Photos by Jacob & Jamie Photography with Platinum Creative Studios
A Mill Bay oceanfront home designed for family, connection and West Coast living
Set on a private oceanfront property in Mill Bay, at the southern edge of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, an exquisite, newly constructed home rises as an expression of its owners’ vision and the builder’s keen eye.
With a striking approach, a stunning interior and a layout that encourages connection, it’s a home to which adult children can comfortably return.
“Building a home the kids will come back to was a big part of the homeowners’ vision,” says Matt Tyrer, general manager of Made to Last Custom Homes and project manager for the build.
To this end, the main floor holds essential living spaces, but below, a secondary level opens for visiting family or friends. With two bedrooms, a bar, a gym and a dedicated movie room downstairs, it’s a house that can be scaled down or up, depending on who is there.
From plans to presence
The project began with client-provided plans, but the finished product evolved collaboratively between the homeowners and Made to Last Custom Homes.
“The client wanted visual interest on the approach,” says Tyrer. “But the plans came with a flat roof, no front bump-outs, no shed roofs over the garage doors, no stonework on the interior or exterior, and no dormers. These were added to create interest and detail, in line with the interior vision.”
The build also aimed to capture natural light and ocean views in prominent areas like the primary bedroom, kitchen, great room, dining and primary office. At the same time, the house had to sit comfortably within its beautiful oceanfront setting and neighbourhood of high-calibre homes. And indeed, the house gleams with white board-and-batten siding, a metal roof and carefully proportioned massing. Details such as dormers and stonework add depth without overwhelming the structure.
The homeowners also got their wish for a “wow factor” entry, and a big part of that was the builder’s recommendation to replace flat ceilings on the main level with vaulted ceilings. This ultimately created a mesmerizing interior that upon entry draws the eye upward and then outward through floor-to-ceiling, dormer-style windows to the expansive ocean vista beyond.
The intersecting vaulted ceilings—particularly where they meet above the great room—became one of the more technically demanding aspects of the build, says Tyrer, but that complexity is part of what gives the home its character—“even if most people will never think about how it was achieved!”
Outdoor living, extended
Designed for the rhythms of West Coast living, the home makes full use of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces, allowing the owners to follow the sun, take in the view and gather comfortably through Vancouver Island’s changing seasons.
As with many Vancouver Island homes, the detailing had to balance beauty with durability, particularly in an oceanfront setting where materials, drainage and long-term maintenance all matter.
One of the most significant changes during the build was the reworking of the upper deck, which was extended and wrapped around one side of the house to connect directly with the primary bedroom. Finished in porcelain tile with concealed drainage, it represents a level of planning and execution that is largely unseen, Tyrer
points out.
An outdoor kitchen, cushy seating and a fire table grace the upper deck. Below, a covered patio extends the living space of the lower level with a gas heater and additional seating. There’s also a backyard patio closer to the shoreline, and a three-zone integrated sound system for the kitchen, dining, great room and outdoor areas, which adds to the fluidity of indoor-outdoor living.
Inside the details
Throughout the house, materials and finishes were selected to support both durability and cohesion. The clients brought a level of design experience to the process, with one of them working as an interior designer. The collaboration allowed for a more refined approach to finishes, from cabinetry to stonework.
Natural light plays a defining role, with large windows reinforcing the home’s connection to its setting. The kitchen carries that same balance of form and function, with clean-lined cabinetry, integrated appliances and generous workspace.
Custom millwork and cabinetry throughout the home add warmth and practicality, giving storage and everyday functionality the same level of consideration as the larger architectural gestures.
Sight lines move easily from the kitchen through the dining area and into the great room, where a stunning limestone fireplace provides a focal point without overwhelming the space. Black accents—seen in window frames, fixtures and hardware—add contrast and structure against a creamy off-white colour palette. A bold graphic note emerges with black-and-white checkered flooring in the mudroom and laundry area.
Downstairs, the design shifts into a more relaxed, entertainment-focused mode with clean cabinetry and warm wood tones that echo the main level. The media room, with a lower ceiling height, has a cosy, intimate feel. The gym is pared back and functional, finished with a rubber floor and minimal detailing, while the guest bedrooms maintain the neutral palette and ample natural light.
A process-driven approach
Established by owners Steve and Nicole Fitzpatrick about 15 years ago, Made to Last Custom Homes operates across a wide stretch of mid-Vancouver Island. Tyrer says the company, which has won numerous awards, is known for its expert craftsmanship, attention to detail and client-focused approach.
Central to the company’s process is a financial transparency that Tyrer says sets it apart. Clients receive regular invoicing along with detailed budget tracking updates, allowing them to see how each phase is progressing.
“Every two to three weeks, clients have a clear picture of what is tracking above budget, what is coming in below, and where the projected final cost stands.”
It’s a highly involved, collaborative approach, Tyrer points out, but one that builds trust over the course of a project that can span more than a year.
A lasting result
For all the technical detail and coordination involved, the success of a home like the Mill Bay build ultimately comes down to how it is experienced by those who live in it. Here, that experience is shaped by the beautifully designed and comfortable space, connection to the outdoors and the flexibility to hold different versions of family life over time. It has taken form in a home designed not just to impress, but to endure—and to welcome people back, again and again.