Inside a West Vancouver Farmhouse Built Like a Tuscan Village

“To find a piece of property that’s flat and an acre, anywhere in Vancouver, is just astonishing.” Architect Cedric Burgers was shocked the first time he saw this level site near the Capilano River in West Vancouver (an area known for its steep, hilly topography). It was an extra-special find for a family of four, and a location so unique that the creative team let the natural environment dictate much of the design: “A property like that tells you how you have to live,” Burgers says.

His team at Burgers Architecture— which includes his wife, Mary Burgers, and his mother (and company co-founder) Marieke Burgers—began by challenging the traditional makeup of West Coast homes. The challenge was on multiple levels—literally: while situating bedrooms above living spaces may be the standard, Burgers proved that it’s not always necessary. “If you have this much property, why would you want to go up and down stairs?” he asks. Instead of looking to neighbouring Vancouver houses, the architect took inspiration from sprawling villages in Tuscany that have grown organically over centuries, with collections of homes clustered around a key communal space. “Buildings are arranged in a way that centres on the human scale and human activity,” he says. That Tuscan influence was appropriate for the clients, who have an Italian background and a large family—room to gather was essential.

The result is a 9,000-square-foot home with multiple wings that wrap around a central pool courtyard, with lush gardens extending from nearly every angle. The wild and wonderful landscape architecture is as much a part of the space: a welcoming entry garden, a gym garden with a pickleball court, a north garden that features sculptures and a bocce court (there’s that Italian flair again) and a garden off of the bedrooms that grows fresh fruits, veggies and flowers.

Sophie Burke Design took on the home’s interior, with senior designer Nicole Gomes spearheading the project. Principal Sophie Burke notes that “indoor-outdoor connection and being able to flow between the spaces” was the main focus—concrete flooring and massive sliding doors in the outdoor dining area, for example, mean that the family can easily walk from the pool to the dining table to the central courtyard without removing their shoes. The concrete is balanced with warm, textured materials to keep the home from feeling too slick: the statement-making rustic stone hearth and dark stained oak millwork details ignite a rich, comforting vibe.

The covered outdoor area features comfortable, durable furnishings—even the most optimistic blue-sky dreams are no match for the Pacific Northwest climate. “It’s smart to be realistic about what our weather looks like here,” says Burke. In an open, airy space like this, Burgers stresses, the impact of the surrounding design can’t be underestimated. “Pools are not just about swimming, they’re about the water and the reflections,” he explains. “The pool was situated so that western sun could bounce off the surface of the water; the ceiling of the covered outdoor eating area is lit with that dancing light of the pool.”

The home’s peaked architecture is felt inside and out. Indoors, the sloped ceilings add visual interest; outdoors, the home’s silhouette echoes a classic farmhouse shape. Burgers found himself drawn to that iconic geometry inspired by the barns in various states of disrepair you’ll find nestled in the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley. He describes it as “a thirst for a recognizably domestic house”—a form that feels loved and lived-in, regardless of how old it is.

Last summer, when Burgers, Burke and photographer Ema Peter gathered for this home’s photo shoot, the design team got a taste of the day-to-day functionality they had crafted for the West Van family: they strategized while gathered around friendly communal spaces, effortlessly moved between different wings of the home and even ate strawberries fresh from the bedroom garden. “Wandering around was fantastic,” recalls Burgers: the home is just as extraordinary as the land it was built on.

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Cedric and Mary’s ’s Local Favourites

For dinner

Fred’s Ambleside in West Vancouver is a great spot after a beach walk, for a date night or with friends for always delicious, simple Italian dishes in a super chic room.

For drinks

The Beach House Restaurant in West Vancouver is right on the water and walking distance from our office; we have had so many office celebrations there on their heated patio and we love our neighbourhood gem.

For a local getaway

Every year we sail as a family to Desolation Sound: that stretch of warm water at the northern end of the Salish Sea. There are plenty of inlets, coves and quiet channels to throw down anchor and swim all day long before family Scrabble and dinner in the cockpit.

For a hidden west coast does-it-all-gem

The one-stop haven that truly does it all is Refuge Cove on West Redonda Island, B.C. (it’s a bit of a superhero on the coast). You can refuel at the marina, stock up on groceries for the journey ahead and browse their shop, which is known for carrying Canadian artists and one of the largest selections of Native-brand water shoes on the coast. After docking, make your way to the Dockside Kitchen for lunch. (Through their “Reservations by Donation” program, guests can book a table with a suggested $5 per person going to support one of their charity partners.)

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Designer Sophie Burke’s Local Favourites

For coffee

Oidé near Granville Island in Vancouver makes the best cappuccino around and it’s half a block from the office. The owners are lovely.

For lunch

I love going to Radish—it’s right around the corner from the office and they make amazing healthy lunch bowls. The seared ahi tuna rice bowl and the Nourish bowl are both fantastic.

For dinner

Elio Volpe is fantastic for dinner—great food, service and atmosphere.

For a getaway

I love Jasper National Park. There is nowhere that feels more iconically Canadian to me than this small but mighty town in the Rockies.

For shopping local

Janaki Larsen Studios is a go-to sourcing spot for beautiful ceramics. Her studio is gorgeous and I love the character and imperfection of the pieces she makes. Not to mention she is always so welcoming and lovely.

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READ MORE:

• Home Tour: A West Vancouver Harbour House With a View
  
• This West Vancouver Home Feels Like a Luxury Yacht in the Sun
• Interior Designer of the Year 2024: Sophie Burke