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In 1910, Colonel Eardly-Wilmot returned from his 30 year regiment in India. Rather than settle on the old family estate in Ireland, he sought to create a new home for his family on Vancouver Island. The Cowichan River Valley captivated him, and shortly after he settled here .Col. and Mrs. Eardley-Wilmot were leading lights in Shawnigan's social hierarchy. Their huge home Knockdrin, named for the family estate in Ireland,had an impressive view of the lake and was a popular retreat for the Colonel's friends.
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The glory of the Eardley-Wilmot's estate was a double-board tennis court and tea pavilion below the house. At their formal tennis parties the men and women wore all white, a difficult color to maintain at the time.

 
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Knockdrin still stands on it's bluff, in a peaceful wooded subdivision and is now known as Marifield Manor. The view of the lake from the Verandah, filled in by trees over the years,has been replaced by an equally impressive view of a beautifully landscaped hillside garden.
During your visit to Marifield you are welcome to look through old photos and documents we have pertaining to both the Manor and the Colonel.