New Point House property juts into the Salish Sea

We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work.

Back in 1874, when homesteaders were prospecting for farmland in the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf Islands were high on their list. With a microclimate similar to the Mediterranean — That is, mild temperatures and more sunshine than the mainland — conditions were prime for planting.

The 105-acre property on North Pender Island’s Davidson Bay, known locally as Clam Bay Farm, has long been particularly attractive: set on a cliff overlooking Navy Channel and across to Mayne Island with just under a kilometre of shoreline, the land has remained a wholly self-sufficient, sustainable organic farm over the decades as it has passed through many hands.

“At one point it was considered for a ferry terminal but they would have had to dredge out the whole bay, so that didn’t happen,” says listing agent Nicole Eastman of Sotheby’s International Realty. “One owner thought about turning it into a golf course. Another was known for having pretty good parties with live music in the barn, which still has a dance floor.”

A retired math teacher called it AfterMath; an Air Canada pilot commuted to YVR aboard his private plane; a business owner from Alberta established a 5.5-acre winery (leased to the island’s Sea Star Winery) and hosted weddings; and, in 2011, an American investor envisioned a sanctuary from an increasingly chaotic world. “He didn’t want to have tourism or agribusiness use of the property; he just wanted to have the farm for the sake of having his own farm.”

The property has expanded from the original barn and other outbuildings, as well as an early farmhouse built in the 1960s, to include a sawmill, a water treatment plant, farm worker and guest accommodation, caretaker’s cabin, a beach house, and gazebo.

In addition to the vineyard, the farm grows fruit trees and haskap berry bushes, with open pastureland for more crops or animal grazing. A pond with fountain attracts otters, Canada geese and Mallard ducks.

A 260-foot pier with a 50-foot dock that juts into Davidson Bay can support a vehicle travelling its length.

To create his own private hideaway, the current owner commissioned renowned West Coast Modern architects Bo Helliwell and Kim Smith of Blue Sky Architecture to design and build a uniquely stunning home, called The Point House, that gently blends in with the old-growth forest on one side and overlooks the ocean on the other.

The curved, Douglas fir rooflines, which mimic the shape of the shoreline and the mountains on Mayne Island, guide rainwater to capture points beneath. Red cedar shakes, stone and glass complete the exterior, and a landscaped entry court, expansive decks and patios that open to the sunny south elevation with outdoor barbecue and wine fridge are perfect for entertaining or communing with surrounding forests of fir, arbutus and maple trees.

Unfortunately, family in Europe has kept the owner away too often, so his dream home has never been lived in.

“The builder managed to create a perfectly curved wall, which is crazy,” says Eastman of Blue Sky’s signature curved lines and organic form designs, with wood craftsmanship throughout by Gulf Island Artisan Homes. “The Gulf Islands attract a lot of artists, artisans and craftsmen so you get superior work from such a small community” of less than 3,000 permanent residents.

Custom pivot front doors lead into more than 6,600 square feet of open-concept space with vaulted ceilings and continuous clerestory windows with fir detailing that capture forest and ocean views. A split-granite, wood-burning fireplace anchors the living room and dining room, with additional lounges, a family room, utility room and storage completing the lower space. Upstairs is a den/office with more sea views.

Floors are wide plank European white oak and Italian Pietra Piasentina stone tiles (bathrooms also feature Pietra Piasentina stone detailing). All doors are custom made, also from wide planks of European white oak.

“The (builders) tried to use as much wood from the surrounding forest so that the home blends into and honours the surrounding landscape,” says Eastman.

Walls are finished with lime paint which gives the impression of soft suede, and floating drywall (no baseboards).

The quasi-commercial kitchen features hand-painted custom cabinets and a hidden stainless-steel prep surface, as well as stone countertops; Vulcan professional propane nine-burner induction stove; concealed dishwasher, fridge and full-length standup freezer; as well as a pizza oven.

The home comprises five bedrooms, three of which, including the primary (which also has a walk-in closet) have soaker tubs, and seven bathrooms, six of which feature rain showers, with European fixtures and concealed drain sinks.

There’s also a gym, wine cellar/grotto, and three-car garage, with plenty of room elsewhere on the property for a variety of additional vehicles.

“A property like this is a legacy property, so it (would appeal to) someone who values living in harmony with nature, farming and working with the land but who also wants to live in a beautiful home,” says Eastman. “It could also attract a family looking for their own retreat or refuge for themselves and future generations.”

B.C. Ferries serves Otter Bay, Pender Island, from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

In addition to the farmers market at the Community Hall, the island has a specialty grocery store a five-minute drive away called Southridge Country Store, Tru Value Foods 10 minutes away, and the smaller Port Browning Marina Store, 11 minutes by car.

There’s also a half-dozen nearby pubs and eateries, most of which serve island grown ingredients, a bakery and handmade truffles from Pender Chocolates.

Pender Islands Elementary Secondary School, a 12-minute drive away, teaches kindergarten through Grade 9 while students in Grades 10 through 12 attend Gulf Islands Secondary School on Salt Spring Island.

Water sports include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing and boating. There are also many scenic hikes, including the Mount Norman Trail up to the highest point on South Pender for the best views; the Roe Lake Trail Loop around Roe Lake in The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve; the Mount Menzies Trail that traverses a native coastal forest ecosystem and up to beautiful views across the sea to Saturna and the U.S. San Juan Islands; the George Hill Trail, known as the “prettiest place on Pender” for its expansive views of Mayne, Saturna and Galiano Islands; and, especially for kids, the Enchanted Forest trail with its hidden fairy doors tucked into tree roots.

Listed for: $17,800,000

Year built: 2022

Type: Five bedrooms, seven bathrooms

Size: 6,603 square feet

Realtor: Listed by Nicole Eastman, Hague Eastman and Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty