This is an architecturally significant, exceptionally unique four level townhouse on one of the greenest streets in East Vancouver.
This home stands apart on account of its unique and dramatic layout and overall design, its superb oversize two car garage/ studio space, its large private yard and gardens, and its green, central, convenient location.
First and foremost, this home delivers in terms of functionality with excellent fundamentals. An end unit 1270 sqft townhouse over 4 levels with exposure to the north, south, and east provides exceptional light. Add to this a large private yard with mature gardens, a beautiful fountain, two patios, and a covered social area with a gas fire pit.
There’s also a large ~400 sqft studio space/ garage, which easily fits two cars and a workshop and storage. This space is completely encased in concrete, has in-floor heating, and suits a variety of purposes.
Finally, the location is very central while being exceptionally green. It’s tucked away from the bustle of the city and is sited directly across from a green space that spans the entire street. It’s like living at the edge of the forest.
Earl Cunningham built this complex in 1995. A series of 6 row townhouses on a triangular shaped lot, this unit is the easternmost end unit, “the bow.” It’s where the triangular shape of the building reaches its vertex. The private yard occupies the interstice/ setback of the building to the lot’s perimeter. It effectively wraps around the eastern end of the building and extends to the eastern edge of the lot. It’s a big space, approximately 2400 square feet.
Upon entering, you’ll find the bedroom suite one level up. This is a unique space with windows to the north and east, overlooking the green space of the street and the private yard respectively. The bedroom is tranquil and isolated from the rest of the building. There are no shared walls.
The bedroom is quite large and features a generous walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. There are heated floors with polished concrete in the bedroom and tile in the bathroom.
The bathroom has been completely renovated. Look for a custom walk-in shower with imported tile, frameless glass, European fixtures, custom millwork, recessed lighting, etc. Accessed via a smart sliding door, this is both a well proportioned and efficiently designed space.
One floor up from the bedroom is the kitchen and dining room area. This is an open plan space with many unique design features.
This room is wedge shaped. The kitchen is located at the widest extent of the triangle and the dining room space extends into the vertex, which is at a very acute angle. This could be the pointiest room in the city and it is an immediate conversation starter.
The kitchen is well appointed with original and very custom millwork, newer Silestone countertops and a double Fisher Paykel dishwasher. The layout is well considered and is excellent for entertaining.
Industrial design cues are featured throughout. The kitchen peninsula is clad in classic corrugated galvanized steel sheet metal which complements the heavy iron base of the built-in-place bar height table. These design cues continue throughout this home with custom lacquered raw steel handrails in the stairwell, exposed concrete walls, polished concrete floors, exposed beams and venting, etc.
The dining room is double height, spanning up to and above the living room on the mezzanine of the 4th level. Dramatic windows run exceptionally high and a series of south facing clerestory windows further illuminate the upper extents of the space.
This room has a treehouse feel to it, courtesy of the double-height ceilings, extensive natural light, and very green backdrop of the outlook. Floors are European engineered hardwood and the heating is handled by the hydronic system.
The uppermost level has an efficient powder room off of the stairwell, and a dramatic and open living room occupying the remainder of the space. The living room overlooks the dining area below on the 3rd floor. The ceiling is vaulted with exposed beams. A cozy gas fireplace with custom stone detailing is cleverly situated to partially separate the stairwell.
On the lower level you’ll find the 400 sqft garage/ studio, and an extra storage nook at the bottom of the stairs that extends into the space under the staircase.
The garage is exceptionally large and really well setup for a variety of uses. This is a wide and deep space. With heated concrete floors it would make a great artist’s studio, or an absolutely fantastic gym. With ample street parking out front, you don't have to use it for vehicle parking.
The yard and gardens are surprisingly large and well developed. The approximately 2400 sqft yard is triangular and takes up the entire green space of the eastern extent of the property. Well secured, there are gates by the entrance to the unit, and to the alley. The yard is bounded by mature plantings and fences.
It’s a very designy garden. The bow of the building soars above, cantilevered from the building and supported by a single cast in place concrete pillar. The edge of the building is super sharp, and that angle is replicated in the paver stone patio further into the yard.
Under cover of the bow, a great social space is organized on a concrete patio. A gas fire pit is central, and a cast in place bench at the perimeter is finished with a commercial grade custom water feature finished in weathering steel.
Overall, this is a big yard, on par with the back yards of houses on smaller lots. Currently set up to be low maintenance with in-ground sprinklers and timed lighting, this space could be anything you wanted it to be. Facing east with a long southern fetch, the yard would make a great vegetable garden. Or just keep it as it is, private and perfect for entertaining.
The sheer convenience of the neighbourhood with its coffee shops, shopping, and easily accessible transit make this a perfect spot if you are wanting to minimize the use of a car.
Walk over to Commercial Drive for just about every imaginable amenity. All the fantastic restaurants, cafes, shops and services are available on foot.
Biking is a breeze from this location with quick access to the bike route network. If you do need to get somewhere by car, it’s an easy 10 minute commute downtown. Access to Highway 1 is also easy and the North Shore is 20 minutes away.
It’s a 10 minute walk to the Broadway Skytrain Station. VCC Skytrain station is one block away, soon be extended to the new Broadway Line. Broadway bus lines are close by.
An excellent functional layout, truly outstanding form and design, awesome outdoor spaces, a huge flexible studio/ garage space, and a top location with a bright future makes this home an absolute unicorn. There’s nothing else like it in the city. Contact us for a private showing.
