From picturesque beaches to old-growth forests, serene lakes to flower-filled streets, Vancouver Island’s mild climate and stunning natural beauty make outdoor life a draw all year round. Here, we spotlight five ways to bring your outdoor living spaces to the next level, whether summer, winter, rain or shine.
Make it A Four-Season Retreat – Depending on the season, bring the shade or bring the heat. Covered terraces with heaters mean you can enjoy time outdoors through the rainy, chilly months. Come summer, perfectly placed umbrellas or shade structures can offer reprieve from the sun. At 574 Island Road in Oak Bay, Victoria, the ocean-view, six-bedroom residence, represented by Jason Binab and Sarah Binab, boasts outdoor heating and a large fireplace to help make the main outdoor living space the perfect year-round retreat for al fresco entertaining.
Cook Out To Dine In – Go beyond the barbeque to wow your guests with a functional outdoor kitchen that rivals your indoor alternative. Also ideal for al fresco dining, 574 Island Road’s outdoor kitchen offers two-built in grills, barbeque, fridge and ample counter space to whip up the finest meals, without the back and forth to the indoor kitchen.
It’s All About The Lighting – Set the mood, preserve the night sky or account for time changes with strategic lighting choices, such as sensory lighting, automatic dimmers or energy-efficient solar lighting. Mastering the art of lighting design, 622 Inglewood Terrace is perched above Beach Avenue in Oak Bay, capturing far-reaching views of the Trial Islands, Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains. Represented by Jason Binab and Sarah Binab, the home’s more than 1,000-square-foot patio space offers mood lighting that doesn’t interfere with the spectacular sunset views.
Put A Dock On It – What better way to enjoy the perks of waterfront living than with a private dock, whether to park your private watercrafts, step off for a swim or enjoy as a second outdoor living space for cozy evenings under the stars. 2051 Millicent Avenue, located at the water’s edge just off West Shawnigan Lake Road, offers cabin life a mere 45 minutes from Downtown Victoria. Represented by XXXX and XXXX, two separate dwellings are surrounded by tall evergreens and feature an east-facing, private dock offering the perfect place to make the most of lake life, gather and entertain.
Hold The Salt – Oceanside living means things can get a little salty. One way to protect against the wear and tear is to ensure your house siding and outdoor furniture are salty-air safe. One great option is concrete for increasing the longevity of your seaside space. Concrete is the material of choice at 1851 Crescent Road in Victoria, a private oceanfront oasis looking over the Strait of Georgia from Gonzales Beach. Represented by Jason Binab and Sarah Binab, the home showcases masterful architecture and design by Victoria’s premier architect, Peter de Hoog, including polished concrete surfaces on the oceanfront pool terrace.