5 British Columbia Waterfront and Acreage Retreats Under $1.7M

Along the water’s edge in Port Browning Harbour, this south-facing waterfront retreat on 0.87 acres pairs rare privacy with direct shoreline access—an easy launch point for kayaking and exploring nearby islands. Inside, vaulted ceilings and large windows draw in natural light and ocean views, while an open-concept layout keeps daily living effortless. The main floor is designed for one-level living, and the lower level adds additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and generous storage for the practical rhythms of island life. Outdoor decks extend the living space, complemented by a sauna, workshop, and fenced gardens that invite slow mornings and hands-on afternoons. With a heat pump and generator in place, plus proximity to the marina and nearby amenities, the setting captures the relaxed appeal that brings many to Pender Island.

Steps from the lake on Lake Avenue in Kelowna, the storied Dehart house brings 1939 character into the present with thoughtful, substantial renovation under the current owners’ stewardship—and the addition of a carriage house. Long known locally as “The Fairy Tale House,” it’s a residence that leans into romance without losing its sense of lived-in ease. Inside, the experience is described as both enchanting and peaceful, with each room offering its own distinct chapter while still feeling part of a cohesive whole. Beyond the front door, daily life unfolds on foot: a stroll leads to Pandosy Village for boutique dining and shopping, or onward to the downtown arts district. It’s a place for those drawn to homes with narrative, nuance, and quiet magic.

Along the water’s edge near Spider Lake in Qualicum North, this five-acre retreat pairs mature trees and enticing trails with space to gather and unwind. Inside the main residence, a detailed timber-framed living room rises to a 22-foot ceiling, grounded by hardwood floors, custom fir trim, and a two-sided slate fireplace. Southwestern exposure brings in generous natural light, while views stretch to the pond and Mt. Arrowsmith. The spacious kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. A semi-detached 625 sq. ft. bonus room adds flexibility with its own two-piece bath, and a detached garage offers workshop space plus loft storage. For added privacy, a second home with two bedrooms, two baths, and a wrap-around deck invites a slower, more serene pace.

Size: 5.00 acres

Set on a 2.5-acre lot about 14 km west of Sooke, this sun-filled property balances open space with the privacy of surrounding forest, just a 10-minute walk to the beach and Muir Creek. Once part of a 160-acre farm, it now centers on a newly built Rammed Earth house by local artisan builder Tony Johnson of Earth House Holdings, with 24-inch-thick insulated walls, a metal roof, and a design noted for energy efficiency. Inside, polished terrazzo floors, heated ceramic floors, high ceilings, and a lofted living/kitchen area create an airy calm, warmed by a wood-burning stove and Zehnder ventilation. The custom kitchen features built-in appliances and granite countertops, while the ensuite offers a steam shower and cedar Ofuro soaker tub for two. Two Tiny Houses, a massage hut, a barn, storage/workshop space, two wells, and a deer-proof garden round out a quietly purposeful retreat.

Set on 10 acres in Metchosin, this retreat unfolds along a constructed private road that winds through lush forests and rolling hills to a dramatic upper plateau. Here, panoramic ocean views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca take center stage, pairing raw West Coast beauty with a sense of true arrival. The land is thoughtfully prepared for what comes next, with municipal water service and a micro-climate suited to gardens or a private orchard. Two tenanted residences currently provide income: an older rancher and a separate home with a walk-out basement used as a studio/workshop. Beyond the property lines, daily life leans outdoors—steps to the Galloping Goose Trail, walking distance to Matheson Lake, and a short drive to local marinas and golf courses—an easy rhythm of privacy, nature, and open horizon.