Our Story

Countrywide Village Realty was first opened in Lake Cowichan in 1994 by Richard Bonnell and Leslie Whyte. Current agent and former owner, Keith Nelson joined the Countrywide team and later purchased the company in 2004. Our office has been one of the top producing brokerages in the Cowichan Valley year after year for decades and we pride ourselves on our community involvement and life-long connections to the area. After nearly 20 years of ownership, Keith sold the company to current owners Patrick Miller and Jada Forrest. Patrick joined Countrywide in 2018 after 25+ years of experience in the construction industry, he also owns a small business based in Youbou with his wife. Jada is a lifelong resident of Lake Cowichan and she and her husband are now raising their two children right here in our beautiful community. In August of 2023 Countrywide began a partnership with Pemberton Holmes. This collaboration will provide clients and agents the best possible service and resources. All Countrywide agents and staff live here in the Cowichan Valley and have a great understanding of the beauty that envelopes us and the sense of community we are surrounded with.