A Love Story Grows From Deep Roots

At the heart of it all are my parents, Dino & Nancy, whose love story set the foundation for everything you see today.

Nancy, my mother, was born and raised on Vancouver Island, in the traditional roots of this territory, from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew, as a proud Métis. My father, Dino, comes from the stunning island of Madeira, Portugal. Both were raised in families rich with lessons, hard love and culture, yet they started out with very little in terms of material wealth. Their parents gave what they could, teaching them the value of hard work, community, and perseverance — values that would shape their journey together.

They first met while working on the cruise ships in the Bahamas, where they spent their days surrounded by the beauty of the sea. It was there, amidst the adventures and travels, that they fell in love. After getting married, they returned to Vancouver Island, ready to build a life together. What greeted them was a plot of land with little more than the remains of a burnt-down house and barely a foundation, but that was all they needed. They started from scratch, living in a small trailer on the land while Dino worked away tirelessly, envisioning what this place could become.

---

Building A House & Home

With determination and a dream in mind, Dino took a log-building course at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke. Inspired by the craft, he and Nancy decided to purchase the logs and build their first home — a cozy log house that would serve as the heart of our family for years to come. Family and friends gathered to help them build, turning what started as a simple log home with a bedroom loft, grand foyer, and log-burning fireplace into something far greater: a home.

It was after this home was complete that years later I, Marisa, was born in 1996. Our family grew alongside the house, and as I grew up, so did the property. My parents’ vision for the land expanded year by year. Dino and Nancy continued to pour their hearts into the property, working tirelessly at many different Jobs to make ends meet in the early years as parents. Dino built a shop, an above-suite, expanded a pond at the back, and created the most beautiful landscapes around us woven into the earth. Every piece of land has been touched by his hands, every detail crafted with love.

---

Honouring Stories & Memories

This land is more than just a home — it’s a place of stories.

One of the most special stories belongs to Charlie, our dear neighbour. Charlie, an old friend, and guardian of his own land nearby, became a part of our family over the years. As Charlie aged and his health declined, my parents took on the role of caretakers, and he spent many days with us, sitting by the fire, enjoying a cup of coffee, often with our black cat, Winker, curled up on his lap. He was like a grandfather to me.

When Charlie passed in 2012, Dino and Nancy honoured his memory by purchasing his land and preserving it. The little cabin he left behind was lovingly renovated, but it still holds the spirit of the man who shared so much with us. We named it “Charlie’s Cabin Near the Salish Sea,” a tribute to the neighbour who became a family. The cabin, like everything here, is a part of our history.

---

Creating A Legacy & Sharing The Love

In 2019, I had an idea; so, I took on the responsibility of honouring my parents’ legacy and all they’d built by establishing a bed-and-breakfast here at “Charlies Cabin”. It became a place where guests could not only rest but also experience the beauty of nature through hikes and quiet moments by the ponds water’s edge. As the world changed, and staycations became a way for people to find peace, our land offered solace and connection.

As the B&B grew, we began to dream even bigger. We envisioned Owl Grove, a wedding venue nestled in the heart of nature, to continue our tradition of sharing this beautiful place with others. The peaceful expanse of this land with its tall trees, open skies and the occasional visit from the local owl families, made it the perfect place for couples to celebrate their love.

We are also excited to introduce a new cabin, Owls Perch, coming in 2025.

---

We welcome you to write the next chapter with us.

Now, as we formally open our wedding venue, we’re ready to welcome you into our story. Over the years, this land has been built from love and now we want to share that love with others. Here, under the starlit sky, with the scent of pine trees in the air and the sounds of nature all around, we offer more than just a venue—we offer a place to feel at home.

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding or simply taking in the serenity of this land, you’ll find that every corner of it holds a story, a piece of our family’s heart. Nancy, Dino, and I, along with my husband Jeffrey, have dedicated ourselves to this place, and we invite you to become part of its next chapter. From our family to yours, we welcome you with open hearts and open arms.

Marisa & the Vieira Family