There are a lot of impressive properties in Vancouver, both downtown and in the surrounding suburban neighbourhoods. But there’s only one property that can claim the title of having the largest lot in the city: Gables Estate! Thanks to a feature in the Globe & Mail, we just found out that this famous home is currently for sale – for almost $30 Million!
Located at 2106 South West Marine Drive, this 10,595 square foot mansion from a bygone era sits in the center of a sprawling 4.25 acre lot, made all the more impressive by the fact that it’s less than 10 kilometres from Vancouver’s downtown core. Built in 1929 in the Tudor style (with gables aplent!), the mansion was originally owned by W.G. Murrin, the president of PC Electric (currently BC Hydro), and his wife.
The Tudor Revival style became popular at the turn of the century – beginning in the UK – and was largely a rebuttal to the popularity of Victorian Gothic Revival and the beginning of mass production of housing elements. “The emphasis was on the simple, rustic, and the less impressive aspects of Tudor architecture, imitating in this way medieval cottages or country houses. Although the style follows these more modest characteristics, items such as steeply pitched-roofs, half-timbering often infilled with herringbone brickwork, tall mullioned windows, high chimneys, jettied (overhanging) first floors above pillared porches, dormer windows supported by consoles, and even at times thatched roofs, gave Tudor revival its more striking effects. It is also quite expensive.” – Wikipedia.
The impressive property didn’t change hands until the 1960s when both Murrins passed away within a couple years of each other. In the years the decades that followed, as other expansive lots in the area were broken apart into smaller properties and redeveloped Gables Estate and it’s large parcel of land remained untouched. The sprawling grounds are extrmemely picturesque, with towering mature trees, manicured gardens, hidden ponds, a golf green, and panoramic views that stretch to the Gulf Islands.
The second owners’ tenure was largely unremarkable and their changes to the home were minimal. They did install an oversized and gaudy carport off the front of the house, which has since been torn down to preserve the home’s curb appeal. Peter Bull, the third and current owner of the estate, was originally drawn in by the majesty of the historic home, and it’s surprising warmth. The home has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread out over four floors, including an incredible 2,400 square foot master suite with a 1,000 square foot private terrace! Wowza!
After taking possession in 2014, Mr. Bull began an involved renovation to add contemporary conveniences while being carful to preserve the home’s heritage and Tudor aesthetic. According to him, it was a “very intricate, time-consuming, detail-oriented process.” For example, he took on the time-consuming task of installing an in-floor heating system, without damaging any of the original hardwood. With similar care, he removed the living room wallpaper piece by piece (a frustratingly terrible task, if you’ve ever done it). Post-renovation, the impressive home now successfully integrates majestic elegance of days-gone-by with modern sophistication and comfort.
The master bath is a perfect example of this blending of old and new!
Check out the attention to detail in the Tudor-style cigar room – one of Mr. Bull’s favourite hangouts. Everything has been well-preserved, right down to the intricate moulding!
Only select parts of the house were chosen to more fully embrace a modern aesthetic, such as the stairwell, kitchen, and family room (with stunning walk-out to the infinity pool)! The blonde wood floor is a dead giveaway that you’re entering one of the ‘contemporary’ spaces.
Can you imagine taking advantage of the 65’ x 17’ slate infinity edge pool and hot tub?! Sigh.
More tantalizing fetures include a personal gym, a 300-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, a theatre room with 100-inch projection TV and sound system, and a top floor 1,167 square foot loft space with balcony!
All of this can be yours if you make Mr. Bull and offer – the price is set at $29,800,000!
Take a video tour of the estate below!
Greg Carros & David Hung present The Gables Estate – 360hometours.ca from 360hometours.ca on Vimeo.
The realtor’s website can be found here.
~ Posted by Steven Fudge, the purveyor of canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca and proprietor of Urbaneer.com, a division of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
All images courtesy of The Globe & Mail and TheGablesEstate.com. Original photography by Phillip Crocker.
