Ranked Among Canada's Finest Art Deco Buildings... Judged Canada's second finest Art Deco residence next to prime minister Pierre Trudeau's former Montreal home, but benefiting from splendid south-facing panoramic ocean & Olympic Mountain vistas. Lovingly restored providing the elegance of the era combining the modern luxuries of today. Not least of those is an ergonomic designer kitchen for the most discerning gastronome. Gleaming fir floors, new thermo-pane windows, new roof, new gas-fired hot water heating et al. All set in Butchart quality gardens, 2 ponds & Norman gate.
The Residence Imagine yourself in the stateroom of a Cunard White Star ocean liner and you will envision the ambiance of this splendid art deco home. Streamlined, curving, horizontal and vertical lines, simple geometric forms, repeating patterns all evoking movie-star glamour: this is a retro residence which is now trendy in upscale neighborhoods from Santa Barbara to Palm Beach, and is located on highly coveted King George Terrace in Oak Bay, Victoria.
Once considered the height of modernity, with designs based in the Bauhaus School, homes of this exuberant design stand out as highly sought after architectural masterpieces for the well-informed purchaser desirous of style, elegance, and exclusivity. Few true Art Deco homes are available in such excellent condition, and in such a prestigious location.
As you enter the property, you are struck by the beauty of a wonderful Zen garden, complete with massive rocks, plants which thrive in a temperate climate such as giant yuccas, fig trees laden with fruit, lily ponds which attract the stately blue heron, and even waterfalls. This is a garden redolent with serenity and beauty, leading to a curved, scalloped-edged cement staircase up to a lovely sun drenched porch with forever views across the water to Trial Island and Port Angeles in the distance.
The art deco door immediately sets the tone: instead of a peephole, there is a porthole! And as we enter this fine, idiosyncratic home, we are immediately struck by the symmetry of the foyer - fluted, truncated pillars on either side buttress magnificent curved oriental Zhanghzou-style arches.
And above this foyer is a remarkable, illuminated skylight which can be opened for natural air conditioning. A practical, ornamental oculus window decorates the east face of the skylight.
To the left of the foyer are vast areas of lovely hardwood floors, and banks of windows fitted into a softly curving wall provide amazing ocean views: sailboats in a regatta, sea birds and the Olympic mountains on the far shore. Gentle curves characterize the entire house, providing a feeling of warmth and continuous flow. The fireplace is flanked by fluted pillars, and under the caps are secreted the controls for the gas fireplace, in the same way that the Intermatic digital timer is cunningly hidden beneath the entrance demi-pillars. The recessed decoration on the ceiling is echoed around the skylight.
To the right of the foyer we find a galley kitchen, the "bridge" of this unique home, with banks of curved windows in a smaller version of those found in the living room, yet still allowing sunlight to flood into the working area containing upscale Bosch and JenAir appliances as well as a superb, temperature controlled wine cooler. Modernization is evident in the fixtures, contemporary wood cabinetry and oak hardwood floors.
On the far side of the foyer and through a leaded glass door, we find the master bedroom with cedar-lined closet, and a generous bay window: an easy care back garden with massive rocky outcroppings, lovely terraced ponds and indigenous plants can be viewed and enjoyed in the afternoon sun.
A second, smaller bedroom and full bathroom complete the main floor.
The lower floor consists of a suite with superb water views, fireplace, modern bathroom and laundry room. The Art Deco motif is ever present in the curved walls and windows in the living room. A door conveniently exits to the back garden terrace.
Every Cunard liner was fitted with an exceptional engine room, and this residence is no different. Supplied with an upscale Burnham gas boiler Model B, Canadian performance verified hot water system, Super Saver water heater, Eureka built in vacuum system, an easily accessible switch box, a cutting edge DSC security system, this engine room rivals that of any upscale home.
The Location Situated on an enormous, rock promontory above the sea with views across the shimmering water, and located on a scenic drive in the prestigious Gonzales residential neighbourhood of South Oak Bay, this magnificent art deco home is beautifully positioned to take advantage of an ever-changing panorama from killer whales to magnificent yachts plying the waters around Trial island.
But this location consists of far more than initially appears: just across the road is a splendid public outlook with sweeping views across the sea, as well as trails leading into historic Trafalgar Park. And just below the park is a quiet, secluded beach where only the sound of bird song and sea surf can be heard. A short stroll will take you to hidden coves and secret inlets.
Nearby is beautiful Beacon Hill Park, the village of Oak Bay, and the world-famous Abkhazi Gardens where you can enjoy afternoon tea or a delicious lunch overlooking serene mature gardens. And for golf enthusiasts, the jewel of all Canadian golf courses the Victoria Golf Club is just down the road.
This home is ready to welcome the new owners who have an eye for style, elegant architectural lines, an unsurpassed setting and a desire for more than the average fine home. The neighbourhood is delineated not simply by homes of superior quality and variety, but exceptional homes with panache and personality, qualities without question reflected in the character of the new owner.
Exterior/Lot FeaturesView: Mountain, View: Ocean, Regular Building Scheme, Guest Accommodations, Patio, Underground Sprinkler. Parking Garage Single, Driveway, Covered Parking Attached.
Offered at $1,145,000 CDN ($1,073,475 US, $759,485 EURO approximately at time of listing). Note: the currency conversion reflects currency exchange rates as of Sept. 8, 2008
All details and figures have been obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but are not warranted or guaranteed to be correct by Pemberton Holmes or its agents.
