Houzz Tour: British Columbia Townhome Using a Postcard View
I exhale because I visit the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver behind me in my rearview mirror. I’m heading north on the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, which functions as the main artery between West Vancouver and Whistler. Appropriately named, this stretch of recently updated highway runs next to majestic Howe Sound and proceeds through pristine mountain valleys. Roughly 50 kilometers from downtown lies the somewhat unknown and subtropical neighborhood of Furry Creek. Named after Oliver Furry, one of the first copper prospectors in the region, the neighborhood was initially developed alongside the internationally acclaimed golf course that occupies the majority of the property here weaving from mountainside to oceanfront. Even though some homes are clearly visible from the street, there is an assortment of residences at Oliver’s Landing that are truly hidden gems.
My mother, Lynne Buchanan was relocating back to the coast in the Okanagan, also looking for a silent coastal residence and knew immediately that was the location for her. While skimming through the listing with her realtor, she stopped and jokingly said,”That is the only — the hills, the ocean, and look at that built in espresso machine. I’m sold.” Buchanan has lived in the house for under a year, and it has heated to the modern style choices from the previous owners, adapting her supplying and artwork to the design elements of the space.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lynne Buchanan and her golden retriever, Millie. These two enjoy regular visits from friends and family including Lynne’s three kids who live in Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Location: Furry Creek, B.C., Canada
Size: Approx. 2,400 square feet, 3 bedrooms. 3 baths.
Megan Buchanan
The four south-facing townhome units enjoy stunning oceanfront sunsets. The neutral exteriors allow the homes to blend into the surrounding landscape as well as the rooflines mimic the hills behind.
Megan Buchanan
Buchanan and her golden retriever Millie wander round the community’s oceanfront seawall.
Megan Buchanan
The living area is big but comfy with rich hardwood flooring and a tumbled marble fireplace surround. A large L-shaped sectional from Sofa So Good fills out the space also is a cozy place to curl up in when the fireplace is going. An oversize mirror above the fireplace bounces light in the stairwell landing above and accentuates the high ceilings.
Megan Buchanan
A grand stairwell connects all three levels of the house. From the entryway, the main floor living, dining and kitchen areas result in a top-floor master suite and 2 extra bedrooms. The high ceilings and open stairwell make the space feel airy and bright.
Megan Buchanan
The space adjacent to the living space is part art gallery, part formal dining space. Buchanan enjoys pieces that have been in the family for generations in addition to a few splurges out of Tutt Art Galleries. The sliding doors to the left open onto the house’s second terrace space with ocean views.
Megan Buchanan
The island overlooks this kitchen and functions as the hub of all food preparation. Discreet cabinetry and slick black granite countertops increase the contemporary cosmetic. Underfloor radiant heating ensures Buchanan’s feet are always toasty on the 18″ x 18″ tumbled marble tiles.
Megan Buchanan
Stainless steel Miele appliances proved to be a selling feature for Buchanan, for instance, built-in espresso maker and wine cooler. Buchanan says she has increased custom to double-shot lattes in the morning and chilled Gewurztraminer in the day. Millie also appreciates the radiant in floor heating.
Megan Buchanan
A gourmet cooktop by Miele inspires Buchanan to try new recipes and amuse. A mountain view patio adjacent to the kitchen makes al fresco dining a breeze in summer.
Range hood: GE Monogram string
Megan Buchanan
The former owners had a family connection and had the ability to import and utilize tumbled marble throughout the house. This guest bath includes a spa-like glass enclosed shower and black granite countertops.
Megan Buchanan
In keeping with the open and airy setting of the house, the master suite features a vaulted ceiling and large picture window. Buchanan chose a punchy pattern for her bedding which really pops against the otherwise neutral colour scheme.
The lace wall hanging above the bed was bought in Southern India throughout a month-long trip through the country.
Megan Buchanan
The luxurious master bath features under-mounted closets with double sinks and a soaker tub seen in the mirror reflection. The hardware used is simple and modern, and the granite counter tops and classic mirrors include heat. Ample built-in cabinetry provides lots of storage for toiletries.
Megan Buchanan
Buchanan enjoys a glass of wine at the end of Oliver’s Landing shared pier with Anvil Island and Howe Sound in the distance.
Megan Buchanan
The secluded shore of Furry Creek and Howe Sound. It’s hard to believe the city Vancouver is only 30 minutes away!
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