3296 Denman Rd

An ocean-view rancher on a half-acre, sitting just up the hill from the Denman ferry landing with views west across Baynes Sound to the mountains of Vancouver Island. This is island living at its most accessible — step off the ferry and you’re home. The property faces west, catching afternoon and evening light over the water.

From the deck, the Beaufort Range rises beyond the sound, and the rhythm of the ferry crossing becomes part of the backdrop rather than the commute. Mature conifers frame the lot, creating shelter and privacy without closing in the view. The house , built in 1956, has been thoughtfully upgraded over its life.

A 750 sq ft architect-designed addition (2002) extended the living space while matching the original character, with attic insulation (R-48) that exceeds current building code. A high-efficiency air-source heat pump (2023) handles heating and cooling, backed by an electric furnace and airtight wood stove. Roof replaced 2020, double-glazed windows throughout.

A 2024 EnerGuide evaluation rated the home at 68 GJ/year — 13% above what a brand-new house of the same size would consume — with greenhouse gas emissions of just 0. 2 tonnes per year. Outside, the half-acre is a working landscape.

Nine mature fruit trees, raised beds with berries, rock-walled garden terraces, and a sheltered microclimate that makes this corner of the island particularly good for growing. A garage and bunkie on the property currently serve as dry storage but offer four walls and a roof for anyone with ideas. The 125-ft well supplies the property’s primary water.

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,493 sq ft of living space. The septic system was fully upgraded in 2002 with a package treatment plant engineered to the site’s conditions. The ferry to Buckley Bay, public dock, and boat launch are a short walk down the hill.

Courtenay/Qualicum is a 10-minute crossing and a 20-minute drive.