Has an ocean-front, cliffside home ever looked quite like this? In fact, “cliff-side” is a misnomer because this Vancouver Island property—fondly known as Shelter Cove—is actually carved into the rock cliff, thanks to some precise building, construction, and masonry achievements. And the resulting design feels natural, purposeful, and deeply rooted in place.
“This property was about connection to the site. The rock, the forest, the sea—all of it informed our decisions,” says Terry Johal, the developer of the property. The clients—international globetrotters who sought out this 9,000-square-foot home to be a place of rest specifically selected Buechel Stone to complement the home, the existing hardscape, and the surrounding landscape. Johal collaborated with David Sogomonian of DS Masonry on the exterior design. Meanwhile, Mari O’Meara, principal designer at Mari Kushino Design, created interiors with a neutral palette so as not to distract from the dynamic architecture.
The builder constructed the home to showcase the spectacular ocean and forest views. Copious glazing tempers glare without inhibiting views of the amazing scenery. “We simply had to frame the windows with elegant window coverings to keep the room timeless and allow the changing seasons to be the focal point,” O’Meara explains. “We certainly put some emphasis on keeping main finishes neutral in color so that they didn’t compete with the beautiful arbutus trees.”
To achieve an enduringly elegant interior, O’Meara employed white oak floors and extensive millwork that integrated well with other natural materials used throughout. For example, on the staircase, travertine risers mix with white oak treads. She suggests they will “stand the test of time both from a practicality standpoint and visually.” Although O’Meara says she felt very inspired by a European palette of natural stones and wood, she also strategically added pops of color. “Pattern and color had their place in small doses. We kept the colors in tones that my client gravitated towards—earthy, rich autumn tones,” she adds. Additional notes of a coastal blue—in the kitchen backsplash, for example—connect to the surrounding waterfront landscape.
