Seven years ago, the sight of a dilapidated A-frame stopped Christine Boyer and Anthonie Scholtz dead in their tracks. The couple had been in route to see nearby properties on Vancouver Island, but they instead fell in love with this charming, midcentury-modern dwelling—never mind that it was falling apart.

With their young children in tow, the couple sold their Toronto home to move into the seaside cabin—at that time a cramped one-bedroom—and embarked on a years-long renovation that saw a full interior overhaul.

Working alongside Kai Lawrence of Standingbear Construction, Christine and Anthonie replaced the cabin’s 1970s turquoise walls and shag carpeting with a minimalist and modern aesthetic, full of Scandinavian influences that draw from the couple’s Danish roots. In honor of their heritage, they christened their 1,401-square-foot house “Kyst Hus,” which translates in Danish to ‘coastal home.’

After years of crafting Kyst Hus into a warm and welcoming home—and a celebrated design icon for the community—the family of five has sadly outgrown the two-bedroom cabin and has listed their A-frame for $649,000.

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“Our initial plans for this house were to hide the strong lines of the A with a giant porch and tons of timber,” says Christine. “But then we stopped and listened to this little building. It was through that listening-and-learning process that we decided to preserve this cabin and to make decisions while living here that maintained the integrity of the midcentury architecture and minimalist design of the A-frame.”

“The only way five people (and three furries) can live full-time in a 1,400-square-foott A-frame is if everything has a place, and we are respectful of each other in the space,” notes Christine. “It has been quite the experience to live in a home that would fit inside most other family homes.”

“A small space encourages strong family bonding, and then an immediate and intense desire to get outside! Which is amazing for our bodies and minds. Kyst Hus has nurtured us in such an important and everlasting way. Today is thanks for small spaces where a person can recharge, be themselves, connect with loved ones, and re-establish ‘self’.”

4753 Kilmarnock Dr., Courtenay, Vancouver is now being listed by Leah Reichelt for $649,000. See the full listing here.

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