Inside A ‘70s-Bungalow Turned Airy Beach House On Vancouver Island

By: Sara Romano

Photography by Phil Crozier

House Tours

Aug 21, 2025

Inside A ‘70s-Bungalow Turned Airy Beach House On Vancouver Island

By: Sara Romano

Light, bright, and oh-so-airy, this dreamy oceanfront retreat is one with its natural surroundings.

With its contemporary furnishings and breezy design, you’d never guess that this two-storey beach house was once a dated island bungalow. The abode—nestled on the shores of Vancouver Island’s Rathtrevor Beach—was transformed into a modern haven with an organic style.

“While the clients wanted to take advantage of the spectacular ocean view, we knew it was the light that was magical,” says Louise Middleton, the founder and creative director of Louise Middleton Design. “We decided on a soft palette of organic textures that would lend itself to the modern design, reflecting the light while keeping the space warm and inviting.”

The designer leveraged a delicate California-style sliding glass wall in the main living area that opens up onto the deck and a pass-through window in the kitchen, effortlessly honing in on that connection. In the end, the clients weren’t the only ones who loved the results.

“During the construction phase, we were visited by eagles, otters, killer whales, deer, and many other island creatures, proving that this home is heaven,” says Middleton.

Photography by Phil Crozier

Luxurious yet grounded, the open-concept kitchen, living room, and dining area are made for entertaining. Light hues from the plank oak flooring, white oak millwork, and soft wall paint brighten up the space. Even the countertops—a durable Dekton—find a hook to the outdoors. It was chosen to mimic the appearance of sand after the tide goes out.

“We deliberately stayed away from pendant lighting so as not to interrupt the view, and sourced a local builder to construct the dining table from a solid slab of elm,” says Middleton.

Alongside the homeowners, Middleton visited a nearby millwork shop in Duncan, B.C., to hand-select the material for the live-edge dining table. “The millworker who completes the piece installs a small plaque on the bottom of the table with their name so that the clients will always remember the craftsmanship that went into it,” she says.

Photography by Phil Crozier

When it’s time to lounge or bring the party into the living room, an oversized Italian modular sofa has the homeowners covered. “With moveable backrests and luxurious comfort, it can work with a gathering of friends as two-sided seating, or as a sofa to snuggle up on in front of the fire,” says Middleton.

Separating the entryway from the open-concept living area is a show-stopping staircase to the upper level. The locally-made solid white oak floating stairs are wrapped in breezy slat walls that encourage flow and light throughout the space.

“We were inspired by the colour and texture of the beautiful pieces of driftwood found along the beach, so we played with materials to imitate that feel,” says Middleton.

Photography by Phil Crozier

The home’s upper level addition was built exclusively for the primary—but it isn’t simply a bedroom. A lounge, home office, walk-in closet, and coffee bar accompany the spacious sleeping area and ensuite.

Huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer ample views of the Strait of Georgia, right from the bed to the deliciously-lit vanity.

Photography by Phil Crozier

From the moment you step onto the front steps, you can see the ocean through the paned glass and slat walls. Despite its luxuriously contemporary furnishings, the seamless integration of indoors to outdoors grounds the home in an authentic way.

The oceanfront backyard features an outdoor kitchen and dining area shrouded under a pergola that’s perfect for hosting. A few steps away, a lounge area and hot tub invite relaxation. Once it’s time to head back inside, the homeowners can easily become sans-sand.

“After a day of shell collecting or sea kayaking, the outdoor shower on the side entrance of the house is handy for a rinse before entering the mudroom and laundry,” says Middleton.