Hospitality at Home & Away: The Art of the Thoughtful Sanctuary

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At Welch Homes and Hospitality, we believe that the line between a "vacation rental" and a "home" should be invisible. Since we began our hosting journey in 2014, our philosophy has remained the same: great hospitality is an extension of how you live your own life. Whether we are preparing the Family Cottage for a new arrival or refreshing our own living room at Family Oasis, the goal is to create a sanctuary that feels both curated and deeply personal.

Here are our "not-so-secret" ingredients for crafting warm, inviting spaces—whether you’re hosting the world or simply coming home to yourself.

The Soul of the Space: High-Low & Global-Local

We don’t believe in "showroom" decorating. To us, a room only has a soul when it tells a story. Our signature style is a blend of Canadian craftsmanship and global discovery.


  • Reused & Vintage: We love the character of upcycled furniture and vintage finds sourced right here in Canada. A weathered wooden table or a classic armchair brings a sense of history that new "flat-pack" furniture simply can’t replicate.

  • Gathered Treasures: Every time we travel, we keep an eye out for small, meaningful items—a hand-woven textile, a unique ceramic bowl, or a piece of local art. When you mix these global treasures with your local finds, you create a space that feels travelled and intentional.

Whimsical Vignettes & Small Touches

One of our favorite ways to delight guests is through whimsical vignettes. Rather than just "placing" items, we create little scenes for the eye to rest upon.


  • The "Welcome" Pantry: We go beyond the basics. Our kitchens are stocked with extra amenities that make a house feel like a home—think aromatic spices, high-quality oils and vinegars, coffee and tea to set a cozy mood.


  • Locally Sourced Luxury: We love supporting our community by providing natural, locally sourced amenities. It’s a small touch that grounds the guest in the scent and spirit of the West Coast.

Bringing the Indoors Out


Hospitality doesn't stop at the back door. On the West Coast, our outdoor living spaces are just as important as our interiors. To make an outdoor space feel like a true "room," we focus on comfort and nature:


  • Plush Comfort: We add plenty of outdoor cushions and throws to encourage guests to linger over their morning coffee or evening wine.


  • Connecting with Nature: We hang bird and hummingbird feeders to bring the garden to life, and we surround our seating areas with a riot of seasonal flowers.


  • The Living Backdrop: Between the humming of the birds and the scent of the blooms, our backyards feature unique spaces such as a swim pond and bog, beautiful vegetable garden, courtyards, or a park side view patio all contribute to a sensory experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Create Your Own Sanctuary

You don’t need a five-star rental business to practice this level of care. Start small: light a candle, display a treasure from your last trip, or fill a vase with flowers from your garden.

Hospitality, at its heart, is simply the act of making someone (including yourself!) feel seen and cared for.


Location: 1746 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2R3, Canada

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