Custom Oceanfront Home on Stoney Hill

Narrows Edge is a custom home being built on an oceanfront property at the base of Stoney Hill. This is a popular hiking location in the Cowichan Valley, with majestic views of the ocean and some of the smaller islands surrounding Vancouver Island.

Our clients wanted to prioritize capturing the ocean views into each room, while seamlessly integrating with the natural forest landscape. After living on the property for a few years, they most enjoyed the regular sight of orcas and other sea life passing by, the stars peaking through treetops at night, and the quiet solitude of the private location. They wanted the home to reflect rather than distract from the environment. While this can be difficult on a narrow, sloped property, and a small build site surrounded by trees, perched on the edge of a cliff, Made to Last Custom Homes was up to the challenge.

Why Choose Made to Last?

The property owners turned to the talented Gail Jaeger Architects from Salt Spring Island. They chose Gail to design their home after she worked with a relative to create a beautiful oceanfront home that was featured in a magazine. Made to Last Custom Homes was chosen due to our experience building on difficult ocean side properties, our eagerness for a collaborative construction process, and our transparent communication and financial tracking.

The main floor has 1,650 sq. ft. of finished space, with an additional 1,650 sq. ft. in the walkout lower level.

Home Design

The main living area boasts a vaulted ceiling finished with tongue-and-groove wood. A wall of windows frame the views of Salt Spring Island and Sansum Narrows. A large glass door from the living room opens to an outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying the coastal breezes. Unique architectural elements, including a distinctive roof line with uneven pitches, enhance the home’s bespoke character. The majority of this main level will have polished concrete floors with luxurious in-floor heating.

This level will also include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a hidden office cleverly concealed behind a bookcase in the living room. Each of the bathrooms will have curb-less showers with custom tile, with the primary bathroom also having a steam shower, quartz bathtub surround, and wood ceilings.

The wood-burning fireplace by Valcourt has an ingenious guillotine-style door that lifts up into the wall when the homeowners seek the sound of crackling flames. The fireplace is paired with a built-in window seat that offers additional seating, but is also large enough to fit a twin mattress. An abundance of natural light floods the space through expansive windows, doors, and seven strategically placed skylights. The skylights will provide the perfect view to take in the dark starry nights of the Pacific Northwest.

The lower level provides additional space with a recreation room, bedroom, office space, bathroom, and plenty of storage. With multiple exterior doors on this level, it will be easy to store outdoor equipment associated with oceanfront living and adventures, such as kayaks and patio furniture.

The exterior of this home elegantly harmonizes with its oceanfront setting. It features tall A-frame style roof peaks, jutting out from flat roofing sections, to echo the mountains of the coast. These are clad with durable metal roofing. The siding is meant to emulate a natural weathered wood, but is a metal product that requires no maintenance and will withstand the ocean salt.

This home is not just a residence; it is a lifestyle choice that embraces the beauty of coastal living while providing all the modern comforts and conveniences. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing, the sight of eagles soaring, and the smells of the forest, all from the comfort of your own home.