Arbutus, an affluent residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s West Side, extends from 16th Avenue on the north to 41st on the south and from Mackenzie Street on the west to Arbutus Street on the east. A mature community with stately homes on large lots between tree-lined streets interspersed with quiet neighbourhood parks and with clear views of the nearby mountains to the north, Arbutus in the middle of Vancouver’s west side has easy access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the seaside areas of Kitsilano and Jericho Beach. Most of the population of about 16,000 live in single-family homes. Neighborhood schools are Prince of Wales Secondary School, Carnarvon Elementary School, and Trafalgar Elementary School, which conducts a French immersion program.
Historical Notes
Ironically, this affluent neighbourhood was once the “Asthma Flats” in the late 1800s and early 1900s, little more than a swamp traversable by plank walkways. As in much of Vancouver, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought commercial and residential development to Arbutus Ridge after 1888, when the province turned the area over to the railroad. The Arbutus line remains adjacent to Arbutus Street throughout the east side of the neighbourhood though now abandoned and unused. Arbutus Ridge became a municipality of the City of Vancouver in 1929
Mackenzie Heights in the southwest corner of Arbutus Ridge was in 1912 the first area of the community to start large-scale residential development. Not until the 1940s did developers haul sand from False Creek to fill in the Asthmas Flats for construction of property improvements on the bottom lands.
High Property Values
The single-family home at 2805 West 19th Avenue may look like a bungalow but in fact has six bedrooms and two bathrooms on three levels. A good home and investment, the house has a full basement with a two-bedroom suite which could bring in substantial income. Built in 1942, the 2,310-square-foot home lists for $1.598 million. Annual property taxes are just over $6,000.
Many shops and amenities are within walking distance: a Starbucks coffee shop, Choices Market, La Buca Italian Trattoria, Trafalgar’s at Sweet Obsession, and the Jamaican-inspired Patty Shop. The home is close to Prince of Wales secondary and Carnarvon and Trafalgar elementary schools, and to transit stops just steps away.
Canadian Pacific Controversy
The Arbutus Corridor is marred by train tracks that have not seen a train for years. Cyclists and environmentalists lobby for conversion of this 11-kilometre strip to use as a greenway. The Canadian Pacific Railway owns the land but the city won the legal right to determine land use zoning in a 2006 court decision. The city’s long-term 2040 Transportation Plan describes the Arbutus Corridor as “an east-west barrier.”
Canadian Pacific has asked more than 15,000 people and businesses to remove any property along the train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor as it continues its review of the rail line. No trains have used the line since 2001. The City of Vancouver, which has the last word on use of the corridor, says it is against a return of heavy rail, but residents fear that Canadian Pacific may intend to resume it.
Community Vision PlanIn November 2005, the Vancouver City Council approved the Arbutus Ridge-Kerrisdale-Shaughnessy Community Vision Plan, which seeks to retain the historic and mature character of the area and to further improve the community by:
|
Information Links: |
|---|
New Arbutus Live MLS Listings
Arbutus in Vancouver, BC
-
2335 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2163361
$7,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2163361
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,700 sq. ft.
VIEW OF MOUNTAINS & CITY ! DIFFERENTLY " ONE OF KIND ". TRULY AMAZING CLASSIC NEW HOME IN MOST PRESTIGIOUS ARBUTUS LOCATION. 4,700 SQ.FT OF LUXURIOUS LIVING AREA SITS on high side street with Beautiful landscaped lot almost 50' x 150'. STEPS AWAY FROM TRAFALGAR ELEMENTARY & PRINCE WALES HIGH SCHOOL. CLOSE TO YORK HOUSE, ST. GEORGE'S & CROFTON PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC. This exceptional home offers supreme finishing give a feeling of luxury & modern living. High Ceiling, open plan layout, hardwood floor thru out, stunning spacious design, open gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top off line appliances as MIELE, large center island & granite counter top. 5 bedrooms & den, 7 baths, HOME THEATRE, TATAMI ROOM, WINE CELLAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYSTEM, RADIANT FLOOR HEAT, A/C, HRV, SOUTH-FACING & PARK LIKE GARDEN. MUST SEE! More detailsRE/MAX Select Properties
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2338 WEST 21 Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2194691
$6,998,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2194691
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,270 sq. ft.
Elegant and unique Arbutus dream home unlike anything else you've ever seen. The luxury home glistens with quality and extensive craftsmanship. The main floor features a stunning spacious design, built in office, open gourmet kitchen with top of the line Miele appliances. The top floor features 4 bedrooms all with an ensuite bathroom and a balcony attached to two of the bedrooms. The basement consists of a home theatre, wet bar; a temperature controlled wine cellar, a sauna and spa as well as a gym. Control 4 automation system is installed throughout the house providing complete control of music, sound, lighting and entertainment from your smartphone. Includes 2/5/10 National Home Warranty. UBC close drive away. More detailsHomeland Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2428 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2171307
$6,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2171307
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,825 sq. ft.
Custom built beautiful home with first class of workmanship and top of the line materials throughout. 4825 sqft spacious living open with grand foyer, designer marble entry, vaulted ceiling in the living room, south facing family room open to sundeck, spacious wok kitchen, granite counter top and back splash in kitchen, maple hardwood floor, cherry cabinets. Mile fridge A/C, HRV, high quality aluminum alloy windows, built in vacuum in every room, surround sound system, basement entertainment center including media room with all the bells & whistles, sauna & wine cellar. 5” Lindab half round steel gutter system. The list goes on. Corner lot with plenty of sunlight, southern view of park and north shore mountain view. Beautiful street appeal More detailsSutton Group - Seafair Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
3936 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2194113
$6,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2194113
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,291 sq. ft.
VIEW VIEW VIEW! Welcome to this beautiful3 storey home located in prime Arbutus neighbourhood with some of the best views in Vancouver. Sitting on a nearly 6600sq ft lot, this home offers 4291sq ft of living spaces featuring functional layouts. Entertainment sized living and family room, top-notch gourmet kitchen and an office occupies the main floor. A total of 5 bedrooms and 5 112 baths with 3 bedroom suites on the top floor, basement's 2 bedrooms to accommodate guests and in-laws. Massive recreation room and media room to entertain your guests. Well manicured front and back yard, rooftop deck with a hot-tub makes the outdoor space an ultimate enjoyment for your family. Top school catchment- P.W. Secondary, St. George's, Lord Kitchener. Close to UBC More detailsRE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2190 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2182027
$6,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2182027
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,268 sq. ft.
One of the most gracious homes on the West Side, an integration of ideas and perfect achievement by an exquisite furniture / millwork manufacturer, award-winning Architect Alexandre Ravkov and renowned Bela Construction. This stylish retreat reflects a magical inter-mix of Victorian-style inspiration and architecture, a masterpiece of classic design and superb craftsmanship featuring mahogany millwork throughout, hand-carved moldings and fireplace mantle, marble flooring and intricately finished barrel-vault ceiling. Featuring 7 generous sized bedrooms (including a self-contained housekeeper suite) & 6 ensuite bathrooms, home theatre, spectacular garden with waterfall and pond. More detailsMacdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2688 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2177494
$6,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2177494
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,518 sq. ft.
This gorgeous custom built home in the desirable Arbutus area sitting on a beautiful corner lot facing Trafalgar Park and with southern backyard. Offers 4,500 SF luxurious living space. Grand foyer with high ceiling, elegant 6 bedrooms & den, 6.5 baths, large open gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top-of-the-line appliances, wet bar, A/C, HRV, radiant floor heating system, media room, steam baths, sauna. MINUTES WALK TO TRAFALGAR ELEMENTARY, PRINCE OF WALES HIGH, ST GEORGE'S & YORK HOUSE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, UBC, SHOPPING, TRANSIT. MUST SEE! More detailsRoyal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
3149 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2192791
$6,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2192791
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,500 sq. ft.
Extraordinary marvelous custom built character home by award winning construction and renowned interior designer in popular Arbutus area! Big south facing lot with 49x153, this 4500 sf home offers supreme finishing & details of craftmanship, provides feeling of luxurious comfort modern living, high ceilings, quality H/W flr, gourmet kit & wok kit, A/C, HRV, top of the line appls, fully equipped home theatre system, sauna, steam, smart home system, huge deck and private park-like garden. Steps to Carnarvon Elem School, close to Prince of Wales Secondary, York House, St. George Private Schools, UBC & transit. Must See! Open House Aug 5 2017 On Saturday 2-4pm More detailsRoyal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2467 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "ARBUTUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2189337
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2189337
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,469 sq. ft.
Spectacular custom built home in Arbutus, situated on large lot 50' x 148.92' (7446 sq ft). Super quality and workmanship throughout, high ceilings in foyer, attention to details, excellent four good size bdrms upstairs and 3 bdrms in basement Features include : A/C, radiant heating, HRV, home theatre in recreation room. Conveniently close to Arbutus shopping centre, Loblaws City Market, Safeway or Broadway shopping street etc. Schools nearby : Trafalgar Elementary, Prince of Wales Secondary & Kitsilano Secondary. More detailsRE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2266 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2153075
$5,899,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2153075
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,109 sq. ft.
Wonderful Arbutus 3 storey home on a 6100 sq ft (50' * 122') lot with a south backyard. Elegant design with functional floor plan features 5 bdrms and 6.5 bath with 4100 sq ft luxury living space. Detailed craft smanship throughout, Gourmet kitchen with wok kitchen equipped with top of the line appliances. High ceiling in living room, 4 spacious bedroom up including master ensuite with jacuzzi. Basement is nicely furnished with a cozy recreation room, Gym Rm, Steam, Wine Celler & home theatre with built in sound system A/C, HRV, 4 car garage etc. Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary Catchment. More detailsRoyal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
2817 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2196967
$5,688,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2196967
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,714 sq. ft.
Custom built luxury home in Arbutus area. Beautiful level lot over 5300sf. Open layout with lavish tiles throughout on main floor, Gourmet / Wok kitchen, Den and full bath. 4 generous size bedrooms up with 3 full baths. Basement features with entertaining size theatre room, wine cellar, wet bar and steam room. High ceiling on all levels, LED lightings, motorized window blinds, high end S/S appliances, HRV and air conditioning. Prince of Wales Secondary / Carnarvon Elementary catchment. 2-5-10 warranty. Call today for details and book your private showing. All measurements are approximate, buyers to verify if deemed important. More detailsRE/MAX Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
