RARE OCEANFRONT ESTATE

THE LOCATION

Seclusion and convenience entwine amidst the rugged beauty of Galiano Island. Galiano is the first stop on the ferry from Tsawwassen, taking less than an hour for arrival or a short 65 kilometers by private boat from downtown Vancouver.

The property is located down a winding drive through a mature forest alive with eagles and deer, and is well screened from any road noise or foot traffic. Escape the city and enjoy the solitude of an island home without the isolation and lack of services. The ferry dock is 2 kilometers away, a short 15-minute walk or quick drive. The hardware, grocery store, corner store and most restaurants are also within a pretty 15-minute trail walk. The library and school, with its new playgrounds, can be walked to in 5 minutes. Having a vehicle is not always necessary.

THE HOUSE

Architecturally designed in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, this home was built to live in harmony with nature.   In true West Coast style, with exposed timbers and floor to ceiling windows, one can enjoy the dramatic, panoramic vistas of the Salish Sea across to the Coastal mountains on one side of the home, as well as the private sanctuary of the inviting pool and lush gardens on the other.  Surrounding decks and patios offer a variety of sun or shade while enjoying all that island living has to offer. Eagles are a common guest to the property and can be heard chattering throughout the day while soaring back and forth from the ocean to the forest.

This quality-crafted home is over 3000 square feet. The main floor includes an open-plan kitchen (renovated in 2016) with custom cabinets, a sub-zero fridge, Wolf appliances and quartz countertops.  There is a wood burning insert in the kitchen, breakfast alcove and stunning views of both the pool and ocean. The large dining room, den and expansive living room with high ceilings and a wood burning Regency insert overlook Whaler Bay and the local wildlife: otters and seals (and sometimes whales) playing in the water, little boats checking crab trap lines, eagles fishing, ravens diving, swimmers, sailors, and families having fun. Facing the pool is a foyer, open plan office, laundry room ( redesigned with a new washer/dryer and counter top in 2019.), and a 2-piece washroom.

Surrounded by windows, the top floor of the house has the master bedroom, guest room and a 5-piece washroom complete with ceramic soaker tub and views that just don't stop. On a clear day the panorama of the snow-topped coastal mountains stretches from left to right with the buildings of the lower mainland dotted below. After dark in winter, the three lit ski hills of the Vancouver North Shore twinkle.

Attached by a wisteria covered, breezeway are 2 bedrooms, which offer private accommodation to friends and family outside of the main home. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with radiant floor heating and views over the pool.

This legacy property that will be cherished for generations to come!

941 Sturdies Bay Road

Island:  Galiano
MLS#:  R2680508
Acreage:  3.11
Price: $3,300,000

This spectacular 2 bedroom home is composed of exposed timbers and floor to ceiling windows to showcase the stunning, panoramic vistas of the Salish Sea/Coastal mountains and the private sanctuary of the lush gardens and expansive swimming pool within. Complete with 2 private bed/baths attached by breezeway, a 2 bedroom cottage, tennis court, pool, hot tub, deep water dock, and stairs leading to over 245' of sandstone shoreline. This one-of-a-kind, private estate has it all.

THE COTTAGE

The spacious, 1600 square foot guest cottage has high ceilings and large, rough-cut timber frame running the length of the house. The impressive living room has a wood-burning insert and built-in, bay window seating dramatically perched over the pool.  With two bedrooms and two baths there is plenty of room for extended family.  The sunken kitchen and dining room open up to the garden and poolside lounge.  The cottage is a   luxurious spot for friends, family, a vacation rental or caretaker.

THE DOCK

Built in 2011 by Ocean Tech Ltd., the deep-water-dock and mooring-buoy are solidly built with the wooden float securely anchored 5 ways with US steel chains so that in winter, when the ramp is lifted, it stays put. Water depth is approximately 30 feet to accommodate large boats.  The dock is serviced with electrical outlets and water lines. The stairs to the lower deck and the lower deck itself were also built in 2011 by Ocean Tech and have been re-stained regularly.

THE POOL 

Nestled between the main house, guest cottage and lush gardens is an expansive swimming pool.  The pool is located on the southwest side of the house to maximize afternoon sun and includes a diving board and staggered stone steps to cross from one side to the other. Water depth is 8 feet and holds approximately 60,000 liters of water. The pool is filled mostly with seawater making it quite buoyant and clean.  

The pool was resurfaced and retiled in 2011. Pool alarms are activated during the swimming months if non-swimmers are on the property. A custom safety pool cover ensures safety when the pool is closed for the season. The pool is enjoyed yearly from Easter to Thanksgiving. Heated entirely by solar, on most hot summer days, the temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

THE TENNIS COURT

The tennis court was constructed in 1981 and repainted in 2011. It is a full size professional court and is said to have “perfect bounce”. The court is ideal for tennis, pickle ball, basketball, teaching a child to ride a bike or a secure space to train your pup. 

THE PROPERTY

The beauty and advantages of this particular property are many fold and have to be experienced to be fully appreciated.  The view is unparalleled. With over 250’ of waterfront, the vast outlook on Whaler Bay is glorious and fascinating. The best time to sit in the hot tub on the front patio is in the late afternoon as the sun shines through the trees from the west, showering an indescribable palette of colours on the marine landscape.  The ocean color changes throughout the day so the vistas are ever changing.

The natural three acres (one acre fenced against the deer), the huge swimming pool, the deep-water dock, the professional tennis court, the wood-burning inserts, the spacious, relaxed accommodations and the open sky all make this estate one of a kind.  

A legacy property that will be cherished for generations to come!