Vancouver Island's $20M Waterfront Icon Riffington Lists

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-18

### A Waterfront Legend Lists on Vancouver Island Imagine living in a home that hosted British royalty and housed the U.S. Consul during World War II. That's exactly what Riffington offers. This historic estate at 3175 Beach Drive in Oak Bay, British Columbia, just hit the market, and it's already the highest-priced active single-family residence on Vancouver Island. The listing agent is Jason Binab of The Agency Victoria. But this isn't just any luxury property. It's a piece of living history, and it could be yours. ### From Show Home to Storied Estate Back in 1913, architect Philip A. Jullien designed Riffington as the original show home for Uplands, a prestigious neighborhood known for its winding streets and park-like setting. Over a century later, the estate still commands attention with its Tudor Revival architecture and a French Renaissance-style music room that adds a touch of European elegance. 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. You can almost feel the echoes of conversations past in its grand halls. ### A Compound Fit for Generations Spanning approximately 14,629 square feet of total living space, Riffington isn't just a house—it's a compound. The estate includes 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms across multiple residences. The main residence alone offers about 12,400 square feet over four levels, with nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and 10 fireplaces. A dramatic two-story reception hall, libraries, sunrooms, and expansive gathering spaces make entertaining effortless. Beyond the main house, you'll find a carriage house, seaside cottage, and waterfront pavilion, providing ample room for guests or multigenerational living. ### Grounds That Inspire The outdoor spaces are just as compelling. Mature landscaping surrounds a vegetable garden and a serene Japanese pond. A private dock with large-boat moorage gives you direct access to the water—perfect for sailing or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Set against sweeping views of the ocean and Mount Baker, the property offers a sense of privacy and scale that's increasingly hard to find. ### A Location That Can't Be Replicated Just minutes from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Riffington pairs its storied past with a coveted Oak Bay location. It's a substantial waterfront compound with architectural distinction and over 100 years of history behind its doors. In a market where legacy estates rarely become available, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. > "Properties like Riffington don't come along often. It's not just a home; it's a piece of Vancouver Island's history." — Jason Binab, The Agency Victoria ### The Bottom Line If you've ever dreamed of owning a waterfront estate with provenance and privacy, Riffington is worth a closer look. Reach out to Jason Binab for more details. Photography by Platinum Creative Studios.