Words June Murray Dagnall
Photos Sarah Hartley Photography (except where noted)
Some homes impress with their size. Others captivate with their design. This remarkable custom-built modern farmhouse does both, while offering something far more meaningful, with a lifestyle rooted in peace, comfort and timeless beauty.
The remarkable transformation is the result of a successful partnership between Falcon Heights Contracting and the existing homeowners. Working closely together throughout the renovation, they combined expert craftsmanship with a clear shared vision to create a home that is as beautiful as it is welcoming. Together, they have created a private countryside retreat where timeless architecture, refined interiors and breathtaking natural surroundings come together to offer a lifestyle defined by comfort, serenity and enduring beauty.
The site set the tone for this custom home. From the first sketches, the Falcon Heights Contracting team kept returning to the valley views and how the family would live with them, morning to evening. Generous windows, covered patios and an easy transition out to the garden all work to root the house in its landscape.
Tucked away down a private road, the journey begins long before you step through the front door. As you wind your way through the peaceful grounds, the outside world gradually fades, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility. It is the kind of arrival that immediately slows your pace and invites you to simply breathe.
This two-level home blends classic farmhouse character with modern-day functionality. Surrounded by open fields and framed by meticulously designed gardens where the owners love to work daily, the property is a private sanctuary where every season brings new colours, textures and moments to enjoy.
The home’s low-maintenance exterior is enhanced by striking timber frame accents, creating a welcoming presence that complements the natural surroundings. Built to the highest standards of craftsmanship using quality materials, the home has been thoughtfully designed to blend timeless beauty with everyday comfort, with every detail carefully considered.
Every room reflects exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Custom millwork, carefully selected finishes and a soft, sophisticated colour palette create interiors that are both elegant and inviting. Throughout its 3,700 square feet, the home strikes a seamless balance between refined style and comfortable functionality, ensuring each space feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly livable.
The well-thought-out layout ensures that beauty and purpose go hand in hand. Whether it’s unwinding in the welcoming living spaces, watching the grandchildren enjoy the upstairs toy room or hosting family and friends, each area has been designed to feel both comfortable and connected.
At the heart of the home is the stunning gourmet kitchen, a true gathering place where family and friends naturally come together. Expansive countertops, generous workspaces, quality cabinetry and timeless finishes make it equally suited for preparing meals or hosting memorable celebrations. The open-concept layout allows conversation to flow effortlessly from the kitchen to the dining and living areas, extending seamlessly to the outdoor dining space, creating an inviting atmosphere that is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living.
Ten-foot ceilings and large windows throughout the entire home frame the surrounding countryside like living artwork, filling the interior with natural light while showcasing the spectacular landscape beyond.
Adding another layer of charm is a beautifully appointed, self-contained guest suite. More than simply a place for visitors to stay, it has become a welcoming retreat where the homeowners have opened their doors to guests from all around the world.
Through the years, the suite has welcomed people from many different countries, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable conversations. Stories, cultures and experiences have been shared over morning coffee and evening sunsets, making the property not only a beautiful place to live but also a place where meaningful connections have flourished. It reflects the warm hospitality that defines this home where guests arrive as strangers and very often leave as friends.
The professionally landscaped gardens, the result of the homeowners’ dedication and hard work, are nothing short of spectacular. A carefully curated blend of mature trees, flowering shrubs, colourful perennials, ornamental grasses, and seasonal blooms creates a dynamic and immersive landscape filled with beauty throughout the seasons.
Winding pathways lead to thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces, each offering its own unique experience. Multiple patios and seating areas invite everything from morning coffees to leisurely afternoon reading or evening dinners under the open sky.
Perhaps the greatest luxury is the view itself. Looking out across the valley, your eyes naturally travel over rolling countryside before reaching the distant slopes of the Malahat. It is a panorama that changes with every season and every hour of the day, offering an ever-changing backdrop that never loses its ability to inspire.
When asked to name their favourite place in the home, the homeowners don’t hesitate. For the lady of the house, it’s the garden which is a peaceful sanctuary where she happily spends hours each day tending to the flowers, enjoying the changing seasons, and soaking in the beauty that surrounds her. For the gentleman of the house, it is the living room, where expansive windows frame the breathtaking views and create a sense of calm and tranquility that can be enjoyed year-round. Their favourite spaces reflect what makes their home so special. More than a beautifully designed residence, it is a place thoughtfully crafted for everyday living, meaningful moments and lasting memories. Designed with family at its heart, the home provides a welcoming gathering place where children and grandchildren can come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and create cherished memories for years to come.
