When it comes to the biggest houses in West Vancouver, there’s no doubt that there are a handful of places that really stand out. There’s the white house of West Vancouver, of course, but also the Shaughnessy estate and the Crescent Park house. The latter is a house that is a little more unique and is a real treat to visit.
The White House of West Vancouver
One of the world’s most impressive architectural landmarks is the White House of West Vancouver, a one-acre mansion overlooking the ocean in West Vancouver, British Columbia. Built in 1993, the house was the brainchild of retired architect Min Xia Wang. This home is a blend of colonial architecture and contemporary design. It boasts a large entertainment room, bowling alley, and outdoor pool. Designed with a focus on luxury, this West Vancouver house is available for monthly rentals or six-month leases.
Aside from the entertainment wing, the home also features a full-service, five-star spa and outdoor recreation area. The indoor fire pit and outdoor saltwater pool are great ways to relax, and the views of the surrounding mountains and ocean are a bonus.
The house is located in the prestigious Capilano Estates neighborhood. Many of the Lower Mainland’s top earners live here. Located just minutes from Caulfield and Dundarave Village, this neighbourhood is filled with luxury restaurants, shops, and plenty of space.
Other notable properties in the region include the Altamont house, the smallest mansion in Canada, which has a white stucco exterior and colonial columns. Also, the Mudry house, a paean to the Pacific forest, is part residential shrine and part Shinto temple.
Another high-end home, the British Properties house, is a classic example of classical elegance. Situated in one of the most prestigious areas in West Vancouver, this property features nearly fourteen thousand square feet of living space.
Despite its size, the house is not the most expensive in the neighborhood. Instead, the house on Mathers Avenue is probably the largest. With a staggering 16,245 square feet of living space, this home is out of scale with its neighboring homes.
Shaughnessy estate
The Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver is home to one of the city’s most valuable heritage landscapes. This neighborhood is a prestigious residential community developed by the Canadian Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. Originally, the CPR received six thousand acres of land in the city center. After laying out curving streets with lush lawns and trees, it sold the lots for more than $1 million.
The community was designated a heritage conservation area by the city to protect the pre-1940s houses. Many of these old mansions have undergone extensive restoration. They were often built more than a century ago and are difficult to maintain.
This house is situated on West 32nd Avenue in Shaughnessy. It is the largest heritage A estate in the neighbourhood. The property features a two-storey foyer with beamed ceilings and a massive gold chandelier. There is a summer dining room and a fireside lounge.
In addition to the main house, there is an attached coach house with three additional bedrooms. The property has recently undergone a five-year multi-million dollar restoration.
Other notable homes in the neighbourhood include the Glen Brae house, a Scottish baronial style home. It was originally constructed in 1910.
Another historic mansion is the Rosemary Estate, a Victorian-style home that was built for Albert Tulk, a whiskey baron. Today, the estate is owned by the Congregation of Our Lady of the Cenacle. While the home is no longer used as a residence, the building survived as a retreat and is still in use as a rooming house.
Shaughnessy also offers a variety of rental homes. These offer space and privacy. Residents enjoy living in this peaceful neighbourhood.
Crescent Park
Located on the southeastern shore of Howe Sound, West Vancouver is a district municipality in British Columbia. It is home to Canada’s first shopping mall, Park Royal Shopping Centre, as well as a ferry terminal. The town has numerous public parks, an ice rink and several golf courses.
Crescent Park is an eclectic mix of notable architecture. Birge Clark’s best examples of the Spanish Colonial Revival are in this neighborhood. This neighbourhood is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
In addition to its fanciful architecture, the neighbourhood also has a surprisingly large number of ponds, streams and a multi-purpose field. The park offers two covered picnic shelters, upgraded pickleball courts, and a 3.8 km long nature trail.
The water’s edge is a luxury development located within the neighbourhood. It features an abundance of amenities, including a library, gym, sauna, concierge, and secured parking. Several of the residences are located on a private road, and all of them offer scenic views of the Capilano River and downtown Vancouver.
Among the more noteworthy landmarks of the neighbourhood are its numerous picnic shelters, which can be rented on a first come, first served basis. Other attractions include the 18-hole par 3 golf course, a skating rink, a pool, and more.
Some of the best properties in the neighbourhood are situated along the Point Grey Road. Many of the homes in this area are hidden behind tall hedges. However, paddleboarders will be rewarded with views of the Pacific Ocean.
There are many homes in the neighbourhood that boast impressively large yards. A few examples of the finest of these are the Water’s Edge, a luxury residential complex located just steps away from Park Royal.
Belmont Avenue
Belmont Avenue is often referred to as “Billionaire’s Row” and is a popular street among high-end homes. It’s an affluent community with a variety of beautiful homes, all with views of the ocean and city. In fact, six of the top ten most expensive houses in Vancouver are located on this street.
One of these homes is currently being advertised for sale for just over a million dollars. The house is located on a 1.4-acre lot and features a seven-metre skylight. This property is turning 22 this year.
Another property on the street is a two-acre mansion that was once owned by a high-flying businessman. It’s been sitting on the market for nearly a year and has been valued at over a million dollars.
Another house for sale is a Hawaiian-style home with twelve thousand square feet of luxury living space. There are four ensuite bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. This property is also worth a million dollars.
The former yoga-wear mogul Chip Wilson is the owner of this home. He owns Low Tide Properties and Lululemon. Also on the property is a private lookout.
A high-flying businessman once owned the house, but it was sold during the depression. A friend of the current owner, stoneworker Tony Rojac, told him that he wouldn’t be able to reveal the owner’s identity.
The property’s land is also for sale. It’s expected to sell for $13.8 million.
The property is being sold as an entertainer’s home. It’s open into two main gallery halls, and can hold up to 100 people. Throughout the home, there are large skylights and massive outdoor and indoor pools.
Belmont Avenue has seen its values dip in the past, but it’s still one of the most exclusive streets in the country. With its sweeping views of Howe Sound and the Spanish Banks, this home is sure to impress.
Real estate market
The West Vancouver real estate market is one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. It’s a hot spot for those looking for safe neighborhoods, a vibrant social life, and a variety of amenities. While the housing market is still in its early stages, it has the potential to continue its upward trajectory.
Real estate prices in the Vancouver area have increased steadily over the past several years. Prices for detached homes have risen by 6.4 percent in the last year. A large portion of the increase has come from local residents.
Compared to the 10-year average, single-family home sales in West Vancouver dropped by 34.6% in May. This was the first month of sales below the 10-year average since June 2021. However, it was still the second-highest selling month on record.
As the market transitions toward a buyers’ market, affordability concerns continue to rise. But economists say that the economy is still strong and unemployment is low. In addition, foreign investors are buying up a large amount of metro Vancouver property, thereby boosting the overall demand.
New home construction is also on the rise. Construction is expected to reach a 7.8 percent growth rate in the next five years.
The benchmark price in the Greater Vancouver area was $2,312,000 in April of 2022. That’s down $110,000 compared to the previous year. Interestingly, the benchmark price for apartments has only fallen by 1.5% compared to the previous month.
The condo benchmark price has also declined a little. However, the condo inventory is still incredibly limited.
In the year ahead, the real estate market in West Vancouver is expected to stay steady. Demand is primarily driven by retirees and move-up buyers.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.