Overview
- Updated On:
- June 6, 2023
Description
The crown jewel of Salt Spring Island. North End Farm is a 164-acre oceanfront property with diverse topographical features, gentle ocean frontage, multiple homes and complete farming infrastructure. Situated at the north end of Salt Spring Island, this irreplaceable property is ready for its next chapter.
The property’s 164.86 acres is a tidy mixture of open hay fields/pasture, low marshland, shallow ocean frontage and ancient forest. The property has been utilized in such a manner as to maximize agricultural output, while still maintaining the natural integrity of the property. Approximately 32 acres of land have been cleared and put into hay production. There are multiple open fields, which permit a rotational grazing program for livestock and allow the land to maintain a natural feel.
Large portions of the property remain enveloped in a healthy layer of forest with cedar and Douglas fir being the dominant species. Also found on the property are maple, hemlock, alders, balsam, yew and arbutus trees. The owners have cared for the forests cleaning dead fall and removing second growth from encroaching on the hay fields.
The property offers a series of flat benches, which arise from the shoreline into ever higher tiers. Despite the elevation the grade is shallow and easily navigable in a vehicle, or farm equipment. An extensive trail network permits equipment access to the various areas of the property. This helps increase the farm’s productive output and expedites farming tasks. Despite some of the elevation on the property, the majority of the land is usable. Additionally, the open hay fields/pasture areas are largely flat with limited undulation.
There is ample water on the property with a seasonal creek and upstream catchment basin. There are several dugouts throughout the property designed to hold water year-round and provide water for livestock. There are 6 wells on the property however, not all of them are currently in use. The property is perimeter fenced with some cross fencing. The owners are currently grazing sheep on the property and the fencing has been suitable for this purpose. The 1-acre market garden in the main farmyard has deer fencing to protect the produce grown for the weekly market.
A truck/quad trail connects the main farmyard to the ocean frontage below. The ocean frontage stretches for approximately a kilometre offering a long, white, shell/sandstone beach. This is the perfect location to find rest and relaxation while you sit on a piece of driftwood and listen to the tranquil waves lap against the shoreline. Families, and their children, will find infinite recreation along the beach with unrivalled swimming and adventuring opportunities. Seldom will you find a property along the entire west coast with so much low bank ocean frontage.
In the main farmyard you will find numerous farming outbuildings full of utility. Remember, this is a working farm and comes complete with a pole barn, horse barn (with box stalls), chicken coops, implement storage sheds and various other storage/livestock farm structures.
The newer farmhouse (built 1995) is of timber frame construction and is an impressive 3,500 ft2. The driveway in front of the home is circular allowing easy access and egress of equipment, trailers and trucks. This makes loading and unloading market produce to and from the home a breeze. The home has a wrap around, elevated back porch where you can take in the ambience of the surrounding forest.
This home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a partial basement. The living room has full height ceilings stretching to the second floor with a cozy wood stove and large glass windows allowing natural light to poor in. The kitchen sits off the main living room and is both large and functional.
The beach house was built in 1984 and was renovated during 2005/2006. The home offers stunning ocean views from its elevated bluff. There is a storage/woodshed in the home’s yard and a gradual trail descends from the home down to beach below. There is a back porch perfect for barbecuing and entertaining guests. The home has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open kitchen/dining area, laundry room, living room, screened in porch and a solarium.
The solarium is located on the main floor and is perfect for plants, or mediation. The upstairs bathroom has been recently renovated with new tub and fixtures. The kitchen/dining area is warmed by a woodstove creating a cozy atmosphere even on the rainiest of days. The beach home also has a heat pump for both air-conditioning and heat.
The original farmhouse was built in the late 19th century and combines character with functionality.
This property is diverse in its buildings, topography, vegetation, and natural features. It has been lovingly looked after by the same caring family for over 60 years. Over this time period the owners have enhanced the agricultural capacity and overseen the property’s development with natural stewardship top of mind. This is a fabulous and rare opportunity to continue developing North End Farm’s legacy.
LOCATION
2521 North End Road – Salt Spring Island, BC
DIRECTIONS
Via BC Ferries
There are three ferry routes to Salt Spring Island. Arrivals and departures for Vancouver go via Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Long Harbour. The ferry from Crofton on Vancouver Island arrives at Vesuvius and the ferry from Swartz Bay near Victoria on Vancouver Island arrives via funky Fulford Harbour.
Via Air
Harbour Air seaplanes regularly service the South Vancouver and Downtown Vancouver Terminals and Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox and Whistler.
Contact the listing REALTORS® for directions to the property from your arrival point on the Island.
AREA DATA
Salt Spring Island is the largest (70 square miles or 180 square kilometres), most populated (10,500) and, some might say most popular, of the Southern Gulf Islands. It is the only Southern Gulf Island with a high school and a hospital.
Salt Spring Island is located between Vancouver Island and the Mainland in the Strait of Georgia alongside its neighbouring islands of Galiano, Pender, Saturna, Maine and Prevost. Artists, farmers, chefs, mechanics, romantics, writers, retirees and dreamers have been drawn to its shores and have recognized it as one of the world’s best places to live and play.
The accommodations on Salt Spring Island range from quaint cabins to luxurious Bed & Breakfasts to motels and hotels. Offering a wide range of experiences, from horizon gazing to challenging hikes, there is something on Salt Spring Island for everyone.
VEGETATION
Maple, cedar, Douglas fir, hemlock, alder and arbutus trees cover large swaths of the property. The owners have meticulously cared for the forests clearing deadfall and keeping the property in a parklike state.
RECREATION
Looking for some culinary therapy? The options on Salt Spring Island are astounding considering the size of the island. There are two cheese farms, several studio bakeries, three wineries, a chocolate factory, a brewery, a flourmill, a fishery, locally made pasta, and gelato. Some of these treats, as well as local farm produce, can be obtained by putting money in an honour box at one of the many roadside farm stands.
If you enjoy the outdoors there are a myriad of hiking trails to explore. Ask a local for advice and they might lead you to some of the lesser known trails. Island trails almost always wind through ocean view picnic spots or end on a white shell beach.
Other activities include kayaking, diving, cycling, climbing or boating. There are local services and guides for all these activities.
If you want a quick work out, take in a class at one of the many yoga studios or enjoy the island’s gym and indoor pool. There are also two golf courses on the island.
For the ultimate in relaxation, head to one of the island’s many spas or grab a book from one of the three bookstores in town then sit and enjoy the view or stop by one of the many vibrant coffee shops.
HISTORY
Salt Spring Island was initially inhabited by various Salishan peoples before being settled by immigrant pioneers in 1859, at which time it was renamed Admiral Island. It was the first of the Gulf Islands to be settled and the first agricultural settlement on the islands in the Colony of Vancouver Island. The island was retitled to its current name in 1910. It is named for the salt springs found in the northern part of the island.
INVESTMENT FEATURES
North End Farm a very popular farm market on Salt Spring Island. Every week the owners sell bread, jams, veggies, herbs, greens, eggs and more from the large market garden. In addition to the produce, the land produces hay and pasture for cattle, sheep, and horses.
SERVICES
- Electricity
- Septic systems
- Multiple drilled wells
- Wood stoves, pellet stoves, baseboard electric heaters
IMPROVEMENTS
- Beach house, 2,645 ft2 built 1984 (renovated 2005/2006)
- Farmhouse, 3,500 ft2 built 1995
- Original farmhouse built in late 19th century
- Pole barn
- Horse barn (with box stalls)
- Chicken coops
- Implement storage sheds and various other storage/livestock farm structures
- 1-acre market garden with deer fencing
- The property is fenced and cross fenced
- Approximately 32 acres in cleared production, can be hayed or pastured
- Numerous dugouts located throughout the property
TAXES
7,827.53 (2022)
ZONING
Rural – “R”
Property is not in the ALR
LEGAL
DISTRICT LOT 18, NORTH SALT SPRING ISLAND, COWICHAN DISTRICT, EXCEPT PARTS IN PLANS 33316 AND 39938
PID 009-583-211
