Have you ever watched a movie and been completely captivated by a location, so much so that you wanted to find out if that place really exists? Many fans of the Hallmark movie “Like Cats & Dogs” have felt that way, especially about the charming lakeside vacation rental house featured in the film. This 2017 Spring Fever movie, starring Cassidy Gifford and Wyatt Nash, tells the story of Spencer and Lara, two individuals with polar opposite personalities – a cat person and a dog person – who are forced to share a vacation rental. The official synopsis from Hallmark (Hallmark Channel) perfectly sets the scene:
“Spencer is a cat person. Lara is a dog person. Spencer is headed to a beach town to work on his thesis. Lara is coming to the same beach town to escape the shambles of her life. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, but when a reservation screw up lands them – and their pets – in the same vacation rental house, they all have to figure out how to get along with each other.”
The Quest to Locate the “Like Cats & Dogs” Lakeside House
The search began with re-watching “Like Cats & Dogs”, focusing this time not just on the storyline but on any visual clues that could help identify the location. Familiarity with filming locations in areas around Langley, Abbotsford, and Maple Ridge, developed through previous location searches like the house from The Christmas Ornament, proved to be a valuable asset. The process of identifying movie locations often relies on recognizing subtle details – “indicators” as they are called – such as unique trees, rooflines, road layouts, or even streetlights.
Initially, the search started around Rees Lake in Langley, the location previously identified for Will’s lake house in Hailey Dean: A Will to Kill. However, careful examination of lakeside homes via Google Earth, a method of searching from above, revealed that the “Cats & Dogs film” house was not situated there. This method, while effective, can be challenging as many houses viewed from above can appear similar.
Persistence and meticulous comparison of screen captures from the movie with Google Earth imagery eventually led to a breakthrough. Searching other lakes in British Columbia, a potential match emerged. By carefully comparing the indicators noted from the film with the aerial views, the lakeside vacation rental from “Like Cats & Dogs film” was finally located!
Exterior view of the vacation rental house featured in the Cats & Dogs film, showcasing its lakeside setting and architectural details
An Unexpected Invitation to the “Cats & Dogs” Film Location
Having successfully located the house, the next step was to share the discovery. An update was sent to Vanessa, and plans were made to photograph the property on an upcoming trip. The intention was to capture images of the house, even if only from the roadside, and share the location with other interested fans.
During a trip to Canada in June, an opportunity arose to visit the lakeside home. While taking photographs from the driveway, a car approached. This chance encounter turned into an extraordinary experience. The driver, Peter, the homeowner, stopped to chat, leading to a conversation about the movie, the website dedicated to Hallmark filming locations, and the inquiry from Vanessa. Peter, incredibly welcoming, offered a tour of the property, an offer that was enthusiastically accepted. Opportunities for such up-close looks at Hallmark movie locations are rare, making this invitation truly special.
The following morning, an email arrived from Peter, officially inviting a visit and tour. The excitement was palpable. For enthusiasts of movie locations, these places are more than just buildings; they become characters in the story themselves. This perspective is shared by location buffs worldwide, evidenced by numerous websites and books dedicated to film locations.
Front porch of the vacation rental house from Like Cats & Dogs film, highlighting its welcoming entrance and rustic charm
Side view of the Cats & Dogs film house, showing the garden and fountain details
Water fountains in the garden of the vacation rental house used in Cats & Dogs movie, emphasizing the serene and luxurious atmosphere
Garden path leading to the Cats & Dogs movie house, illustrating the well-maintained landscaping and inviting ambiance
Exploring the “Like Cats & Dogs” Vacation Rental
Visiting the “Like Cats & Dogs” vacation rental in person was even more impressive than imagined. The scale of the property and the dazzling lakeside views were breathtaking. Peter and his wife, who have been in the area for over 20 years, having previously lived across the lake, were gracious hosts. They shared how the house was chosen for the film – a location scout simply drove by and recognized its potential. The grounds were immaculately landscaped and expansive, with the patio area featured in the movie appearing exactly as it did on screen.
Inside, Peter generously allowed a quick tour and photos to be taken. The interiors were instantly recognizable from “Cats & Dogs film”. While the production team had painted the living room a sea glass blue and adjusted the lighting for filming, the essence of the home remained.
Front door of the vacation rental in Cats & Dogs film, showcasing the entrance and architectural style
Exterior facade of the Cats & Dogs movie house, displaying its impressive size and design
Exterior view of the lakeside house from Cats & Dogs film, emphasizing its beautiful setting and outdoor features
Side angle of the Cats & Dogs film location house, highlighting its architectural details and surrounding greenery
Dining room inside the vacation rental from Cats & Dogs film, showing the interior design and set decoration
Interior shot of the dining area in the Cats & Dogs movie house, providing a glimpse of the home's ambiance
Living room of the vacation rental as seen in Cats & Dogs film, displaying the sea glass blue walls and movie set decor
Living room interior of the Cats & Dogs movie location, showing the actual house decor and layout
This incredible experience of discovering the “Cats & Dogs film” location and being welcomed into the home was truly memorable. A heartfelt thank you goes to Peter and his wife for their generosity in sharing their beautiful home. And thank you to Vanessa for her initial inquiry, which sparked this exciting adventure.
