When I talk to people about real estate in Sooke, one thing that always comes up is price – and specifically, how much more you get for your money here in Sooke, compared to other greater Victoria locations. Many of my clients seek a move to Sooke to get off their postage-stamp property in the city or ‘shoebox in the sky’ and on to their own piece of paradise: a rural acreage.
An acreage property is a place where you can really stretch your legs. Peace and quiet, privacy, and a place for the kids and pets to roam. Sooke has many opportunities for families seeking the country life, from quaint cottages to amazing rural estates, and acreages of all sizes. While acreages in the centre of Sooke are rare (and getting very expensive due to their redevelopment potential), the outskirts of town and the surrounding unincorporated communities (Otter Point, Shirley, and East Sooke) are mostly large properties. There are also several ‘acreage subdivisions’ of newer homes on smaller-sized acreages such as The Woods or De Mamiel Creek Estates.
Currently on the market are some 80+ properties with one acre or more, ranging from a small cottage near Sheringham Point on 1.25 acres for $289,000 to a stunning 32 acre waterfront estate in Whiffen Spit for $5.8 million. There are also plenty of vacant lots, where you could build your dream home, starting around $170,000 for a 2 acre parcel in Otter Point. Acreages in the hills above Sooke are plentiful, many with stunning ocean views like this one.
Having recently moved on to a 2-acre property myself, I can attest to the fact that it’s a little different living on an acreage. We have a well – something I’ve never had before, and a lot of property to maintain. Cutting the grass is no longer a 30 minute job. I can get it done in about an hour, but I could easily spend 4 or 5 hours doing other stuff around the property – it’s a work in progress and it will be years before I have my property looking the way I want.
I do love my new home, though, and it amazes me that for less than the price of an old home on a city lot in Victoria, I can stretch my legs and enjoy the rural lifestyle that only Sooke can provide, yet be so close to amenities and the city when I need it.
Many acreages in Sooke are perfect for small farms or horse properties. While Metchosin is probably better known for it, the property values there are much higher, and a horse enthusiast can get way more for their money just a few minutes’ drive past Metchosin in Sooke.
This is the first in a series about rural living in Sooke – I hope to cover many aspects of acreage living and encourage you to ask questions or provide topics for me to write about!
Do you live/love the rural lifestyle? Want to? Sound off below in the comments!