Open-plan, modern living meets timeless design in this award-winning Oak Bay home.
Located in the Estevan Village area, the custom home from GT Mann Construction rose from a previously empty lot.
“The homeowners had a vision for an open floorplan but a traditional home,” says builder Graeme Mann. “They definitely wanted it to have a nice flow.”
Outside, it was important that the home fit in with the established neighbourhood. The traditional Craftsman design features Island-milled cedar shakes, illuminated soffits and gables. A flat roof tucked behind a hip roof accommodates height restrictions without sacrificing design.
Inside, the homeowners, parents of two young children, appreciate the open, main-floor living, with bedrooms upstairs and roomy home office and media centre downstairs, Mann says.
Beyond the livability, the timeless details stand out, he adds.
“I like the finishing details in the home – all the details in the woodwork and the coffered ceiling. We were very pleased with the result.”
The home was a finalist in three categories of the 2015 Construction and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island, hosted by the Victoria Residential Builders Association. It took home silver in Best Single Family Detached Custom Home over 3,000 sq. ft., Best Traditional Kitchen 200 to 300 sq. ft and Best Master Suite over 400 sq. ft.
Embracing today’s great room concept, the main floor features a a warm coastal colour palette and kitchen overlooking the dining area and living room with easy access to the rear garden and mudroom.
Blending timeless design and easy functionality, the kitchen is perfect for both entertaining and a busy young family, with a large, quartz-topped island and full-height, painted solid wood cabinets, including panels disguising the built-in dishwasher and fridge. Finishing details include crown moulding, crown valance, corbel details and furniture kicks.
Upstairs, the vaulted master suite, with ample windows enjoys a walk-in closet and roomy ensuite, with heated Carrera marble floor, floor-to-ceiling marble backsplash, large shower, built-in make-up vanity and private toilet closet.
Among the creative design features is a dual-door detached garage allowing for drive-though parking – accessed from both the main driveway and lane behind, Mann says.
Modern environmental considerations include hot water on-demand, high-efficiency heat pump/furnace, windows and insulation, plus easy-care irrigated landscaping and long-lasting composite decking. An elaborate pump system also accommodates municipal drain concerns.
