Words by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Jody Beck.
If the walls of this 1892 heritage house could talk, they would recount a fascinating history that started on Superior Street in James Bay, moved to Michigan Street in 1910, and then the most significant move of all in 2016 by a Nickel Brothers trailer and barge to a new plot on Dallas Road. Little did the original owner, Charles Beaven, know that the house he built for his daughter before the turn-of-the-century would live to tell such a rich and varied narrative that includes a boarding house, rental housing, decades as a government office, and eventually a sought-after heritage home transported by barge to enjoy ocean views across Ogden Point.
The relocation of the home was a part of a rezoning project in James Bay that called for preservation of five historic homes with three remaining, and two relocated to Dallas Road. The century-old buildings were on land that Jawl Properties and Concert Properties partnered on to create Capital Park, a mixed-use development. The homes were transported by truck to the waterfront on Store Street, loaded onto a barge, and pulled to Ogden Point. Standing proud on Dallas Road, the pair now boast heritage status, a higher level of designation than they previously held in James Bay.
For Ryan Goodman and Matthew Jardine at Aryze Developments Inc., these heritage homes are significant members of Victoria’s architectural history that needed to be preserved. Their goal was to custom design the interior to reflect the historic exterior while updating it to modern standards. Collaborating with Architect John Keay and Interior Designer Kyla Bidgood, they completely transformed the homes while honouring their heritage. Made from centuries-old timber, the home’s solid bones remain while the interior was gutted and entirely rebuilt. It was important to Aryze to salvage what they could, maintaining the stories embedded in the grain of original fir floors and preserving the façade to retain much of its turn-of-the-century charm.
At a well-proportioned 3475 square feet, the original compartmentalized room allocation was opened up to make a more functional home to include five bedrooms, four bathrooms, high-efficiency hydronic heating system, seismic upgrades, and heated bathroom floors to take this home into the next century. Thirteen-foot coffered ceilings on the main floor keep the open-concept space airy while vintage-inspired millwork by Vintage Woodworks and the original fir-topped banisters maintain the cozy heritage feel.
Single-slab quartz countertops and backsplash, matte-bronze pendants, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry by Coast Cabinets with deep blue lowers define this modern kitchen. The crescent awning over the oversized farmhouse sink reminds us of days gone by while the breakfast bar keeps it modern family functional.
Upstairs, the original fir floors continue the home’s historical reference while five bedrooms grace two floors, including two on the third-floor loft with stunning views across Ogden Point.
The master bedroom acts as a respite with expansive water views and a sophisticated ensuite with soaker tub and walk-in shower. A complete bathroom and laundry on this floor elevate the home’s functionality while accessories like Edison bulbs and vintage mirrors preserve the heritage feel.
The heritage plaque on the front of the house reminds guests of the stories the home can tell but it takes a talented and committed crew to preserve this history while integrating modern amenities to provide a family with a home.
