Heating
From geothermal in-floor warmth in the main residence and studio to wood-burning comfort in the cabins, River House is designed for dependable, all-season living in Northern British Columbia.
Radiant geothermal comfort, quietly working beneath daily life.
Tekmar In-Floor Geothermal Heating
The heating system for River House and the studio is an in-floor geothermal system manufactured by Tekmar, a highly respected geothermal manufacturer. Warmth is delivered through the floors for a natural, even comfort that suits the scale and quality of the estate.
A large geothermal ground loop is buried in the area of the garden and gazebo, supplying consistently tempered water to the heat pump system.
Layered reliability built into the system.
The geothermal setup is a three-stage system, with a main unit, a secondary unit, and an emergency electric boiler backup. In twenty years of operation, the emergency electric boiler has only been used once, a reassuring testament to the dependability of the core system.
Maintained with long-term ownership in mind.
The main unit was replaced two years ago, and the secondary unit is scheduled to be replaced this summer. This ongoing care reflects an ownership approach centered on continuity, stewardship, and confidence in long-term performance.
Fourteen thermostats, manual or remote.
Fourteen thermostats throughout River House and the studio can be adjusted manually or remotely through the Tekmar app on your phone, allowing comfort to be tailored whether you are on the property or arriving from afar.
Firelight, atmosphere, and the kind of warmth you feel beyond the thermostat.
Wood-burning fireplaces in River House.
River House includes two wood-burning fireplaces, including the main floor fireplace shown here. They add both ambiance and practical supplemental heat, bringing a sense of grounded comfort to the larger residence.
There is also a second wood-burning fireplace located in the basement office.
A gas stove in the master bedroom.
The master bedroom includes its own gas stove, adding intimacy, comfort, and a quietly luxurious sense of retreat within the main home.
Independent warmth for the creative space.
The studio also includes its own heating source, complementing the geothermal infrastructure and giving the space a self-contained sense of comfort and usability through colder months.
A wood-burning fireplace in the spacious office.
The office includes its own wood-burning fireplace, adding additional comfort and a quietly luxurious sense of retreat within the main home.
Simple, dependable heating for independent cabin life.
Wood stove warmth, with electric backup if desired.
In the River Cabin, a wood stove provides the primary heat and much of the charm, while electric wall heaters are installed as a convenient backup. The result is a space that feels both practical and deeply connected to its setting.
Comfortable, quiet heat beside the water.
The Lake Cabin follows the same thoughtful approach, with wood heat providing both ambiance and comfort, while electric wall heaters serve as backup in all areas if needed.
A wood stove at the heart of the cabin, and little else required.
More than adequate warmth for the space.
A wood stove is located in the middle of Angler’s Inn, providing more than adequate heating while adding the familiar atmosphere of crackling wood. Electricity is available and suitable for a portable electric heater if needed, though that has not been necessary.
Confidence built into the infrastructure, quietly waiting when needed.
Automatic backup power, ready within moments.
The property is equipped with a Generac standby generator—one of the most trusted backup systems available. In the event of a power interruption, the system activates automatically, restoring power within moments without the need for manual intervention.
Powered by propane from an 80-gallon tank, the system is capable of running for several days, supporting essential functions including the heating system, kitchen, lighting, and primary living areas.
Designed as a true backup rather than a regularly used system, it has only engaged a handful of times over the years—offering quiet reassurance that the estate remains fully functional when it matters most.
