thoughtfulness. They even descaled our coffee machine, which was so kind! Although I said they didn’t need to worry about it, they left the home absolutely spotless and washed all the towels and bedding.
We would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in the community and would gladly host them again in a heartbeat. Even if a return exchange to the sunshine coast isn’t in your immediate plans, you’d be lucky to have them stay—they’ll ensure your home is well looked after and welcoming when you return.
Hosting Patsy and Bill again truly felt like welcoming friends back into our home. This was their second stay with us, and once again they were thoughtful, respectful, and a pleasure to exchange with from start to finish.
Communication was easy, they took wonderful care of our home, and it meant so much to know they were enjoying Papamoa again, this time sharing the experience with family. That is exactly what home exchange is all about.
We feel very lucky to know Patsy and Bill through PLU and would welcome them back anytime. Warmly recommended to the PLU community.
Patsy and Bill were excellent guests and clearly very experienced home exchangers. Communication was prompt, clear, and so friendly throughout, making everything easy from start to finish. They looked after our home extremely well and left it so clean and tidy. We felt very comfortable having them stay and would happily exchange with them again. We spent a day exploring with them and it so lovely to get to know them, thank you PLU! We would highly recommended to other hosts!! We hope our paths cross in the future!
Patsy and Bill and their family were great guests in our home. They left our home just as clean as we left it. They even vacuumed and washed all sheets and made all beds before they left.
Communication was great between them. We came come to a beautiful thank you card and gift. Thank you!
I would happily have them back in our home. We had a great exchange with Patsy and Bill. I highly recommend!
Thanks!
Cheri
Patsy, Bill & family were wonderful guests. I had amazing conversation with Patsy before the exchange and realized we shared a lot of viewpoints - and felt an instant connections.
Although we had to cancel our side of the exchange because of a last minute event for the kiddo, they tried really hard to turn this into a 3-way exchange between us and also Vancouver - we really appreciate their effort!
They are excellent communicators throughout the exchange and clearly let us know what they needed (very minimal) and made it easy for us to prepare for their stay.
The thoughtful gifts they left behind are greatly appreciated!
Please come back another time Patsy & Bill. 😊
Such a wonderful couple - Patsy is an excellent communicator and they left our home in great shape. We would highly recommend them as exchange partners - our only regret is that we didn’t get to meet them in NZ. But hopefully one day! Thank you for being wonderful guests :)
We had the pleasure of hosting Patsy and Bill in our home in early January, and they were an absolute delight to interact and exchange with. From the very beginning, their communication was easy, clear, and friendly, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable.
Patsy and Bill went above and beyond during their stay, even fixing the timer switch on our self-watering garden system—a kind and thoughtful gesture that we truly appreciated. They took excellent care of our plants and left our home spotless and tidy, just as they found it.
We cannot recommend Patsy and Bill enough as exchange partners. They are generous, conscientious, and a true pleasure to work with. If you have the opportunity to exchange with them, we are confident you’ll have an equally fantastic experience!
Patsy and Bill were kind and respectful house guests. Communication was excellent and they left our home spotless upon departure. We highly recommend them as guests, and look forward to visiting their home this summer
Patsy and Bill are just wonderful people to have in your home. We enjoyed them enjoying our house and environment. During the exchange we shared photo's which was really wonderful. They took great care of our house, the garden and the two cats. When I think of Patsy and Bill: generous, loving, caring, respectful, quiet, honest, funny and trustworhty.
Patsy and Bill stayed in our home for a week and they were terrific guests. Very friendly and great at communicating. When we arrived home, our condo was in beautiful condition. We would be very pleased to have Patsy and Bill stay in our home again!
Feedback for Hannah·Non-Simultaneous exchange·8 nights
Hannah, Andy and Leo were wonderful guests! Kind, friendly, respectful, and easy to communicate with, it was an absolute pleasure to exchange with them. They took excellent care of our house and car, and we were grateful to return from our holiday to find our home just as clean as we left it. They shared photos during their exchange, which makes hosting even more fun, and left us thoughtful thank you gifts upon our return. Best of all, we enjoyed the opportunity to meet them in person after months of planning our non sim exchange! We highly recommend Hannah, Andy and Leo as exemplary PLU exchangers and we'd happily welcome them back to our home any time.
Barbara and Glenn were the perfect guests! Kind, friendly, respectful, and a pleasure to communicate with, they epitomize the very best qualities of our PLU community.
Not only did Barbara and Glenn take excellent care of our home, they shared highlights of their time with us during their exchange. Seeing our corner of the world through our guests' eyes is always appreciated. We were especially grateful to return from our travels to find our home immaculately clean with our garden well cared for, thoughtful gifts brought all the way from Texas and a fresh bouquet on our table to welcome us back.
We highly recommend Barbara and Glenn as exemplary exchangers and we'd happily welcome them back to our home any time.
Feedback for Ching·Non-Simultaneous exchange·5 nights
We're incredibly grateful to Natasha for welcoming us back to Kelowna again this year so that we could spend time with our daughter. We highly recommend all that the Okanagan has to offer: beautiful lakes, hikes, eateries, wineries, spas, biking, concerts and so much more! Natasha's home has everything we needed for a very comfortable and happy stay, and it's a wonderful base to explore the gorgeousness of this part of British Columbia. Natasha is simply the best!
Thank you so much, Natasha, for your kindness and generosity. We look forward to hosting you in Halfmoon Bay in the future.
Feedback for Hannah·Non-Simultaneous exchange·15 nights
We are incredibly grateful to Hannah and Andy for welcoming our family to their beautiful home in Edinburgh! Their home was perfect for us in every way. Very clean, welcoming, spacious and comfortable, it’s in a lovely neighbourhood with excellent bus service into the city which we took advantage of every day. The beds are really comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed to both cook and gather for meals. Their wonderful coffee machine was enjoyed by all.
Traveling to Scotland has been a long held dream of ours and it surpassed our expectations. We loved delving deeply into Scotland’s history and wandering about and discovering hidden gems around the city. Some of our favourite highlights included visiting Alnwick, Stirling, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castles, Fife, St Andrews, the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Holyrood Palace, Rosalyn Chapel, and the Dynamic Earth. We also enjoyed guided tours of the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close, The Royal Britannia Yacht and Edinburgh Castle. There is so much to do and see here and our days were jammed packed with unforgettable adventures.
Hannah is an absolutely fabulous host. Kind, generous, communicative, and quick to respond to any questions that arose before and during our exchange, she’s been a joy to communicate with from the moment I reached out to her. She welcomed us with very thoughtful and generous local gifts and goodies and she provided us with an exceptionally detailed home manual filled with excellent ideas for things to see and do.
For anyone who dreams of visiting Scotland, we highly recommend Hannah and Andy and their beautiful Edinburgh home. We feel very privileged for this fabulous five star exchange.
Feedback for Farzana & Wayne·Non-Reciprocal exchange·14 nights
This was our second exchange to Farzana and Wayne’s gorgeous home and we’re so grateful to them. We love Papamoa, with its relaxed vibe and beautiful stretch of sandy beach, and the nearby city of Tauranga with its wonderful restaurants, cafes, shopping, swimming, kayaking and unique sights around the vibrant harbour. Farzana and Wayne kindly welcomed our son and his wife to join us so that we could share our love for this beautiful part of the world with them. A day in Hobbiton was a highlight for us, as was swimming and walking along one of the most beautiful beaches in the world each morning.
Farzana and Wayne's home had everything we needed to make our holiday perfect: a beautiful, large, clean welcoming space, amazingly comfortable beds, a great workout room, a superb kitchen, and a lovely relaxing outdoor area with a pool and hot tub. Their home is set in an excellent location with an easy walk to the beach and very handy bus links if you prefer not to drive.
Farzana and Wayne are thoughtful, kind and generous PLU members, and they went out of their way to ensure that this second exchange to their home could happen for us. They did everything possible to make sure that we enjoyed our stay, including leaving us delicious treats to welcome us on our arrival. Added to that, our holiday was made even more enjoyable knowing that we were exchanging with such wonderful people. Thank-you, Farzana and Wayne! We couldn’t have asked for a better exchange experience.
Feedback for Kate·Non-Reciprocal exchange·14 nights
We’re very grateful to have had the opportunity to stay in Kate and Matt’s beautiful home in Whangaparoa. Their home had everything we needed to make our holiday perfect: a welcoming spacious layout, comfortable beds and sitting areas, a lovely relaxing tropical outdoor space, a well-equipped kitchen, and a perfect location just steps to beautiful Manly Beach.
The Hibiscus Coast of New Zealand is gorgeous! The beaches and hikes are amazing - with incredible views and miles of sandy coastline. Highlights of our holiday include enjoying spectacular hikes in the regional parks, swimming on the beautiful beaches around Whangaparoa, kayaking at Goat Island, exploring TiriTiri Island, visiting the Waipu glow worm caves, discovering a hidden gem of a macadamia nut farm in Waipu, and an unforgettable day spent with our wonderful hosts, Kate and Matt, kayaking, boating, picnicking and swimming in Mahurangi Park.
From the very start, communication with Kate was exceptional. Friendly, generous, thoughtful and kind, she did everything possible to ensure that we enjoyed our stay. She was quick to respond to any questions we had, she gave us excellent ideas for exploring the area, and she welcomed us with delicious local treats upon our arrival. We couldn’t have asked for a better exchange experience. If you ever have the opportunity for a home exchange with Kate and Matt, we highly recommend it!
Feedback for Kev and Jan·Non-Reciprocal exchange·3 nights
Kevin and Jan were five star guests with exceptional communication skills. Thoughtful, friendly and respectful, with a sense of fun and adventure and a love for PLU and travel, we instantly connected during our initial video call. We were delighted that they reached out to us and enjoyed their stay in Halfmoon Bay. They took excellent care of our place and left a thoroughly clean home, a thoughtful card and special thank you treats for us to arrive home to. We highly recommend this wonderful couple as guests in your home.
Our first hospitality exchange couldn’t have been better! We loved meeting Karolyn and her delightful daughters and hosting them overnight in our home. What a lovely family! Respectful, friendly, polite, thoughtful, and up for adventure, they were such a pleasure to spend time with. We enjoyed a day together at Thormanby Island: going for a boat ride, swimming, playing and chatting about our amazing PLU travel adventures, and spending the evening relaxing and chatting over dinner like old friends. Karolyn was incredibly kind and helpful, and her girls very well-mannered and great fun! Together, they convinced us of the joy and fun of hospitality exchanges. We highly recommend this wonderful PLU family as guests in your home.
Feedback for Sarah·Non-Reciprocal exchange·10 nights
Sarah and her family were the perfect guests! Kind, thoughtful, considerate, generous and respectful, it was a privilege having them come all the way from the UK to enjoy our home.
Sarah’s communication skills were excellent from the time she reached out to us last year. She’s one of those wonderful people who makes us feel grateful and glad to be part of this amazing PLU community.
Her whole family went above and beyond to take exceptional care of our home. We were delighted to return to an immaculate five-star clean house, a garden excellently cared for, thoughtful gifts brought all the way from the UK, and homemade thank-you creations from Sarah’s two boys.
We cannot recommend Sarah, Steve, Oscar and Isaac highly enough as houseguests. If you ever have the opportunity to exchange with this wonderful family, we are confident you’ll have an equally fabulous experience!
We had a fabulous vacation in Cheri’s gorgeous home in Salmon Arm! With a beautiful view overlooking Lake Shuswap, a well-equipped kitchen and spacious entertainment area, an amazing covered deck to enjoy the views, very comfortable beds, a roomy hot tub, an abundance of toys for children to enjoy, all the mod coms you could possibly desire, and a lovely quiet neighbourhood surrounding us, we felt thoroughly spoiled spending a week here with our family.
Cheri is friendly, kind and easy to communicate with. She left her house spotless, with welcoming treats for us to enjoy. And, in the true spirit of PLU, her daughter left a heart-warming welcome message in her bedroom, which my daughter was delighted to find upon her arrival.
Salmon Arm is one of BC’s treasures. We spent our days swimming and paddling in the warm waters of Shuswap Lake, hiking the lush trails and forests, enjoying the friendly charm of the small city with its shops, parks and restaurants, and exploring the variety of great beaches and lakeside communities farther afield. Canoe Beach, with its sandy shores and family friendly vibe (a short drive away) was our favourite.
We highly recommend Cheri’s gorgeous home, and the beautiful city of Salmon Arm. If you ever have the opportunity for an exchange with Cheri, make sure to say Yes! Like us, you’ll feel very grateful for this unforgettable home exchange. :)
Cheri and her family stayed in our home for a week on a simultaneous exchange. They were wonderful guests. They took excellent care of our home and they even watered our garden. When we arrived home after a long travel day, our house was in beautiful condition, just spotless. We would be very pleased to have Cheri and her lovely family stay in our home again anytime.
Feedback for Bonnie·Non-Reciprocal exchange·4 nights
Bonnie and Alex were excellent guests and we highly recommend them. Respectful, considerate, friendly and easy to communicate with, we were delighted that they chose our home in Halfmoon Bay for a holiday. They took wonderful care of our house and garden, they left our home absolutely spotless and they surprised us with thoughtful thank-you treats when we returned home. We would be more than happy to exchange with them again any time.
Feedback for Ching·Non-Reciprocal exchange·9 nights
Natasha epitomizes all the qualities that make PLU exceptional. She is thoughtful, kind and generous, the communication with her was excellent, and she did everything possible to ensure that our family time at her place was perfect. We were so grateful to have spent over a week in her lovely home, close to everything that Kelowna has to offer. She left us delicious locally made gifts upon our arrival, and she made sure to give us ideas for things to enjoy during our stay in Kelowna. Highlights of our holiday included attending Cirque de Soleil on Ice, riding the Myra Canyon trestles, enjoying a Himalayan Salt Spa at the Room and Pillar, taking in the fabulous views from a hike on Knox Mountain, exploring the beautiful cities in the Okanagan Valley, and gathering together with our adult children for dinner, games and conversation. It was a very special family holiday to remember!
Many thanks to you, Natasha! We’d be delighted to exchange with you again any time.
Feedback for Laurie·Non-Reciprocal exchange·14 nights
We had a wonderful vacation in Laurie’s beautiful home in Wakefield! Her house is spacious, clean, comfortable and welcoming, with such lovely surroundings. Being nature lovers ourselves, we enjoyed spending time in her gorgeous park-like yard among the trees, with birds, bunnies, hedgehogs and cicadas for company, relaxing with our friends after a day of adventures and playing games of bocci on the lawn.
The scenery in this part of new Zealand is amazing and there are so many outdoor adventures to choose from. Highlights of our stay included a catamaran cruise through Tasman Abel Park, e-bike riding along the Great Taste Trail through Spooners Tunnel, and from Nelson to Mapua, freedom Kayaking from Marahau (my favourite), exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Marlborough wine region, hiking the numerous trails, visiting the Brook sanctuary to learn about the birds and plants of the area, visiting the city of Nelson, swimming at Rabbit Island, and of course, the famous Wakefield Bakery, which we visited every day!
Laurie is a great host and communication was excellent from the moment I reached out to her. A thoughtful and delicious bag of New Zealand treats were left for us to enjoy, and she introduced us to her lovely caretaker, Dawn, who showed us some of the best sights of the area and was available to answer any questions we had during our stay.
We are very grateful for this fabulous exchange with Laurie! For anyone who dreams of visiting the South Island of New Zealand, we highly recommend a stay in her beautiful home.
Feedback for Farzana & Wayne·Non-Reciprocal exchange·14 nights
Farzana and Wayne are the most wonderful people! We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity for an exchange to their gorgeous home. From our first communication, Farzana has been so welcoming, warm and kind. Thoughtful gifts were left for our arrival, as well as a beautiful bonus Christmas tree that made us truly feel at home.
Wayne and Farzana’s property and home are stunning, with everything you could possibly ask for to make your vacation perfect: a wonderful spacious layout, hot tub and pool to relax in after busy days, the most comfortable beds in which to sleep, a lovely outdoor space to gather for meals, a beautiful kitchen with everything you could possibly need, gym equipment for those who are inclined, and a perfect location close to a five star beach.
From Papamoa we could travel to so many beautiful destinations. Highlights of our holiday here include a kayak to Moutohora, a long anticipated visit to Hobbiton, beach hopping along the Coromandel Coast, exploring the unique sights of Rotorua, time relaxing in the hot pools of Waikite Valley, taking in the beautiful views of Tauranga from the summit of Mount Maunganui, and hiking through the lush green forests. There’s so much to see and do in this gorgeous part of New Zealand. It’s such a magical part of the world.
If you have the opportunity for an exchange with Wayne and Farzana, we know you’ll love it as much as we have. For us, it was a dream come true.
Thank you so much, Patsy and Bill, for your kind words! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed your stay and made the most of everything our home and beautiful Papamoa have to offer. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and we’re so grateful for the care and thoughtfulness you showed during your stay. Knowing you had such a memorable experience means the world to us. We would be delighted to exchange with you again in the future!
Feedback for Vanessa·Non-Reciprocal exchange·7 nights
Vanessa and her family were the perfect guests! Kind, thoughtful, considerate and respectful, it was a privilege having them come all the way from Italy to enjoy our home. We were overjoyed to return to an immaculate, five star clean house, a garden well cared for, thoughtful thank-you gifts and a lovely card.
Vanessa’s communication skills were excellent from the time we ‘met’ last year. She’s just one of those wonderful people who makes me so grateful and glad to be part of this amazing PLU community. Hopefully one day we’ll have the chance to meet in person.
If you ever have the opportunity to exchange with this very special family, make sure to say YES! I can’t recommend them highly enough.😊
Feedback for Susan and Murray·Non-Simultaneous exchange·10 nights
It was a pleasure to have Susan and Murray stay in our home. What a treat to come home late from a long day of travel to find our home spotless, the laundry done, our bed ready to sleep in and our our garden well tended and watered. Not to mention thoughtful gifts and a thank you card. Susan and Murray are kind, considerate and respectful guests and we’d be happy to exchange with them any time.
Feedback for Susan and Murray·Non-Simultaneous exchange·8 nights
We had a fabulous holiday at Susan and Murray's beautiful home! Their house is spacious, tidy, welcoming and comfortable, and their kitchen has everything you need. Their neighbourhood is lovely and peaceful, and conveniently located to see everything Kelowna has to offer.
The communication with Susan and Murray was excellent, and we were delighted to arrive to a variety of thoughtful welcome treats. They are very kind hosts.
There is so much to do in Kelowna. For us, the highlight was spending each day with our daughter who lives there - hiking, shopping, and enjoying wineries, restaurants and a lovely Spa Day at Room and Pillar (highly recommended).
We're very grateful for this unforgettable vacation! We'd be delighted to exchange with Susan and Murray anytime.
If you're fortunate enough to have the opportunity to experience a home exchange with them, you'll be very glad you did!
Feedback for Dionne·Simultaneous exchange·28 nights
Kind, respectful and appreciative, Dionne and Robert are exceptional guests. We returned to a spotless house, as clean as we left it, and we were treated with thoughtful gifts and delicious homemade goodies. Our home, garden and new car were looked after with special care. The communication was excellent. We felt like friends from our first zoom meeting, and we messaged and shared photos regularly during our simultaneous exchange so we could enjoy each others adventures and discoveries..
We truly cannot say enough great things about Dionne and Robert as PLU exchangers.
Feedback for Dionne·Simultaneous exchange·28 nights
We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to stay for a month in Dionne and Robert's beautiful home. Filled with character and loving touches, it truly is a home away from home. The living area of their home is charming - spacious and cozy with unique artistic touches everywhere. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked and their garden has something to enjoy around every corner. Moreover, everything was left clean and spotless for us.
The location of their home is perfect! The natural setting and peaceful neighbourhood, overlooked by pasture, storks and cows, make it a quiet oasis to arrive home to after a day exploring the various cities and lovely countryside of the Netherlands. The nearby bike trails are excellent. It's very easy to ride into Breda and the surrounding villages, to find crystal clear lakes for a swim, or to ride along the riverside into Belgium. The bus stop is just a short walk away.
Dionne and Robert are wonderful hosts. They went out of their way to ensure our stay was a happy and unforgettable one, and that we felt at home right from our arrival. They left thoughtful welcoming treats, delicious food and beverages and made sure my special dietary needs were looked after. Their detailed manual gave us numerous choices for restaurants, shopping, cafes, special places to see and things to do, biking and hiking routes and more. There is so much to explore in the Netherlands, a month is hardly enough time to do so.
Dionne and Robert are such kind and welcoming PLU members who we feel very fortunate to have exchanged and become friends with. If you have the opportunity to exchange with them, say YES! Like us, you will be so happy you did!
Feedback for Tania·Non-Reciprocal exchange·12 nights
Tania and her family stayed in our home for twelve days and they were wonderful guests. Tania is kind, friendly, and great at communicating. She was exceptionally respectful of our house. Our home was in beautiful condition when we returned- just as clean and tidy as we had left it. She even took care of our garden as well. We would be delighted to have Tania and her family stay in our home again.
Feedback for Winnie·Simultaneous exchange·7 nights
Winnie and Les were exceptional guests and left our home just as clean, if not cleaner, then we left it. We’d be more than happy to exchange with them any time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feedback for Winnie·Simultaneous exchange·7 nights
We were delighted to spend a week in Winnie and Les’ home. Victoria is such a beautiful city! The location of their home is fabulous, an easy walk to the many lovely attractions in Victoria Harbour, and the view is spectacular. Their condo is spacious and clean and has everything we needed for a wonderful vacation, including a very comfortable bed, a well stocked kitchen and a thoughtful welcome basket. Communication with Winnie and Les was excellent. This was our first PLU exchange and we really appreciate how welcoming, helpful and kind they have been. They helped to make our first home exchange a very special one.
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Patsy and Bill
We’re thrilled to be members of PLU. We love the idea of seeing the world and having a home base to explore different countries and communities. I'm a retired teacher, who enjoys paddling on the ocean, and Bill is a retired lineman who enjoys riding and recreating motorcycles. We both love the ocean and we spent many years with our children cruising the southern coast of British Columbia on our boat.
Now, we look forward to ‘slow’ exchanges overseas where we can relax and live like locals for a minimum of two weeks.. We also hope to see more of Canada and enjoy shorter exchanges in our province of B.C., particularly around Kelowna, where our daughter lives.
With PLU, we’re excited to experience as much of the world as possible. We especially love small towns and villages and being surrounded by nature or the ocean. Accessible public transit is preferred, especially in the UK, NZ and Australia. As retirees, we're free to travel anytime, and we'll take excellent care of your home. Please reach out to us from wherever you are in the world. We look forward to connecting with you.
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.
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