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Glenrosa is a farm, rich in local history.
The areas surrounding picturesque Pedder Bay were originally inhabited by the Coast Salish peoples and
known as important hunting, fishing and battle grounds. We continue to be neighbours to the Scia'new First
Nations Band, located to the west at nearby Beecher Bay.
Early colonization of the southern tip of Vancouver Island, during the 1850’s, brought English and Scottish
immigrants who settled in a geography and climate reminiscent of their homeland. Glenrosa’s former
residents have left a distinct heritage. We love to share its captivating history with our guests through
stories, photos and artifacts. A few of the notable residents of the farm are described below.
Arriving in 1858, pioneers Mary Ann and Edward Vine purchased and cleared the land to begin a 600 acre
farm, which they named Norfolk. Mary Ann became a local legend, serving as the first mid-wife for the
Metchosin-Sooke region. A hard working, dominant, and fearless personality, she hiked the trails of the
region, often alone, to visit or minister to those in need. Mary Ann feared nothing….despite the imminent
dangers of bears, cougars, and wolves. Encounters with the local natives left them with the feeling that she
had supernatural powers. Another of her legacies is the apple orchard which, at over 100yrs of age…still
produces an abundance of heritage variety apples, which is currently harvested and pressed-on site to make
the best fresh apple juice you are likely to taste!
By 1895, Scottish immigrant, John Dunlop Reid arrived to further develop the farm, renaming it Glenrosa, in
memory of a favoured homeland place. J. D. Reid was a dedicated farmer, sheep rancher and a prolific
writer. His family has provided ours with a collection of early farm pictures and descriptive articles of J.D.’s
experiences of life during the early 1900’s. Though he passed away in 1917, the farm remained in the family
until 1952. Reading the early stories of Glenrosa provides a inspiring link to both the past and early pioneer
life.
Glenrosa transformed over several decades….As acreage was sold, it became a smaller 10 acre farm, a
residence, renamed as Kilima, and eventually opened as a destination country Tea Room in 1978. Extremely
popular, Deborah Hertzberg’s Teas at Kilima brought people from across Canada, clutching newspaper
reviews and not being disappointed an English style – Country Tea, (enhanced by Deborah’s own charm).
Deborah published a cookbook, 'Cooking above the Treetops, at Kilima' which incorporated stories of her
life on the farm as well as her popular recipes. We are fortunate to have known Deborah as a hostess before
purchasing this unique and perhaps magical property!
Having lived here for almost 30 years, we respect and have a sense of obligation in seeing its historical
significance preserved. A complete rebuilding of the home was carried out in 2002. Much of the original fir
timbers and planks were incorporated to maintain the character of this century old home. We carry on some
of the traditions of the pioneers…..returning its name to Glenrosa, furthering its agricultural endeavours,
maintaining a strong connection to our community, and welcoming others, as those before us have done.
The areas surrounding picturesque Pedder Bay were originally inhabited by the Coast Salish peoples and
known as important hunting, fishing and battle grounds. We continue to be neighbours to the Scia'new First
Nations Band, located to the west at nearby Beecher Bay.
Early colonization of the southern tip of Vancouver Island, during the 1850’s, brought English and Scottish
immigrants who settled in a geography and climate reminiscent of their homeland. Glenrosa’s former
residents have left a distinct heritage. We love to share its captivating history with our guests through
stories, photos and artifacts. A few of the notable residents of the farm are described below.
Arriving in 1858, pioneers Mary Ann and Edward Vine purchased and cleared the land to begin a 600 acre
farm, which they named Norfolk. Mary Ann became a local legend, serving as the first mid-wife for the
Metchosin-Sooke region. A hard working, dominant, and fearless personality, she hiked the trails of the
region, often alone, to visit or minister to those in need. Mary Ann feared nothing….despite the imminent
dangers of bears, cougars, and wolves. Encounters with the local natives left them with the feeling that she
had supernatural powers. Another of her legacies is the apple orchard which, at over 100yrs of age…still
produces an abundance of heritage variety apples, which is currently harvested and pressed-on site to make
the best fresh apple juice you are likely to taste!
By 1895, Scottish immigrant, John Dunlop Reid arrived to further develop the farm, renaming it Glenrosa, in
memory of a favoured homeland place. J. D. Reid was a dedicated farmer, sheep rancher and a prolific
writer. His family has provided ours with a collection of early farm pictures and descriptive articles of J.D.’s
experiences of life during the early 1900’s. Though he passed away in 1917, the farm remained in the family
until 1952. Reading the early stories of Glenrosa provides a inspiring link to both the past and early pioneer
life.
Glenrosa transformed over several decades….As acreage was sold, it became a smaller 10 acre farm, a
residence, renamed as Kilima, and eventually opened as a destination country Tea Room in 1978. Extremely
popular, Deborah Hertzberg’s Teas at Kilima brought people from across Canada, clutching newspaper
reviews and not being disappointed an English style – Country Tea, (enhanced by Deborah’s own charm).
Deborah published a cookbook, 'Cooking above the Treetops, at Kilima' which incorporated stories of her
life on the farm as well as her popular recipes. We are fortunate to have known Deborah as a hostess before
purchasing this unique and perhaps magical property!
Having lived here for almost 30 years, we respect and have a sense of obligation in seeing its historical
significance preserved. A complete rebuilding of the home was carried out in 2002. Much of the original fir
timbers and planks were incorporated to maintain the character of this century old home. We carry on some
of the traditions of the pioneers…..returning its name to Glenrosa, furthering its agricultural endeavours,
maintaining a strong connection to our community, and welcoming others, as those before us have done.
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