TL;DR Summary
FURNISHED ROOMS in a peaceful, 1-acre Saanich home with a hot tub and views are available for $1,000–$1,700/month (all-inclusive). For those with relevant skills (cooking, cleaning, gardening, animal care), an optional Work-for-Pay contract allows you to earn separate cash payments, potentially reducing your net monthly living cost to as low as $600. This is for long-term partners committed to intentional communal living and contributing to a community project, not just typical roommates.
Location: Saanich (near Portage Inlet/View Royal). Offers a peaceful, quiet, and retreat-like setting close to the city with quick access to bus routes.
Opportunity: We have four furnished rooms available in a unique, shared 3,500 sq ft home set on a rare 1-acre urban homestead with large grounds, two greenhouses, and a view. Rent is all-inclusive (utilities, high-speed internet, etc.) and includes access to all shared spaces and a large woodworking shop.
We are establishing Paddington's Place, a long-term community project, and are looking for clean, respectful, and reliable people to join our home.
The Community Focus: Intentional Shared Living
We are not just looking for roommates; we are seeking co-stewards. We are building an intentional community based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and open communication.
If you are looking for a place where you can keep to yourself, this is not the right fit. We seek partners who actively want to participate in shared dinners, property projects, and decision-making for the non-profit's future.
Housing Options and Work Opportunity
ROOM TYPE (All-Inclusive Monthly Rent)
* Small Room (Single Person): $1,000 – $1,200
* Large Room (Single Person): $1,250 – $1,450
* Large Room (Couple/Two People): $1,500 – $1,700
Property Details & Available Paid Tasks
A. Property Amenities & Condition
* Rare 1-Acre Property with expansive views over Portage Inlet/View Royal. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the acreage while having quick access to the city.
* Access to a Hot Tub, two greenhouses, large grounds, and a woodworking shop.
* The furnished 1946 house is a vintage character home undergoing continuous restoration. We need people who appreciate a home with potential, not a modern, turnkey space.
B. Available Paid Tasks (Choose Your Contribution)
* Communal Cooking: Plan, purchase, and prepare 4-5 communal dinners per week. Manage the weekly food budget and inventory.
* Professional Housecleaning: Execute a detailed weekly schedule for deep cleaning all 2.5 bathrooms and large common areas.
* Urban Farming: Manage our two greenhouses and garden plots, focusing on food cultivation and soil health for house use.
* Grounds Maintenance: Execute routine groundskeeping for the 1-acre property (mowing, pathway clearing, etc.).
* Animal Care: Assist with daily routine care (dog walking, feeding, watering, and purchasing specialty supplies).
The Vision and Final Details
* Community Core: We are building the foundational team for Paddington's Place, a non-profit dedicated to community and stewardship. We practice communal living principles and are looking for long-term partners.
* Animals: Our family includes two friendly dogs (one is a service dog), a ball python, and a tarantula.
How to Apply (Focus on Intentional Living)
Please reply with a detailed response to the following:
* Which room size are you interested in (Small, Large Single, or Large Couple)?
* What is your experience with intentional communal living or shared responsibility? How do you proactively contribute to a positive household dynamic?
* If applying for the Work-for-Pay program, please list the specific tasks you are interested in.
Interviews are ongoing. We are looking for committed partners ready to move in starting immediately, with the goal of filling all spots by January 2026.