A Storied Waterfront Estate Comes to Market on Vancouver Island’s Oak Bay

A Storied Waterfront Estate Comes to Market on Vancouver Island’s Oak Bay

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Known as Riffington, 3175 Beach Drive in Oak Bay, British Columbia, is now for sale, represented by Jason Binab of The Agency Victoria. Currently the highest-priced active single-family residence on Vancouver Island, the property presents an opportunity to own one of the region’s most significant legacy estates—right on the water.

Formal dining room interior of the historic Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, featuring a large antique wooden dining table, a classic white fireplace, an ornate glass chandelier, and elegant crown molding.

Located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, Riffington was designed in 1913 by architect Philip A. Jullien, initially created as the original show home for Uplands, the prestigious residential enclave conceived around a park-like vision of winding streets, mature landscapes and proximity to Oak Bay.

Wood-paneled library and study inside the historic Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, featuring custom built-in bookshelves, an ornate fireplace mantel, exposed ceiling beams, and a leather armchair.

More than a century later, the estate retains a remarkable sense of place. Tudor Revival architecture defines the main residence, while a French Renaissance-style music room adds another layer of character. Throughout its history, Riffington has welcomed members of the British Royal Family on multiple occasions and served as the residence of the U.S. Consul from 1928 to 1942.

Two-story reception hall at the historic Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, featuring a double-height rotunda, Gothic-style arched windows, stone-look architectural moldings, a central round table, and terracotta tile flooring.

Set against sweeping ocean and Mount Baker views, Riffington encompasses multiple residences and approximately 14,629 square feet of total living space, with 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms across the estate.

Elegant luxury bedroom suite at the historic Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, featuring a custom arched bed alcove with floral drapery, an antique writing desk, traditional chandeliers, and a large oriental rug.

At its heart is the four-level, approximately 12,400-square-foot main residence, where nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms and 10 fireplaces unfold alongside a dramatic two-story reception hall, libraries, sunrooms and expansive gathering spaces. Ocean-facing patios extend the living areas outdoors, framing the estate’s waterfront setting.

Seaside waterfront pavilion and stone-walled private cove at the historic Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, showing calm ocean waters, natural logs along the shoreline, and mature trees.

Beyond the main residence, the grounds include a carriage house, seaside cottage and waterfront pavilion, creating ample space for guests and multigenerational living.

The estate’s grounds are every bit as compelling as its interiors. Mature landscaping surrounds a vegetable garden and Japanese pond, while a private dock with large-boat moorage provides direct access to the water.

Historic stone portico entrance of the Riffington estate at 3175 Beach Drive, Oak Bay, British Columbia, showcasing a grand granite archway, Tudor Revival timber details, a multi-pane grid window layout, and a wild deer grazing on the manicured front lawn.

Just minutes from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Riffington pairs privacy and scale with a coveted Oak Bay location. The result is something increasingly difficult to replicate: a substantial waterfront compound with architectural distinction, storied provenance and more than 100 years of history behind its doors.

To learn more about Riffington reach out to Jason Binab.

Photography: Platinum Creative Studios



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