This Cabin Resort Has Been Lovingly Restored Into A Modern Rustic Retreat

By  Siobhan Murphy Updated
Jesse Keefer sits on a porch at Bodega Cove Codi Ann Backman

Who: Jesse Keefer, Bodega Cove
Where: Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada
Style: Vintage Pan-abode Cabins

Just a short ferry trip or plane ride from Vancouver, British Columbia, Galiano Island offers ocean views with a mountain backdrop and a unique microclimate welcoming guests year-round. Nestled here is the newly restored and beautifully serene cabin resort Bodega Cove.

Updated cabins at Bodega Cove.Codi Ann Backman
The living room in one of the restored cabins.Codi Ann Backman

Jesse Keefer purchased the nearly 50-year-old property in 2016, and set out to restore it while keeping the iconic vibe and adding modern design elements and amenities throughout. "Since I was child I was drawn to nature," he says. While his sister property Bodega Ridge welcomes group events like retreats and weddings, this location is more intimate. "They both provided me a great opportunity to live in a beautiful environment and to share it with people who need a respite from their lives in the city."

Keefer works on a renovation.Shayd Johnson
The cabin exteriors before renovations.Shayd Johnson

The first priority was saving the 1960s red cedar cabins instead of tearing them completely down. Keefer designed the interiors with his friend and longtime collaborator John Parfitt. To save money, Keefer opted to be his own general contractor, which he says, "proved to be an extreme challenge."

Small windows and rooms were opened up during the renovation.Shayd Johnson
The work in progress.Shayd Johnson

Over the course of two years, natural materials were used whenever possible to create this unique getaway. The once dark cabins were opened up with more windows for natural light and less walls divided up the interiors.

Modern touches with a cozy fire.Codi Ann Backman
Skylights and more open floor plans in renovated cabins.Codi Ann Backman
Each cabin features heated flooring.Codi Ann Backman
One of the new bathrooms.Codi Ann Backman
Comfortable bedding and custom headboards.Codi Ann Backman

Custom red cedar headboards designed by Brent Freedman of Gamla were added. "Instead of being rustic logs, they are delicate strips. The contrast is compelling," says Keefer.

Detail of interior wood work and custom headboards.Codi Ann Backman

Adding a bit of luxury to the rustic setting, heated flooring and comfortable beds were musts. Handmade Bocci light fixtures provide a striking contrast to the wood environments.

Custom Bocci light fixtures.
Bocci light fixtures made in Vancouver.Codi Ann Backman
Soaking tub in one bedroom cabin.Codi Ann Backman

Another important touch for Keefer was installing deep soaker tubs in the one bedroom cabins. "We literally fired up a chainsaw and opened up into what was a part of the original kitchen to create space. Every bedroom should have a bathtub in my opinion!"

A glimpse of a restored cabin at Bodega Cove.Codi Ann Backman

As Keefer reflects on how it all turned out, he sees the calmness all around. "I am obsessive about my love for the business and pleasing my guests. I feed off peoples' love for Galiano Island and use it for inspiration."

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