Houses for Sale in Dashwood, BC
Search all Dashwood houses for sale and real estate listings below. Dashwood is a small neighbourhood north of Qualicum Beach, BC, on the idyllic east coast of Vancouver Island. It’s located right along the Old Island Highway, a beautiful seaside drive along the Strait of Georgia that offers lovely views of the islands, mountains, and forests that line the coast of Vancouver Island.
Because of its oceanfront location, it’s a stellar choice for those looking for a vacation property or income-generating rental property. Since it isn't directly in Qualicum Beach, prices are often slightly more affordable. Houses range from single-family homes to cottage and bare lots perfect for parking an RV on. To request up-to-date information about properties for sale on Dashwood, or to arrange a private showing, contact your Qualicum Beach real estate experts today!
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Real Estate in Dashwood
In Dashwood, you’ll find properties available at lower prices than those found in more well-known nearby communities like Qualicum Beach and Qualicum Bay. For that reason, it could be an excellent neighbourhood to consider for real estate investors looking to penetrate the Vancouver Island market.
In 2022, 5 single-family homes were successfully sold in Dashwood. According to statistics from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), the average list price for Dashwood single-family homes was $916,800, while the average sale price reached $959,000. Single-family homes in Parksville were sold at a whopping 105% of the listed price on average. Additionally, the average time it took for homes to sell in Dashwood was a mere 12 days.
Dashwood is a small neighbourhood surrounded by spectacular wilderness and a tight-knit sense of community. For this reason, investment opportunities can be limited and may require patience and attentiveness. Homes available in Dashwood can often be found along the Old Island Highway itself. These homes are typically on large lots, with winding driveways that lead away from the highway. Along the highway, you’ll find properties of half an acre in size and up, often well-wooded with trees that offer excellent privacy.
Dashwood is a rural neighbourhood, and occasionally investment opportunities will come in the form of multi-unit properties that make the most of a large lot sizes in the area. You may find properties with large main structures that feature one or more smaller guest houses. These properties offer great potential as mortgage helpers, as the guesthouses can generate rental income whether as full-time dwellings or vacation rentals. Those looking for vacation homes in the Dashwood area will also appreciate the hosting capabilities that a large plot of land with multiple units can provide.
Slightly off the main stretch in Dashwood, you’ll find Widgeon Road, which runs right along the coastline. Properties along this stretch are ideal, offering the tranquility of living along a small rural road—excellent for growing families, retirees, and those who are looking for a place to live that’s safe and very quiet. On Widgeon Road—and nearby Ferndowne and Harness roads—you’ll find luxurious homes right along the beach that take full advantage of the views afforded along the Strait of Georgia.
For many, secluded beachfront properties may be the most attractive property type in Dashwood and the rest of Lighthouse Country, but those looking for large acreage may look slightly inland to the areas around Cheddar and Rodgers roads. In this area, you’ll find artisanal farms and other independent enterprises amidst a pleasant agricultural-based setting. Those looking for large plots of land with which to start a new Vancouver Island-based business may find what they’re looking for in Dashwood.
About Dashwood, Qualicum Beach, BC
Dashwood is a hamlet with just under a thousand residents. It offers a rural Vancouver Island living experience but is still within easy reach of city amenities. Nearest is Qualicum Beach, under a 10-minute drive away. The city of Parksville is a mere 20-minute drive to the south.
Dashwood is located amidst the beautiful area known as Lighthouse Country, which includes the communities of Bowser/Deep Bay, and Qualicum Bay. This area is known for its eclectic independent shops, the rustic properties on large pieces of land, and the expansive beach access it offers. The community of Dashwood flies under the radar and offers relatively inexpensive access to top-notch Vancouver Island living.
Things to Do in Dashwood
Try Local Oysters
Those living in Dashwood and Lighthouse Country as a whole tend to have a shared appreciation of their nautical surroundings. While some people may primarily associate beaches with summery activities, Dashwood residents get outdoors and enjoy the shore all year long. During the colder months, popular local activities include beachcombing, winter storm watching, and the recreational harvesting of shellfish, including clams, muscles, and oysters. The Lighthouse Country area is known for having some of the best shellfish available anywhere in the world—make sure to obtain the correct license before heading down to the beach with your bucket and gloves. Large-scale shellfish producers in the area include Lighthouse Shellfish Farm and Fanny Bay Oysters.
Salish Sea Market
Located near Dashwood in the community of Bowser is the Salish Sea Market—an impressive collection of art created by local artists that celebrates the local environment. The Salish Sea refers to the body of water protected from the open ocean by the landmass of Vancouver Island. It includes the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A uniquely identifiable visual art style has emerged in the Salish Sea area, and since 2010 the Salish Sea Market has been showcasing and supporting locally produced pieces.
Explore Lighthouse Country Regional Trail
One of the best ways to get out and enjoy Dashwood and the rest of Lighthouse Country is by walking along the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail. This trail system has a north and south loop around two kilometers long. The paths are well-maintained and largely level, making them accessible to all ages and skill levels. For those looking to get a full-on workout, the recently installed Fresh Air Fitness facilities along the path were created using existing natural features of the trail and offer full-body exercise opportunities.