I was so excited to stay here at Fairholme Manor given the positive reviews but I thought overall it was just okay. Let me start off by saying breakfast really was five stars. It was delicious and beautiful. A lot of love and effort is put into this. Sylvia's scones are phenomenal. If she opened up a bakery I would buy all her scones and loaves. The bathroom is a nice size with a big tub. So why the three stars? There is a radiator in the room but ours didn't work well and would heat up and did not stay hot. We were cold. If you are on the first floor please note that sound travels. you can really hear any movement above you and you can hear conversations very well outside your room which didn't make me feel particularly comfortable since I'm sure even just is talking normally can be heard by others as well. Didn't feel amazing from a privacy perspective. When you book it says there is daily housekeeping. There's no daily housekeeping. We were asked if anything was missing from our room by the breakfast server but nothing else. If you're expecting your trash to be emptied or bed to be made that did not happen our whole stay. Location: not really walkable to the downtown area or most things in Victoria. A couple other small things that I wouldn't even mention if the above two were no issue: The bed was okay although not super comfortable in my opinion. The outlets are really inconvenient and there aren't many. They mention there is tea, hot chocolate, and coffee. There's no hot chocolate and no creamer in your room if you want some later. I do think this place could be good for others but it was not the right fit for us. For a bed and breakfast the room just wasn't super comfortable for us to want to spend time there. read more

What a lovely place! A beautiful home and garden, plenty of spots to sit and sip, comfortable beds, a good shower, fresh flowers, delicious breakfasts with all the lovely extra touches to make it special. Sylvia is a gracious experienced host with great recommendations for dinner spots. We tried both Pennyfarthing and Pagliacci and were happy with the both choices. Pagliacci had a good live band. And to top it off a small herd of deer have made the neighborhood their home. It all added up to a great stay. We'll book Fairholme again for sure. read more

Wonderful place, and Sylvia is Amazing! Gorgeous home, Delicious food , can't say anything bad ever!!!!!

This beautiful B&B was the highlight of our stay in Victoria. Its located conveintly 10mins from the ferries in downtown.There are lovely gardens and a castle within 5mins of walking distance. When we arrived there was also a concert going on in the back park which you can see from the houses backyard. Our hosts Sylvia and Ross were nothing but helpful in finding us a restaurant for dinner to advising us when to take the Black Ball Ferry since only 3 leave a day and are usually booked out. Everything during our stay was beautiful and we loved our little suite overlooking the gardens and all of the beautiful flowers that were placed everywhere from garden roses to peonies in the room and across the house. There were also fancy shampoos, lotion, and bath salts in the bathroom that smelled amazing. The breakfasts was amazing and all organic and freshly made by Sylvia with house-made granola, fresh fruit, Chocolate stuffed croissants and gourmet egg dishes called blossoms that are baked in filo dough and made fresh with a side of smoked salmon. We enjoyed our stay and it was a very "homey" atmosphere. The price is a little bit on the higher side but the breakfast and great hosts make you feel like you're at your favorite aunts house. read more

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Beautiful grounds, rooms and furnishings, not to mention the delicious gourmet breakfasts. The owner is a delightful host and chef! read more

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Sylvia is the pleasant owner of Fairholme Manor. When I called to resverve a stay, she stated that they were all booked except for a small room for $200 a night that she usually only rents out to her repeat guests who have been staying there for years. I told her that I didn't mind the size as long as it was clean and private. Sylvia said that she doesn't host guests with dogs or kids so the room would be clean. I convinced my Husband that a few days at a quaint BNB would be better than a nice modern hotel by the bay. We weren't sure of the check-in times or the amenities so we arrived after 4pm and expected no frills. The manor is a historic home in a nice residential area but it is too far to walk to the city center. The property has a small cottage garden with some outdoor seating and lots of deer. We didn't sit out in the yard in case there were deer ticks. The house looks very charming and we really had to remind ourselves of the charm throughout our two nights in order to avoid focusing on the not so charming parts. Our room was located next to a small driveway and garage that we and other guests parked at. Our windows in the bedroom opened up to that parking and also to a small walkway adjacent to a low fence separating the walkway and the very public gardens of the Lt. Governors estate next door. Before we unpacked, I wiped down the door handles and typical touch points such as the light switches, toilet handle, faucets and remote. Once my Husband saw how dirty the wet wipes were after I cleaned the surfaces, he refused to sit on the loveseat or small bistro chairs. Instead we sat on the queen sized bed with a wood frame that creaked loudly with any movement which was made worse by the fact the room had multidirectional sloped floors spanning from the kitchenette through to the bathroom and bedroom. We struggled to sleep as the foot end of the bed was higher than the head end. The bathroom was very small as Sylvia described and the sloped floor meant we couldn't keep the bathroom door open for air. The only window in the bathroom also opened up to the guest parking so there was no privacy or any way to vent it. We heard every car and guest come and go and we heard every thunderous footstep on the creaky wood floors overhead as well as the drip irrigation at 5am. The charming room may have seen better days. We tried to ignore the cracked plaster walls, old finishes and trims cut to accommodate the unevenness of the doors and floors. There was a dead fly disintegrated in pieces on the floor away from foot traffic which hinted that the room had not been vacuumed for some time. I made the mistake of eating one of the small complimentary chocolates in the room. It was so old and stale, no cocoa butter was left so it tasted like chocolate dust. That first evening we discovered why the lamps in the bedroom were all turned off. The curtains were all semi sheer so with any light on, we would be on full display. We hung out in the room with the light on in the kitchenette 3 meters away or with just the illumination from the exterior lights then hid away from the windows that we kept shut all night. We did not sleep well for both nights. The kitchenette had a small refrigerator, coffee maker that needed cleaning and a few coffee pods and tea bags. On a positive note, breakfast offered was much better than the usual continental fare most modern hotels offered. First day we enjoyed yogurt parfait (mine had a blonde hair in it), mini scones, sliced bread and an egg baked in a phyllo pastry cup and a few slices of smoked salmon. The second day was similar except the phyllo was replaced by a small piece of toast. Overall I wish we had stayed at one of the modern hotels by the bay. I desperately wanted to enjoy Fairholm Manor but despite all the old charm, we did not get the privacy, the relaxation or rest we wanted from our stay. I hope other guests can have a better experience than we did. read more

The most beautiful B&B in Victoria, as far as we can see. Located in the perfect area, lovely gardens and a wonderful place to walk around as well as being central to many quaint neighborhoods with good restaurants and shops. Everything was immaculate and beautiful, simply elegant and comfortable. Most comfortable bed we've had traveling, and the room was quiet and peaceful at night. The time we spent there was relaxing, especially with the giant 2-person soaking tub in our suite overlooking the garden. The breakfasts are everything you could want, from house-made granola, fresh fruit, and still-warm scones & muffins to gourmet egg dishes made to order with sides of delectable proteins such as smoked salmon, local bacon, and ham. Ross & Sylvia, the hosts, are welcoming, kind and thoughtful, going out of their way to give us a breakfast on an early-start morning and helping us track down what we needed for our sightseeing. While discussing their spectacular garden, I told Sylvia that peonies were my favorite flower and we cannot grow them where we live. She promptly swapped out the roses in our room with a bowl of peonies, and then refreshed the bowl with fresh different colors of peonies throughout our stay. We have stayed at another 5-star B&B right across the street, but will always stay at Fairholme Manor from now on - it really is the ultimate experience. Absolutely perfect. read more

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As good as it gets! For sure. This absolutely beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in downtown Victoria British Columbia is stunning. The gardens and grounds are immaculately kept, the breakfasts are delicious and the rooms have amazing views and are loaded with amenities. The innkeepers Ross and Sylvia are great hosts. read more

Fairholme Manor - Fairholme Manor Victoria Bed and Breakfast - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

There are absolutely no words to describe how wonderful your stay at Fairholme Manor will be, but I will try nonetheless. Fairholme Manor is run by a husband and wife, Sylvia and Ross Main. Sylvia, of Austrian decent, and Ross, the local guy who stole her away, immediately greeted us upon arrival. I was actually quite surprised at how close the Manor is to downtown, having only taken less than 10 minutes to arrive once off the ferry. My wife and I stayed in the Fairholme Grand Suite for our honeymoon. It's a gorgeous, huge room, complete with fireplace, couch, bath tub, and shower with 2 shower heads (oh ya!) overlooking their lawn area. We were also kindly greeted with one of her 2 cookbooks. Not sure if she does that for everyone, but her first cookbook features photos of the room we stayed in, so maybe that's why she gave us one. Each morning from 8:30-9:30, Sylvia and her staff serve great breakfasts. She starts with a side table of scones or muffins, fruit, yogurt, and granola. Whether it's Eggs Benedict with salmon, zucchini fritters with eggs, or baked frittata (almost like a frittata soufflé), you will start your day off with a solid meal. Sylvia also gave us some great restaurant recommendations for when we were out and about downtown. We had already planned on going to Brasserie L'école, one of the most popular restaurants in town. She gave us absolutely spot on instructions for getting in (you'll have to see that review for those tips!). We hadn't booked a whale watching tour prior to arriving, so I asked her who we should go with. She called them, asked them to pick us up, and we were all set for a Saturday of whale watching. I would absolutely recommend staying here for a special visit to Victoria. The rooms are going to be a little more expensive than you're used to, but it's worth it for an anniversary or special occasion. read more

Excellent! My wife and went there with her parents and it was charming, beautiful and the food was amazing! The owner was personable and took her time to talk to us and answer any questions we had. My mother in-law has her cookbook and told me the granola mix she made was actually from that book. We just went there for brunch, but the rooms that you can stay in are amazing! read more

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My husband & I visited Fairholme Manor just this past weekend. This was our first experience at a B&B and truly loved our time there. We stayed in the Penthouse Suite - greeted with fresh flowers and sweets. We enjoyed the parlor area complete with working fireplace that overlooks the gorgeous gardens. Our hosts - Sylvia & Ross, along with Susan, were wonderful - they greeted us at breakfast every morning with homemade granola, jams, scones and other treats followed by a delicious hot breakfast. We appreciated their recommendations of things to do and see in the city, with exact directions so we wouldn't lose our way. They even took the time to call their daughter to let us know that we'd be visiting a lounge in town that she hosted. It was a wonderful getaway that we hope to visit again in the future! read more

My wife and I fell in love with this place! We stayed a full week here. We stayed in the Penthouse Suite, and we had great views of the ocean and the Olympic Mountains. The B&B is just far enough off the main road that we never heard any traffic or other cars going by. Sylvia & Ross are great hosts; very welcoming, warm people. Sylvia makes the best breakfasts. You get fresh baked goods each morning, along with delicious gourmet cooking. I looked forward to breakfast each day. read more

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My husband and I stayed in the French Country Garden room. It was beautiful and inexpensive. Sylvia was kind enough to recommend some nice restaurants nearby. We ended up going with one of her recommendations, and it did not disappoint. The decor was simple, yet sophisticated. Our room was very clean. Breakfast was delicious. I loved the lemon scones with raspberry butter. The egg blossom was beautiful and equally amazing. Sylvia is a fantastic hostess and knows how to treat her guests right! read more

This Inn is absolutely amazing! It is a quaint little in just on the edge of Victoria, just minutes from downtown. Hosts Ross and Sylvia are simply the best at what they do! They know the are perfectly and are quick to give recommendations on even the smallest desire. The breakfast served each morning is cooked and prepared by Sylvia herself. She is an amazing cook with two of her very own published cooking books (also for sale!). Comfortable bed, amazing walk-in shower, and our room also has the jetted jacuzzi bathtub! If Victoria is you destination, then make sure Fairholme Manor Inn is where you stay! read more

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Oh my goodness! This is such a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a short drive from downtown Victoria. Our room was massive with a king sized bed, a sitting area, a screened in patio area and a bathroom with a soaker tub. I would imagine royalty having a room like this it was so beautiful with wonderful views looking over the open ocean. The owners Ross and Sylvia were wonderful hosts and the breakfast was special prepared from Sylvia's own breakfast and brunch recipe book. My suggestion is that anyone wanting to stay here should book well in advanced because this place will no doubt be booked solid. Well recommended. read more

We had a lovely experience here. Don't miss breakfast! Quality & healthy & yummy food. The hosts are exceptional. 1.5mi from the main downtown/harbor. read more

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Sylvia and Ross are the perfect hosts at this wonderful B&B in the beautiful Rockland section of Victoria. Besides the delightful gourmet breakfasts prepared by Sylvia, the beauty and invigorating energy of the surrounding neighborhood resulted in fantastic mindful walks. read more

Such an amazing experience at Fairholme Manor. Ross and Sylvia are the most gracious hosts you can imagine. I never really liked staying at B&Bs until I discovered Fairholme Manor. I was booked here by my travel service after I was stranded in Victoria by another hotel. When I arrived, Sylvia had just finished arranging a beautiful vase of flowers in my room. The room was a lovely garden suite with a huge comfortable bed and good size kitchen. The mansion itself is beautiful, as are the enormous (and beautifully maintained) gardens. Sylvia's breakfast AMAZING. Her chocolate croissants are to die for and her lemon scones....OMG. She also serves a hot breakfast as well (very fancy: crepes, salmon bennies, etc.). I can't say enough about this beautiful B&B--such a lovely experience! read more

Would absolutely recommend and stay again! Beyond gracious hosts, beyond delicious food, and beyond beautiful/comfortable rooms. Looking forward to returning! read more

Best B/B EVER!!! We scouted this place when looking for a venue to get married. We got married in their garden (50 guests) and ended up renting all 4 rooms for the family in the main part of the mansion basically having the whole place to ourselves. The whole experience was flawless. We've stayed there three times, a different room each visit; and found the whole mansion to be wonderful. The best part is Sylvia and her amazing breakfasts. It may be a few more dollars than a cheaper downtown hotel, but the Fairholme has so much to offer, and it's totally worth it. We went back for our 1-year anniversary, and were upgraded. I love this place. It's next door to Govt-House and gardens, 3 blocks from the Castle, and within walking distance of downtown (if you bring comfy shoes and about 40 min of your time); and the great part of walking to downtown is you get to pass through Antique-Row, which makes it even better. Location, it's perfect. Beauty, it's perfect (all seasons). Value, it's perfect. Hoteling is out, and B/B is in. The mansion is slightly secluded and difficult to find, which makes it even more appealing. It's a MUST-STAY. As for the other review of a barking dog, we've stayed here 3 times, and there is NO DOG at this residence, or either of the surrounding residences (possibly a guest's dog?). Sylvia, the owner, has cats, and lives 3 doors down, immediately available for any request by telephone. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. It's in a quiet neighborhood. Ross and Sylvia met us in the driveway when we pulled up late in the day. They were so friendly and accommodating our whole stay, Ross took our luggage upstairs. The Manor was beautiful and light and airy, a change from the other places I saw online that were dark, heavy and crowded with Victorian decor. Sylvia accommodated the dietary needs of our group with ease and all the food was so delicious. Every room and space was decorated with fresh flowers. We stayed in the Penthouse Suite. The bathroom was on the small side and the bathtub was deep and cumbersome for some who might be physically challenged. The Manor is not air conditioned which was fine because the weather was beautiful. But with having to open the windows for some ventilation it would have been nice to have screens to keep the bugs and mosquitoes out. Thanks Sylvia and Ross! read more

Stayed at a lot of B&B's over the years. This one was by far the best. The food is amazing, grounds are beautiful, and Sylvia and Ross are great. read more

I loved it here! The house is beautiful and so is the surrounding area. The people who work there are very friendly and helpful. I forgot my jacket in my room, and one of the people that worked there drove all the way to the bus I had boarded just to return it. Highly recommend! read more

wow, what a beautiful place. although we only stayed one night, the owner Sylvia and Rose really made us feel at home. We have the 2 bed room suite up stairs since we have 3 people in our party, the suite had a small kitchen, a breakfast nook, great balcony with view and an amazing bathroom with a big soaking tub. everything was decorated beautifully and comfortable. the breakfast next morning was just as amazing, everything was home made with fresh fruit, the blue berry scones were to die for, my daughter had 3!! beside this is a amazing place, the owner went out of their way to help us resolving our rental car issue, they even deliver our luggage to the bus station in the afternoon so that we can still go out in the morning to tour the town, instead of worrying about the logistics of our bags. This is the best place we have ever stayed, thank you Sylvia for all your help. I highly recommend this place and would definitely stay there if I even go back to Victoria again. read more