The Moderne is a dazzling re-creation of the original 1940 Percy Leonard (PL) James home. PL James is one of Victoria’s best-known architects whose vision also produced the former Oak Bay High School and current Oak Bay Municipal Hall. The streamline moderne style (popular post-Art Deco) emphasizes horizontal lines, curving forms and nautical themes. The oceanfront property is the best of both worlds with a profound respect for its origins at the front of the home, and a window-on-the-world modern view around the back.

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The re-creation of this home was supported by the Oak Bay Heritage Commission. The origins of the front facade were honoured by maintaining the entryway and interior/exterior piano wall. The thoughtful and meticulous renovation retained original room placement while creating a more open floor plan that includes 40 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows with hidden, recessed coverings. Urban Core Ventures also replicated the existing garage with a mirror-image second garage to meet the needs of modern households. The kitchen within a kitchen has a butler’s pantry and an eating area that creativity offers views of the Olympic Mountains and the chef at work.

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