New townhome sales at an oceanfront community in Sooke have surged in recent months as the impacts of COVID-19 leave homebuyers with a renewed appetite for semi-rural and small town real-estate offerings.

 

Situated near Sooke’s Whiffin Spit nature area just west of the village centre, the master-planned, 91-residence Heron View development is entering its second-to-last phase of construction to keep up with demand for its executive-style, bi-level townhomes overlooking Sooke Harbour.

 

Bob Vaughan of Silvercreek Development says that as purchasers fan out in search of new-build or pre-sale offerings outside of the Capital’s urban core, the final build-out of Heron View’s remaining homes has been fast-tracked several years ahead of schedule.

 

“The Island has always been a hidden gem in Canada, it has always been a place where people fantasized about living, and the changes that COVID-19 has brought about has placed a real focus on communities like Sooke that are outside of the city but within easy reach of amenities,” said Bob Vaughan, Heron View’s project manager.

 

“We’re hearing from a lot of people who are considering a move to Vancouver Island, or who are considering moving out of Victoria’s urban areas to a community with a much slower pace, that there’s this feeling of ‘we need to commit to this plan, and the sooner the better,’ and this urgency has expedited our completion target for phases nine and ten.”

 

Construction of phase nine began in April with occupancy targeted for spring of next year. The ten residences are sized from 1,625 square feet to 2,000, and present a wide range of luxuries that have kept up with innovation and buyer expectations throughout eight prior phases.

 

“Bright, spacious and accessible design has been at the forefront of our harbourside residences since day one,” says Vaughan. “You will not find this level of designer real-estate anywhere in the Capital Region that is on the water’s edge, is as well apportioned as are Heron View’s offerings, and at the price points we are able to deliver.”

 

With the sales launch of the second-to-last phase only days in, one home has already sold and multiple offers are pending.

 

“Now that phase nine just under a year away from completion, the timing for a new-build home has resonated with buyers who may not be ready for a move-in scenario this summer, but who want to capitalize on today’s prices and have a solid plan for the near-term,” Vaughan said.

 

Vaughan does confirm, however, that there are options for purchasers who may be looking for a new-build home ready for occupancy.

 

“Currently available are four recently completed offerings from phases seven and eight ready to welcome their first residents. And once they’re sold, subsequent inventory in phase nine will complete next spring, and pending a phase ten sales start later this year, our final release of nine homes will be ready for late 2021 occupancy.”

 

As one of the most unique townhome projects on southern Vancouver Island, Heron View has an expansive mix of amenities to keep residents active and engaged, its location is close to Sooke’s town centre and sits along a frequent bus route, and outdoor activities are a short walk or drive away. In addition to an on-site swimming pool and a tennis court, residents can also enjoy amenities like a fitness gym, a hot tub, a crafts room and a fire pit overlooking Sooke Harbour.

 

“Our residents can attest to the sense of community that has been built here, where everyone gets to know their neighbours as they take part in socializing activities within our amenity areas, and as they stay active on the tennis court or at the outdoor pool. And you don’t feel confined to your neighbourhood as you can stroll into town if you’d like, take a walk to the beautiful Whiffin Spit, or hop into the car and explore the vastness of the natural areas beyond Sooke along Highway 14. But that aside, the head-turner is our pricing, which I can attest to being the most competitive among all pre-sale offerings in Greater Victoria starting from the mid-$500,000s.”

 

Leaving the city behind doesn’t mean style and architecture take a back seat. Each home’s interior design options, professionally procured and available in two west coast-inspired colour themes, yield ample choice for finishings and accents.

 

Kitchens are adorned with rich wood or European-styled cabinetry while quartz stone countertops create impressive focal statements. Deluxe stainless steel appliances give these dining and entertaining spaces a sophisticated feel.

 

Bathrooms are designed for modern convenience with opulent accents that include designer elements, deep soaker tubs and full vanity mirrors with elegant light bars.

 

Two-car garages make the most of an accessory space with plenty of accommodation for vehicles or for use as a flex area.

 

“When designing these townhomes, we opted for larger floor plans over two levels in lieu of the more traditional three or four level layouts,” Vaughan said. “This makes transitioning across the home so much easier, and especially for parents or grandparents with young children, not having that additional floor of separation can be quite helpful.”

 

Located along the 6900-block of Nordin Road off Whiffen Spit Road, Heron View’s central yet private setting gives residents the option of walking to the town’s grocery stores and restaurants (which includes the Wild Mountain restaurant that has garnered much praise among south Island foodies and the oceanfront West Coast Grill at the Prestige Hotel), is close to oceanside walking trails, parks and beaches, and even a year-round golf course is only moments away. Two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school are all within easy reach by transit which runs from the early morning hours to late-night throughout the town and into downtown Victoria.

  

With its first phase completed in 2009, Heron View is comprised of 72 finished residences with ten underway as phase nine, and a final nine planned to start later this year.

 

To learn more about Heron View and to schedule a socially-distanced viewing of the project site with sales staff, visit the website by clicking here. Heron View’s presentation centre is open from noon to 4PM daily, except Wednesdays, at 6995 Nordin Road off Whiffin Spit Road. The presentation centre can also be reached by calling 778-425-4130 or by emailing info@heronview.ca. C

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