Jane Bond Float Home

Among the colourful buildings spanning Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria, BC, David and Susan Leff’s float home could be easily missed. The weathered burgundy trimmed home masquerades a million dollar “Jane Bond home,” according to Susan.

The Leffs made the move from Ontario to BC after Susan was hit by a car while crossing the street in 2007. While Susan has required periodic medical care due to Multiple Sclerosis since 1998, the car accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury and the need for full-time care.

David and Susan struggled to find a city that met a high standard of accessibility. Upon visiting Fisherman’s Wharf to get a taste of fresh spot prawns, they immediately decided to relocate to a float home. After negotiating with local owners, they acquired a slip – and a new and unconventional life.

The Leffs pose on the patio of their home. Photo by Bailey Martens.

Since the acquisition in 2013, the 1,400 square foot float home has seen on-again off-again renovations. The makeover quickly became a passion project. Susan’s needs “created new challenges [and] I wanted to rise to the occasion,” says David.

A builder by trade, David has focused on providing the needed accessibility while keeping the appearance of a typical home. “I don’t want it to feel like a hospital,” he emphasizes.

One of the most extensive endeavours has been the master suite.

Complete with a two-part bed: one side features an accessible raised bed for Susan; the other a typical single bed. The two mattresses are nestled into a chestnut frame to appear as though it is one typical bed.

A live wall – filled with plants – to keep fresh air circulating throughout the room is currently on the to-do list.

The small yet bright bathroom is Susan’s favourite addition to the house – especially the shower. “I waited five years for that bathroom,” she laughs.

The compact master bathroom leaves nothing to be desired. The intricate details span from fossil tiles to the master closet featuring a dry-cleaning conveyer belt to assist in selecting outfits.

Objectively, it is a stunning bathroom, but also seamless for both David and Susan’s needs.

The curb-less shower can be used in both a sitting or standing position with overhead, handheld and side shower heads to accommodate the needs of the couple. The shower doors additionally slide in both directions to facilitate a greater turning radius for a wheelchair.

An orca image is etched onto the shower glass.

Orca murals decorate the outside of the Leffs float home. Photo by Bailey Martens.

“We have a deconstructed whale theme spanning through the house,” says David. The Orca theme fits well with an oceanside home, but also the adaptability of the kindred animal. “It seemed appropriate for our home.”

This orca theme is seen in two murals on the outside of the float home. One of the murals overlooks an original hydraulic dock system that would allow someone, including Susan, to enter a kayak and be lowered into the water. This dock is curved to mimic the fins of a whale, as well.

The upper level of the two-storey home features a front deck. This patio is curved for aesthetic appeal as well as to symbolically represent the nose of an Orca.

The living room and kitchen are located on the second floor. A rotating floor is in the works for the living room. Currently, it is difficult to get Susan in the living room and turned to a specific direction without moving furniture. A rotating floor would allow for a wheelchair to rotate in a small area of space and keep the furniture stationary.

The second story of the home can be accessed by a central elevator. A standard-sized Garaventa home elevator takes riders from the front foyer up through the floor of the second level.

In addition to an elevator, there are ceiling lifts throughout the master suite and soon-to-be automated lights and doors. The Leffs will be able to control lights, and check and answer the door from anywhere in the house.

The Leff’s float home does not qualify for home renovation grants from the provincial government, which are available to support accessibility remodels. Instead, David works to pay for the remodels with the assistance of insurance.

Once the home is completed, the couple plans to retire and open an accessible bed and breakfast.

“We are on a float home – which is kind of the furthest thing that anybody with accessibility needs would think of,” says David. “It’s going to be kind of the ultimate in accessibility to just demonstrate the possibilities.”

Susan chimes in noting, “If you focus on what the person needs, anything is possible.”