Designing our Dream Home in Sooke

In 2019, we purchased a vacant lot in Sooke, BC, with a dream of creating our own coastal retreat. As a fashion designer and landscaper, we combined our creativity and skills to build a home that reflects both artistry and nature.

Just 200 metres from Whiffin Spit, Seagull Studio Vacation Suite offers guests easy access to serene beaches, scenic walks, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Our private one-bedroom suite faces east, welcoming the morning sun and creating a warm, light-filled atmosphere designed for relaxation and comfort.

Outside, John’s landscaping brings the garden to life with tranquil sitting areas, lush greenery, and a peaceful retreat where guests can recharge. From thoughtful touches inside the suite to the beauty of the garden, every detail was chosen to make your stay both luxurious and inviting.

Community is close to our hearts. John is an active Sooke Rotarian, and together we contribute to this worthy cause along with an annual donation to the Sooke Transition House, which supports women and children fleeing abusive homes.

Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a quiet escape, or to explore Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, Seagull Studio is your slice of paradise by the sea. 

When we began designing our *Dream Home* in Sooke, our wish list for the perfect forever home was ambitious and thoughtful. We envisioned a main floor designed for easy living as we age, with an open layout and accessible features. The second level would house bedrooms for family and guests, along with our workspaces, giving us the balance of private retreat areas and functional office space. At the far end of the property, we planned a separate, private suite that is perfect for hosting guests or offering a serene retreat for short stays.

Building on a slab with in-floor heating meant we had to carefully consider storage options. With the garage being used for storage and John’s workshop brimming with tools and landscaping equipment, it became obvious that we needed additional space. This led to the creation of a garden shed, which not only keeps things organized, but also complements the natural aesthetic of our home.

John and I lived in the guest suite for five months during construction, which turned out to be a blessing. Being on-site allowed us to stay deeply involved in the process, ensuring that every detail was executed to our vision. We kept the construction site clean and tidy and even introduced recycling practices to the crew, helping to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of the build.

The result is a home that reflects our personal styles and values and a place where we can grow, create, and welcome others into our little slice of paradise.

After designing our dream home and living in the guest suite during COVID while the final touches were being completed, it quickly became clear that we needed a garden shed. With John being a retired professional landscaper, his collection of tools was vast, and with our new, larger property, there was much more to maintain. Proper storage wasn’t just a convenience, it was a necessity.

We spent time researching different garden sheds, but none quite fit our vision. We knew we wanted something functional that also blended harmoniously with the design of our home. So, we decided to design one ourselves, ensuring it matched the aesthetic of our property while providing ample space for John's tools and equipment.

Though the project took longer than we originally anticipated, the end result was worth the wait. We absolutely love our custom-built garden shed as it’s not only practical but also a beautiful addition to the property, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.

We live in this wonderful community called Whiffin Spit, and are only 200 metres from the stunning coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The SPIT as we like to call it is a tranquil escape right at your doorstep. The flat, well-maintained walking path stretches 2.7 kilometres, taking you out to the tip of the spit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding water, passing boats, and, if you're lucky, glimpses of seals, otters, or even whales. It’s the perfect way to unwind, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Vancouver Island’s shoreline.

For those craving a bit more adventure, the nearby Sooke Hills offer an array of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging climbs with rewarding vistas. Or, if you prefer being on the water, kayaking through Sooke Harbour provides a serene way to explore the coastline, with the chance to paddle through calm waters, explore hidden coves, and observe the local wildlife up close.

Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, Sooke has something for everyone. Regardless of your fitness level, stepping outside to enjoy the crisp ocean air and stunning natural surroundings will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected with nature, an experience that truly defines life in paradise.