Thursday, August 3, 2017

Milner Gardens

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    During the 1920 – 1940s Qualicum Beach changed from a town dependent on logging and sawmills to a luxury resort community. The former summer home of  Ray and Veronica Milner is one of the residences built during this time period.The Milners kept their property in a natural state, surrounded by old growth forest with just the area near the house planted with grass, flowers, shrubs and rhododendrons.

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   Veronica was descendent of the First Duke of Marlborough and hosted members of the royal family at her summer home including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Veronica gave the property to Vancouver Island University in 1996, two years before her death.

   Afternoon tea is served in the house which is also open for self touring. Many of the rooms are bare but original furniture is used in the dining sections.

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  Because the trails are not easy to a access for wheelchair users a person giving assistance is admitted for free. Take advantage of this offer because most wheelchair users will need some help. The trails are soft mulch or gravel and go downhill from the admissions building. A golf cart shuttle is available for people who have trouble walking. It is not wheelchair accessible. The house is accessible.

  The main parking lot is small. The signs for bus and RV parking lead to a narrow road that parallels the exit road. It’s so narrow that a bus or RV would have trouble squeezing past if others are already parked . The main parking lot was not busy so we parked there however a larger RV may not fit.  Garden  49.35433, -124.41386

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