This 112-Year-Old Waterfront Estate Just Hit the Market—And It Has a Royal Past

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-18

### A Rare Piece of Vancouver Island History Is Up for Grabs Imagine owning a home that once hosted British royalty. That's not a hypothetical—it's exactly what's happening at 3175 Beach Drive in Oak Bay, British Columbia. Known as Riffington, this waterfront estate just hit the market, and it's currently the highest-priced active single-family residence on Vancouver Island. Jason Binab of The Agency Victoria is representing the property. But this isn't just any luxury listing. It's a legacy estate with over a century of stories baked into its walls. ### From Show Home to Royal Retreat Back in 1913, architect Philip A. Jullien designed Riffington as the original show home for Uplands—a prestigious neighborhood envisioned with winding streets, mature trees, and a park-like feel. More than 100 years later, that sense of place remains intact. The main residence showcases Tudor Revival architecture, while a French Renaissance-style music room adds a surprising twist. Over the decades, Riffington has welcomed members of the British Royal Family on multiple occasions and even served as the residence of the U.S. Consul from 1928 to 1942. Talk about bragging rights. ### Space for Everyone—and Then Some With sweeping views of the ocean and Mount Baker, the estate spans approximately 14,629 square feet of total living space. That includes 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms across multiple residences. The four-level main residence alone measures about 12,400 square feet. Inside, you'll find nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and 10 fireplaces. There's also a dramatic two-story reception hall, libraries, sunrooms, and expansive gathering spaces. Ocean-facing patios blur the line between indoor comfort and waterfront beauty. Beyond the main house, the grounds include a carriage house, a seaside cottage, and a waterfront pavilion—perfect for guests or multigenerational living. ### The Grounds Are Just as Impressive Step outside and you'll discover mature landscaping, a vegetable garden, and a serene Japanese pond. A private dock with large-boat moorage gives you direct access to the water. And you're just minutes from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. > "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." That quote from the listing says it all. Privacy, scale, and a coveted Oak Bay location—all wrapped into one remarkable property. ### Why This Matters for Buyers In a market where true legacy estates rarely come up for sale, Riffington stands out. It's not just a home; it's a piece of history. Whether you're drawn to the royal connections, the architectural pedigree, or simply the idea of living right on the water, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. To learn more about Riffington, reach out to Jason Binab. Photography by Platinum Creative Studios.