When Brad Carter and Linda Cuthbert bought their 2.5 acres in the Cowan Point place on Bowen Island, B.C.,”We can see where the house could be perfectly located between two outcroppings of rock,” Linda says. As a master builder, Brad first came to the island to help reestablish a summer cottage at Hood Point into an all-year residence, and Linda had visited the island a few years earlier with her sister and family members. The island introduced an superb chance to build a European-style farmhouse surrounded by nature.
Who lives here: Brad Carter and Linda Cuthbert
Location: Bowen Island, B.C., Canada
Size: 3,800 sq. ft. main house with 1,000 sq. ft. two-car garage and additional guest suite
Megan Buchanan
This foyer functions as the major hub of the home as most of rooms branch off from here. Stairs lead into the kitchen and dining areas as well as the living and family rooms. The stone tiles define the space with an inlay river rock border. The long window that runs above the diameter of the doors lets in additional mild and adds height to this principal point of entrance.
Megan Buchanan
Megan Buchanan
There’s plenty of space for Brad and Linda to relax and amuse in this spacious family room. They picked a vibrant yet earthy paint colour for the walls and an Ikea entertainment unit. A neutral, oversize area rug brings the room together.
“When working with an architect to design and build the home, we wanted to guarantee easy access to the exterior from all rooms,” Linda says. French doors lead onto a back patio running the complete length of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows remain uncovered to showcase the magnificent scenery only a glance away.
Paint: Spring Dust by Benjamin Moore
Megan Buchanan
The living room features a large double-sided rock fireplace that moves into a sitting room off the foyer. No farmhouse is full without a roaring fire during snowy winter season, and Brad and Linda enjoy being able to sit fireside in both spaces.
Megan Buchanan
This is a closer look at the slate rock work detailing on the other side of the fireplace. A corner has been designed underneath for simple access to firewood. The hearth is in ideal seat height and lets you cozy up next to the flame.
Megan Buchanan
Megan Buchanan
From the kitchen, the windows above the sink seem out to front yard and make washing dishes a fantastic spot to soak up peaceful nature views. Lower cabinetry includes plenty of storage as well as a flush-mount installed dishwasher.
Brad and Linda decided to keep the edge of the gray granite counter tops raw to remind them of the rocky rock around Bowen Island.
Megan Buchanan
On the other side of the kitchen, Brad and Linda decided white cabinetry and granite to allow the ceramic cooktop to combine in and float above three large storage drawers. A pass-through into the dining room creates an open flow between the two spaces.
Megan Buchanan
Stacked double ovens are a bonus if cooking for any family gathering. A tall crown molding covers off the top cabinets, and hot hardwood details match the mild color palette.
Megan Buchanan
In keeping with the concept of bringing the outdoors in, Brad and Linda accessed complete ceiling height in the master suite to allow views into the nighttime skies and cascading sunshine.
“On one of our first mornings in our new residence, a mature stag strolled quietly through the side garden up into the rock outcropping and stopped. It gazed around to look straight at us through the bedroom window! The connection has been made, apologies and gratitude exchanged,” Linda shares.
A second double-sided fireplace is set to good use at both the foot of the soaker tub as well as in the bedroom. A huge picture window near the tub lends a sense that you’re bathing outdoors.
Paint: Hampton Green by Benjamin Moore
Megan Buchanan
The large glass enclosed shower has been no exception when contemplating views to the outdoors. The warm wood that surrounds the tub, neutral tiles and river rock accent all contribute to a soothing nature-inspired master suite.
Megan Buchanan
A very long vanity that runs the complete length of the other wall offers useful storage as well as plenty of counter space. The foundation of the vanity is the same warm wood used in the tub surround and can be topped with a creamy marble. Attention to detail when choosing the faucets and hardware guarantee the farmhouse feel is carried throughout the home.
Megan Buchanan
The home, which isn’t visible from the street, is put down to the lot creating the feeling of a private retreat. The wood and rock exterior finishings seem at home in their environment and were well chosen for its farmhouse feel.
Megan Buchanan
A guest room with an ensuite bathroom sits above the detached two-car garage. Linda would like to source a local welder to create a Juliet balcony for the tall vertical window. During the summertime this side patio is the best spot to sponsor al fresco dining. The decking runs all of the way across the back of the home toward a little trail that leads through the trees and down into the lake. Linda states:”A brief stroll into the lakeside is a tremendous stress-buster and invites us constantly to sit and enjoy an abundance of eye catching movement of water, deer, eagles, and little winged animals.”
Megan Buchanan
Bowen Island sits in the mouth of Howe Sound located between the southern (Vancouver) and the Sunshine Coast. The island has long been a go-to destination for Vancouverites seeking a getaway in their rugged natural surroundings.
The approximately 3,500 year-round inhabitants enjoy a island life community rich in the arts. Outdoor recreation activities abound with ample space to research Bowen Island on foot, boat or bike. With regular ferry service to the mainland many residents as well as students make the daily 20-minute commute to the city. The ideal location makes Bowen Island a place where one can love the best of both worlds.
More:
Contemporary Nest in Fun Vancouver Neighborhood
British Columbia Townhome with a Postcard View
Next: Read hundreds of inspiring homes