What if 鈥渟taying at home鈥� means having the world at your doorstep?
Victoria鈥檚 lush gardens, heritage buildings and vibrant waterfront have long made it a mecca for visitors to 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 most temperate city. But British Columbia鈥檚 capital has also been transforming its historic downtown into dynamic neighbourhoods where residents can enjoy all the benefits of being on holiday within walking distance from their home.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the most glamourous cottage country on earth,鈥� says Jessica Pryde, who grew up in Victoria and loves its vibrant urban scene mixed with easy access to nature鈥檚 beauty.
鈥淵ou can explore the coastline in the morning and spend your afternoons discovering your new favourite caf茅. If you want to venture out even farther, you can jump on a harbour plane and be in Vancouver or Seattle in a matter of minutes.鈥�
Pryde is the director of sales and marketing for The Pearl Residences, one of the few harbourfront communities in the city. Inspired by boutique hotels, its concrete-and-steel design offers 133 luxury homes that have been curated with stylish, timeless interiors that offer all the modern conveniences while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort. Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-with-den floorplans give owners the space and flexibility they desire. Whether they seek a wintertime pied-a-terre or year-round family home, The Pearl provides the perfect lifestyle choice.
鈥淲e鈥檝e built in long-term strength but the details are very refined,鈥� Pryde says. 鈥淭he building is angled in way that provides a magnificent view of the water from many of our balconies.鈥�
The Pearl also offers a fitness centre and lounge that鈥檚 perfect for entertaining. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a sense of a boutique hotel experience from the comfort of your own home.鈥�
As tempting as it is to stay indoors, it鈥檚 what awaits outside that makes The Pearl unique.
鈥淵ou walk out your door, and it鈥檚 pristine, yet you also have access to world-class restaurants and entertainment. The city is so well suited to people who like all kinds of activities 鈥� on water or land. Whether you love to walk, run, paddle your kayak or ride your bike, there are incredible trails that are accessible throughout the city. Tea at the Empress is only a 10-minute walk away, while for the more adventurous, the Galloping Goose is a beautiful 55-kilometre rail trail to Sooke.鈥�
As an added feature, The Pearl connects two portions of the five-kilometre David Foster Harbour Pathway.
With grocery stores and retail amenities all within walking distance, people can leave the car at home. 鈥淣ot having to use a vehicle totally transforms your active lifestyle and sense of community,鈥� Pryde says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really freeing.鈥�
As owners of the land and developers of the property, the Farmer family has a deep commitment to the city. Deeply involved in the local construction industry since 1953, The Pearl is their legacy. It鈥檚 not just a building for them; it鈥檚 their contribution to the city鈥檚 resiliency while honouring its charm.
Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence give homeowners peace of mind. This, combined with the enviable location, is even more important in the wake of the pandemic, which has given people time to re-evaluate what they want in life. With the presentation centre open again now that stay-at-home protocols have been eased, Pryde has noticed 鈥渢here is a renewed sense of 鈥榳hat do I want my life to look like鈥� and 鈥榳hat is of value to me.鈥� We can provide the lifestyle they鈥檙e seeking. For them, having everything at your backdoor is transformative.鈥�
Residents also appreciate having all the benefits of home-ownership without the worry and responsibilities of owning a house.
鈥淪ingle-family homes are a big commitment, and when you can lock-and-leave your home at The Pearl, the entire city becomes your playground,鈥� Pryde says.
She also notes that as the harbourside neighbourhood continues to grow in popularity, so will The Pearl鈥檚 real estate values.
