By Jen Dart

The first time Shore condo owners Dave and Linda Hartzell visited Tofino they flew in and couldn’t leave.

It wasn’t self-imposed, however. It was September 2001 and all air traffic was grounded due to the attacks in their native United States.

“People were so kind,” said Dave. “It impressed us so much how kind Tofino was and we still feel that way.”

Now 10 years later, the Portland couple owns a waterfront condo at the Shore building on Main St. and they couldn’t be happier about their home away from home.

The Hartzells first visited the area for its exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. They stayed because they found not only a great community, but also the perfect property for their lifestyle.

“The Shore concept made sense to us,” says David. “We have storage for our two kayaks, surfboards, boogie boards and wetsuits.”

Linda adds that they are constantly amazed by the ever-changing view from their floor-to-ceiling window.

“There’s always something happening here,” says Linda of Tofino harbour. “It changes all the time.”

You might be treated to a 45 minute display of eagles playing, like Linda was, or manage to take “about 200” completely different pictures of the same mountain, as the Hartzells have.

Dave also calls their view “the best desktop view I’ve ever seen.”

Both Linda and Dave often bring work with them to Tofino, enabling them to stay away for longer periods of time.

“People want to be able to work from anywhere,” says Linda. “I get up early and work from 7am-12pm. I’ve already gotten five hours in and then I’ll take the afternoon off and go kayaking.”

“Nature pulls you away from your work; I get my work done so I can play.”

Dave and Linda were only the second buyers of a condo at the Shore. They’ve been a part of the project from the get-go, even visiting the building during construction.

Seeing the building coming together allowed them ample time to choose the right pieces to furnish their second home. In their one-bedroom condo, one piece is a Murphy hide-away bed for visitors.

In terms of distance to get to Tofino, the Hartzells have a distinct advantage – because Dave is a pilot, they can be door to door from Portland in less than three hours.

But even if traveling here took longer, Linda says their retreat in this area would be well worth it.

“Tofino has it all – mountains and beaches,” she says.

“For people who like the outdoors, it’s the best of everything,” adds Dave.

Tags: The Shore Tofino, tofino condo, Tofino home, tofino real estate
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