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:
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New Arbutus Live MLS Listings
Arbutus in Vancouver, BC
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3979 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2313708
$6,850,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2313708
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,627 sq. ft.
Perched high atop prominent Puget Drive, w/ sweeping views of the water and mountains, rests this luxurious home designed by renowned architect Ted Murray. You will be struck by the outstanding blend of unique design elements & ever-present functionality as you walk through this one-of-a-kind home. Key highlights include an artistic glass-enclosed open-tread staircase, climate controlled wine wall display, & sliding glass windows to the sit-up outdoor bar. The gourmet kitchen makes indoor entertaining a breeze while you can also take the party outside to the oversized roof top deck featuring hot tub, outdoor kitchen and BBQ. This 4 bed 4.5 bath home is situated on an oversized 38’x122.2' lot that also has a laneway home. Smart home with Control 4 automation. Built in 2017 - No GST. More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2338 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2267679
$6,398,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2267679
- 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 smart phone. Includes 2/5/10 National Home Warranty. UBC close drive away. More detailsListed by Homeland Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2638 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2279563
$6,288,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2279563
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,275 sq. ft.
DEFINITELY ONE OF THE GORGEOUS & BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN MOST POPULAR ARBUTUS LOCATION. Almost 4,300 sq.ft. of luxurious living area sits on beautiful landscaped level lot 51 x 122 (6,222 sq.ft.). Steps away from TRAFALGAR ELEM., PW HIGH SCHOOL. Close to YORK HOUSE, ST. GEORGE'S & CROFTON Private school, UBC. This exceptional home offers quality finishing and give you a feeling of luxury & modern living, open flr plan w/high ceiling & hard wood flr, marbles thru out. Total 6 bdrms & den, 5.5 baths, entertaining sized family rm over looking the park like garden. Large gourmet kitchen w/high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances, wok kit, HOME THEATRE, WET BAR, WINE CELLAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYS,RADIANT FLOOR HEAT, A/C, HRV, SOUTHERN EXPOSURE BACK YARD. MUST SEE! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3442 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2306567
$6,288,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2306567
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,244 sq. ft.
Built in 2014 this 4 level contemporary home is exceptional in every way. Situated on the prestigious Quesnel Drive, this property has post card quality views over the city towards downtown and the North Shore Mountains. Architecturally, the exterior of this beautiful home has clean lines, hardy board exterior with cedar wood accents. Upon entering the home the sleek design and light finishing’s with a magnificent kitchen that is an open plan attached to the living area and access to the exterior deck. 3 bedrooms up, all with spa like ensuites and a bonus 3rd level family room with spacious deck overlooking the city. Rec room, Gym and home office complete the lower level. 3 car garage w/ car lift. Special home is not to be missed! More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2569 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2295982
$5,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2295982
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,144 sq. ft.
Brand new luxury house on a beautiful tree-lined street in Arbutus. Craftsmanship & superior finishes throughout. It's designed to provide a contemporary living, such as elegant tiles & hardwood flooring throughout, Chef's kitchen is equipped with professional S/S appliances Miele / WOLF, center island and pantry, 4 generous ensuite bedrooms upstairs, huge recreation room with wet bar, media room, 1 guest room, 2 bedrooms, wine cellar & sauna room, perfect for indoor entertaining. Just steps away from Trafalgar Elem & park. Enjoy from Arbutus shopping centre where u can find services, banks & grocery shops. A short drive to Arbutus Club, Prince of Wales Secondary, York House, LFA & Shaughnessy Elementary. This gives u the lifestyle you want! It is where you will love to live. More detailsListed by Maxcel Westcoast Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3508 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2257642
$5,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2257642
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,055 sq. ft.
Fabulous custom 5 bdrm home located in Arbutus with gorgeous mountain and city view. Designed by renowned architect Loy Leyland and built with top quality workmanship including: all top of the line appliances, classic oak & birch hardwood flooring, wood core Loewen windows with aluminum clad exteriors, solid French door, HRV, extensive use of crown mouldings, 11 ft high ceilings. Main floor features an open layout Gourmet chef kitchen with S/S Sub-Zero, Wok kitchen and entertaining sized family room. Upper floor has 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 den. Lower level has a 700-bottle wine cellar and a great recreation room plus a guest bdrm. 4-car garage. School Catchment: PW Sec & Carnarvon Elem. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2245 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2305394
$5,960,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2305394
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,143 sq. ft.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS MAGNIFICENT CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN MOST DESIRABLE ARBUTUS LOCATION. Almost like New over 4,140 sq.ft. sits on high side of street with BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPED lot 50 x 121.89. STEPS AWAY TO TRAFALGAR ELEMENTARY & PRINCE WALES HIGH SCHOOL. CLOSE TO YORK HOUSE, ST. GEORGE'S & CROFTON PRIVATE SCHOOL, UBC. This beautiful home offers supreme quality finishing give a feeling of modern living. HIGH CEILING, open plan layout. Huge gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances. LARGE center island & granite counter top. 5 bedrooms & den, 4 full bath, 2 half bath, HOME THEATRE, WET BAR, WINE CELLAR, RADIANT FLOOR HEAT. A/C, HRV, SECURITY SYSTEM, SOUTH FACING AND secured private fenced yard with PARK-LIKE GARDEN. MUST SEE! HURRY DON'T MISS! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2688 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2235398
$5,890,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2235398
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,518 sq. ft.
This gorgeous custom built home in the desirable Arbutus area sitting on 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 line appliances, wet bar, A/C, HRV, radiant floor heating system, media room, steam baths, sauna. MINUTES WALK TO TRAFALGAR ELEM, PRINCE OF WALES HIGH, ST GEORGE'S & YORK HOUSE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, UBC, SHOPPING, TRANSIT. MUST SEE! More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2362 OLIVER Crescent in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2309923
$5,498,800Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2309923
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,039 sq. ft.
Beautiful Custom Built Home Centrally located in Arbutus Area! Designed by renowned Architect and Interior Designer and Built by Italian builder. Exquisite Craftsmanship. Supreme finishing, full attention to detail. Featuring Stone/Stucco exterior, gated retaining wall, high ceiling, extensive use of crown mouldings, marble, & granite. 6 bdrms & 7baths. dream kitchen with maple finish cabinetry, wok kitchen, home theatre, wet bar, A/C, HRV, radiant heating, built-in vacuum, security system, 4 car garage & much more. Close to Trafalgar Elementary, Prince of Wales Secondary School, St. George's, York House, UBC, Shopping & Transit. South facing back yard, bright and cozy, easy to show! Open House Saturday October 13, 2-4 PM More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty and Razor Projects - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2467 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2292938
$5,280,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2292938
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,469 sq. ft.
Meticulously maintained home in Arbutus area sits on a 50' x 148.92' (7,446 sq ft) deep lot. Over 4400 sq ft functional floor plan with 13' high ceiling foyer, granite flooring, spacious living room with 11.5' high ceiling, gourmet kitchen & wok kitchen with top quality appliances and granite countertops, air conditioning, HRV, radiant heat flooring, steam shower. Upstairs with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Basement with huge recreation room and 3 guest bedrooms. 3-car detached garage and beautiful landscaped garden. Close to shopping at Choices Markets, Loblaws City Market, café, restaurants, transit to UBC, UBC or Langara College. Close to Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Whales Secondary Schools catchments. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
