In 2019, we started to install, very gradually, a number of high-definition security video cameras on the property. This was in response to our ever-increasing insurance premiums. Happily, the expense we incurred has paid for itself by recording people doing damage to our gates, fences, etc. This allowed us to get the damage repaired at…
Read articleNaramata is a bit of an odd-sounding name for a village on the south-east edge of Okanagan Lake, isn’t it? In this region most towns are named after a founder, or a First Nations place name, Naramata sounds more like it should be in Japan. Indeed, there exists such a place, although it’s a dam…
Read articleWe’ve added a flagpole and placed it in a prominent location. It should be visible from Naramata Road. It flies a 3×6 foot Canadian Flag and, below, the 3×5 foot flag of our Province, British Columbia. The reasons for this will be obvious to anyone in Canada. Canada has been subjected to insults and threats…
Read articleWould you like to know why Forgotten Hill is closed from mid-October through to April? We’ve been asked that question a few times. That’s understandable since this property is so magical in all seasons. So, maybe we should lay out our reasons clearly. We’re happy to have guests, but winters can be tough, even if…
Read articleReturning guests who haven’t read this article are going to be in for a nice surprise: Cottonwood Lane has finally been paved. It didn’t happen quickly, not by a long shot. Let’s put this news in context. We purchased the property in October 2003, in the aftermath of the Okanagan Mountain fire. Hundreds of acres…
Read articleForgotten Hill is a great place to view the night sky. Most nights the sky is clear, the air is dry, and warm in the Summer. High up on the hillside, we benefit from little light pollution since the village is relatively dark, and the lights of Penticton and Summerland are sufficiently distant to have…
Read articleNote: Although this information was provided at the beginning of the pandemic, in the Spring of 2020, the procedures described in this post remain in effect, and will likely become permanent. Moreover, until the end of the pandemic, for the safety of all, guests will be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. At…
Read articleWe lost power for some hours, a few days ago. When we lose power here, at Cottonwood Estate and Forgotten Hill B&B, it has serious implications. It means not only do we not have electricity for lighting or cooking, we also lose our cordless phones, computers and the internet. Indeed, all we are left with…
Read articleLiving here, on this big property and so close to nature, we often get to see some of the interesting aspects of nature. But even by our standards, the 1st of June 2016 was memorable…
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