Homes

Throwback Thursday: Island Retreats from July 1983

Island lovers of the 80s share their visions of paradise

By Patrick Easton /

Island lovers of the 80s share their visions of paradise

Summer vacations are all about getting away, and what’s a better escape than an island? In July 1983, writer Carolann Rule profiled a handful of homeowners from the Strait of Georgia whose homes still inspire dreams of year-round island residency.WLttcoversupdated_bClick the picture below to start the slideshow and travel back in time.

Carolann Rule had this to say: “Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Georgia, it is indigenous sculpture€”and a visual definition of the ‘state of woodbutcher’s art.'”

Carolann Rule had this to say: “Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Georgia, it is indigenous sculpture€”and a visual definition of the ‘state of woodbutcher’s art.'”

This house was described as “hovering over a culvert like a spacecraft turned chameleon” in our July 1983 issue. This house may be distinctly eighties, but it still looks like a visitation from the future.

This house was described as “hovering over a culvert like a spacecraft turned chameleon” in our July 1983 issue. This house may be distinctly eighties, but it still looks like a visitation from the future.

“It just seemed like a good idea,” said Dave Mathews on the subject of island ownership. Who can argue with that? Dave and wife Marj used Silver Island as their own “summer camp.” This 1.4 hectare conquest in the Howe Sound was surprisingly modest in amenities, without well water and electricity, and also in price. It was bought for $5,000 in 1955 (28 years before original publication of this article). Let’s just say it was a different time.

If these homes made you nostalgic for more design gold from the 1980s, check out past throwbacks here and here.

Patrick Easton

Patrick Easton