view article - Simply the Best Beach House

STORY BY
CHRISTINA SYMONS
IT’S PRETTY HARD TO ARGUE that there is a better place to feel worlds away
than the waterfront getaway on Sechelt Inlet called Simply the Best Beach House.
Don’t be fooled by the humble Sandy Hook driveway. Once you step onto this
property’s pathway with its short descent to the main house, past lovely pocket gardens
and the glistening sea as backdrop, you will start to be convinced.
And upon entry to this elegant holiday rental with views to the beach and seas from
every main window, the verdict is clear: this place is awesome, indeed.
Lovingly re-crafted from an original pre-fab octagonal cottage built in the ‘60s, the
modern house and cottage, owned by Barbara and Fred Baines, is like a travelling
history museum of the couple’s globe-trotting trajectory. They decided to renovate ➤
PHOTO: CHRISTINA SYMONS
I
LUXURY ON THE INLET
PHOTO: AL BURNS & SALLY QUINN
PHOTO: CHRISTINA SYMONS
Coast Getaways
SIMPLY THE BEST
BEACH HOUSE IN
SANDY HOOK OFFERS
PEACEFUL ELEGANCE
AND AMAZING VIEWS
Above: A fully outfitted gourmet kitchen.
Right: The sumptuous master bedroom and
elegant open living space.
➤
PHOTOS: CHRISTINA SYMONS
Top: Guests enjoy the
spectacular sitting area.
Above: Welcome treats and
wine are luxurious and local.
Right: Accents include
exotic glassware and
First Nations' artwork.
Page 20 – Coast Life – Fall 2015
PHOTO: CHRISTINA SYMONS
Installing peace of mind since 1980
Commercial
PHOTO: JACK POPE
the “ugly duckling” and build the home of their dreams after
returning from overseas in 2008.
Today, Barbara, with a background in hotel and hospitality,
and Fred, a project manager in the oil and gas industry, live in
Yaletown in Vancouver, making the house their own getaway
for a few weeks each summer.
“We love the house and put a lot of effort and pride into it,”
says Fred. “It gives us joy to share that with people, plus the
beauty of the property which is pretty magical.”
The couple credit local designer Dana Brash for bringing all
their ideas for the house to life, including the natural colour
scheme and wonderful octagonal master bedroom. Local
trades were used to build the house, with Shaun Baines of
Southwood Construction as lead.
“We were lucky that the original cottage was set so close
to the water,” notes Fred, who worked closely with building
authorities and neighbours on setbacks and design. “We
wanted to design something more or less on one level and
with all of the doorways extra wide for an accessible home.”
The luxury getaway thrives through word of mouth and
repeat business from their clients from all over the world.
“Our European guests love the nature and hiking and water
sports,” says Barbara. “The inlet feels like a great big lake with
seals and killer whales, eagles, oysters and all the attributes of
the ocean but in a calmer environment.”
The 2,500-square-foot, two-bedroom rental sits atop a halfacre, west-facing waterfront property with panoramic views of
the sea.
The inlet paradise attracts eagles, kingfishers, blue herons,
harbour seals and many other species in the backdrop of their
natural habitat.
There are three separate decks facing the waterfront along
with the front of the home, including one from the master and
guest bedrooms, offering views from every direction. At the
waterfront, another deck, plus deep water float with moorage
and diving board draws guests to the shoreline where there is
an inviting outdoor patio with cozy fireplace.
Interiors feature warm cedar wood and high vaulted ceilings
with robust Douglas fir beams. Throughout the home a
stunning collection of artworks, hand-woven rugs, copper pots
and unique items from local and other Canadian artists, the
Middle East and Turkey reflect the passions and international
travels of the Baines. Everything is displayed and incorporated
into the décor as though in a private home. “People treat things incredibly well,” says Fred. “Nothing’s
been broken or gone missing and everyone is really respectful.”
The living room is inviting, flanked by a granite stone
fireplace with an adjacent stunning sitting area that juts out
towards the oceanfront with spellbinding views. The kitchen,
Barbara’s pride and joy, is gourmet style with shaker fir
cabinetry and stone countertops complete with an outdoor
cooking station/barbecue off the main kitchen deck.
“When I read the guestbook, I get a sense of what our
visitors like best,” Barbara notes, “People seem to like hanging
out in the glassed-walled nook, a lot.”
A glorious wing houses the private master bedroom,
Residential
“A guarantee is only as good as
the company behind it”
Above: A beautiful deck off the master suite.
Below: The Beach House at night from the water.
bathroom and sitting area with romantic deck. There is a
soaker tub for two overlooking the ocean, with guest robes
and plush towels. The bed is king size and opulent. Adding
convenience, a walk-in closet features a handy washer and
dryer. On the lower level with equally beguiling views, the
large second bedroom is styled like a second living room with
quality queen sofa bed, a private washroom and private deck.
Everything is meticulous in quality and finishing.
A house manager, JoAnne Burt and staff, keeps it glistening,
maintaining the five-star standards of the Beach House.
“Without them, we would never enjoy the success that we
continue to have,” says Barbara.
There is a media room for movie viewings, and the whole
house is wired for sound with controls in each of the six main
living zones.
Dining options abound in nearby Sechelt, with Blue Heron
as a favourite on Sechelt Inlet. Guests may also opt to prebook a personal in-house chef — Nova Melanson of Ty’s Fine
Food & Bistro — for a romantic dinner. In-house spa services
and massage may also be arranged, provided by Michelle
Humen of Sechelt’s Lily Peace Massage.
The whole experience is one of heartfelt, down-to-earth
luxury by the sea, leading one guest to remark in the
guestbook that the name couldn’t be more fitting:
“Beyond the best, it’s a home fit for royalty in a landscape
made of dreams.”
simplythebestbeachhouse.com CL
Industrial
Full insurance including HOT WORK
Qualified professionals
Workmanship guaranteed
seRvIng THe enTIRe sunsHIne COAsT
sechelt Office:
Powell River Office:
604.885.2278
604.485.0100
nelsonroofing.com
Fall 2015 – Coast Life – Page 21