Words June Murray Dagnall
Photos Sarah Hartley Photography
Nestled along the sheltered waters of Brentwood Bay in the historic seaside enclave of Moodyville, a quaint cottage called “Souleiado” captures the quiet charm of a bygone era.
Tucked among cottages and old boathouses on the north shore of the bay, this beloved waterfront retreat encompasses the 1920s era, when families from Victoria would escape the city each summer to enjoy the calm beauty of this Saanich Inlet. Located in the oldest part of Brentwood Bay and just moments from Tod Inlet and The Butchart Gardens, Souleiado embodies the simple elegance and restorative spirit that first drew visitors to Moodyville nearly a century ago.
A slow drive down the peaceful laneway introduces the tranquil spirit of this home owned by Joan and Paul, where the sounds of nature and the scent of the sea invite complete relaxation.
Inspired by the tradition of naming homes where Paul grew up, the couple searched for a few years before finding the perfect fit. Souleiado means “sunshine after rain,” a phrase that felt especially fitting for life on the West Coast, capturing the spirit of the cottage itself being resilient, warm, imperfect and full of light.
For many people, houses are simply four walls, and yet for others they quietly become the backdrop to an entire life, which is the case for Joan and Paul who have now lived here for the past 36 years.
Over the last three decades, the modest cottage grew and changed alongside the family who cherishes it. Expanded thoughtfully, one room and one renovation at a time, it never lost the character and charm that originally captured their hearts. Today, Souleiado is a warm and deeply personal home, rich with history, craftsmanship, colour and treasured memories.
Originally built in the 1920s or early 1930s as a simple summer fishing cottage for Victoria families seeking summer refuge, the home still reflects the easy charm of its early beginnings. The surrounding lots remain modest in scale and closely knit together, preserving the warm sense of community.
Neighbours are part of the fabric of daily life here, and Souleiado reflects this enduring sense of community in the most charming way.
The home next door shares a small window built into the shared fence between the two properties as a thoughtful detail that allows these neighbours to pass things back and forth. It may be fresh garden produce, a friendly conversation or a cold beer on a warm afternoon after tending the garden. Souleiado embraces imperfection with floors that slope unexpectedly, and some of the walls wander slightly off straight lines in the original sections of the home.
The first major project came more than three decades ago when Joan and Paul decided to add a master suite and second bathroom. What began as a relatively modest renovation quickly expanded after they discovered the original bathroom was literally deteriorating beneath them. The result was a transformation from a simple two-bedroom cottage into a more functional three-bedroom family home.
The family’s thoughtful updates preserved the spirit of the original cottage, creating spaces that feel lived in rather than newly constructed. That philosophy comes beautifully to life in the kitchen, considered the soul of the home, which has been renovated twice over the years. The cabinetry, painted in a soft grey green, subtly shifts tone throughout the day as natural light moves through the room. Like much of the house, the kitchen balances beauty with practicality. Nothing feels extravagant, yet every detail appears deeply considered.
One of the most transformative renovations involved reimagining the front yard. Gone are the once-dominant hedges and underused patch of lawn. In its place, through a gate announcing “Jardin,” sits a charming courtyard garden inspired by a classic cottage landscape. It’s intimate, relaxed and designed for living rather than merely looking. It has become an outdoor room used year round, where the couple putters with creativity and often enjoys a cold beverage on a summer’s evening.
The backyard, meanwhile, reflects Paul’s passions – raised beds and a compact greenhouse provide space for year-round vegetables.
Inside the home, the décor tells the story of a family that values meaning over trends. Much of the furniture has been inherited, salvaged or purchased second-hand. Pieces carry stories as much as function. The dining table and living room coffee table were crafted from wood reclaimed from Victoria’s historic Sussex Hotel on Douglas Street. A cedar hope chest once belonging to the homeowner’s grandmother now sits proudly in the living room. A friend built the dining room China cabinet from weathered barnwood, while a handcrafted bar made from reclaimed Cowichan Valley timber adds warmth and texture.
The other rooms unfold naturally, filled with objects accumulated over decades of living and travelling. The couple finds that there is pleasure in enjoying mementoes of special journeys.
When their son was a teenager, the primary suite was given over to him so he would have space to gather with friends away from the main living areas. The latest renovation reclaimed this space for Joan and Paul, as they are now empty nesters and have a new perspective on considering both comfort and aging in their choices.
They felt very fortunate working with Cedar Tides Contracting and contractor Nick Urff and his crew. His input and ideas were imperative as he helped the couple carefully renovate the bathrooms and primary suite while remaining true to the cottage aesthetic that defines the home. Modern efficiency also played a role in another recent redesign. Solar panels and a heat pump have helped move the nearly century-old cottage firmly into the 21st century while reducing its environmental footprint.
Many of the homeowner’s design choices draw inspiration from the Craftsman tradition, beautifully complementing the cottage’s age and architectural character. Rich colours, patterned wallpapers, natural textures and handcrafted materials bring warmth and personality to every room.
The primary bedroom features a dramatic accent wall in layered shades of green, cream and tawny yellow that subtly echoes colours repeated elsewhere in the house, tying the rooms together cohesively.
The bathrooms became opportunities for creativity and play. The ensuite was envisioned as a “little jewel box,” wrapped in rich green tile that makes an unapologetically bold statement. The guest bathroom takes a softer approach, with quieter tile selections balanced by striking wallpaper adorned with oversized golden flowers.
After 36 years, Souleiado is no longer simply the house that Joan and Paul once intended to move from. It is the heart of 36 years of family life, memories and meaningful moments.
