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theDoighouse Earthship

99%

· Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia

10 acres hosted by Susan D.

2 lodging sites · 1 RV site · 1 tent site

Susan is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Best cabins: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

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99%

134 ratings · 110 reviews

Andrea S.recommends

June 23, 2024

Garden Camping (Tent)

Earthship of your dreams

I can’t recommend camping at the Doighouse Earthship enough! We loved our experience so much that we booked a second night! Susan was incredibly responsive to all our questions and Tony provided an amazing tour of the Earthship. If you stay a night here, you must take a tour and learn all about sustainable living and permaculture from theses lovely people! We will for sure be back to visit the Earthship in the future.

Davide B.recommends

June 23, 2024

Off Grid Getaway Cabin

We loved the place! The cabin is cute, small but has all that is needed and is very nicely decorated. It is in the middle of the woods with easy trails around it. The location is kind of central, close to the sea and allows for day trips in any direction. Susan and Tony were lovely hosts. They gave us tips beforehand and while we were there and always available to chat. We also love the self-sustainable house they are building. All in all, a great experience that we will recommend.

Xander V.recommends

June 19, 2024

Forest Camping (RV)

We found the Doighouse Earthship by chance when searching for an RV site for our 23 feet motorhome near Qualicum Bay and were lucky enough to find it available for our particular night. The large property is well hidden from the main coastal road. The long and narrow drive way increases the apprehension for what is to come. An off grid oasis of a work in process that will keep Susan and Tony busy for many years. Luckily there are many like minded volunteers that share the ideals of the Earthship movement. As more fully described on the website, the house is the genius centerpiece. Next there is the vegetable garden fenced in to keep the deer out. Stored and filtered rain water feeds the water system in the house and is wonderful to drink. Smartly placed tanks provide the water for the vegetable garden and outside bathrooms. Solar panels complete the off grid arrangements. The ever youthful owners, Susan and Tony, share their enthousiasm for what they have achieved and what comes next. Very tempting for guests to stay extra nights and pitch in and pick up any of the chores on the Doighouse Earthship's creative to do list.

Alex H.recommends

June 12, 2024

Off Grid Getaway Cabin

We had a great time at the getaway cabin! It was a cozy and comfortable sleeping setup in the loft bed, and Tony's coffee blend was a great treat each morning. We purchased some of Susan's blueberry jam to take home, and it's delicious! Thanks for having us.

Chloe C.recommends

June 11, 2024

Maple Cabin

Dream property

Really beautiful property tucked away in the woods but close to all the nearby beaches and trails. Susan was very welcoming and made the stay very comfortable. The property and gardens were lovely and the tin roof bunkie made the ideal rainstorm conditions.

Tia M.recommends

June 9, 2024

Garden Camping (Tent)

My boyfriend and I stayed for two nights in the Garden tent site. The property was nothing less than gorgeous. We were immediately greeted upon arrival by the adorable grounds dog and the lovely owners. During our stay we felt safe, comfortable and welcome. We will definitely be coming back the next time we come to Vancouver Island.

Location

Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia, CanadaTraditional, ancestral territory of K’ómoks, We Wai Kai, and Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Susan D.Joined in April 2022

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