This article was published on December 30th, 2012
Nestled in the quiet pine forests along the peaceful Harrison River is one of the most romantic getaways the Fraser Valley has to offer. Located two hours east of Vancouver, Pretty Estates Resort, quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets the areas has to offer, especially during the winter months.
The resort property is home to a lovingly resorted Victorian home and a small group of luxury log cabins.The log cabins are located adjacent to the fairways of the 18-hole golf course and overlook the Harrison River. Each log cabin offers the essential amenities for a romantic weekend getaway for two.
Inside guests are welcomed to a beautiful, warm wood-paneled walls and beam rafters reaching to the peak of the cabin’s roof. A river-rock wood-burning fireplace becomes the centerpiece of the cabins interior, perfect for a cozy night relaxing by the fire enjoying a bottle of wine.
A king size poster bed sits high above the wood floors. The crisps white sheets and fluffy duvet are warm and inviting.
Even the bathroom has been carefully designed for romance. A two-person jetted soaker tub sits above the heated slate floors. The wood beam detail continues to the vanity area, framing the mirrors. The slate and glass shower is bright and has a wonderful rainfall showerhead.
There’s no need to worry about fussing over the cooking either. Right on the property is a restaurant serving up all the classic Canadian favourites including roast beef and Yorkshire, prime rib, and salmon. During holiday’s the chef’s go to work putting out traditional seasonal meals such as roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. The kitchen staff works hard to source items produced in the Fraser Valley and from BC like local herbs and greens, cheeses, seafood and wine.
In the morning, guests staying in the luxury cabins receive a basket full of breakfast treats and hot coffee. The morning breakfast changes throughout the year and can include potato hash browns, warm fresh baked muffins, and smoked thick cut bacon.
In addition to the log cabin accommodation, the resort also offers guests the option to stay in the original home of the Pretty family, one of BC’s founding entrepreneurial families that helped build the economy throughout the 20th century. The home, which has been converted into an Inn, is filled with family history, beautiful antique furniture and wonderful collection of artwork from around the world.
While at the resort, guests are encouraged to make full use of the property. Early in the winter is the annual Eagle Festival. The area is home to the most concentrated group of bald eagles in the world. Over 1,000 people will come to the resort the third weekend in November to watch the birds soar overhead, roost in the trees and feast of the salmon from the river. The property is also home to an eagle nest, located in one of the tallest and largest Douglas Fir trees on the 18 hole golf course.
Sandpiper Golf Course is open year-round. Guests are welcome to walk along the pathways around the perfectly manicured course. At almost every angle, there are picture-perfect scenes, from the rugged snow covered mountainsides to the panoramic views of the Harrison Valley.
Getting to Sandpiper is easy. It’s located 2 hours east of Vancouver (25 minutes from Abbotsford) along the Lougheed highway. The resort welcomes overnight guests from February through December. For romantic weekend vacation packages, visit their website.
