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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4488 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2267096
$8,950,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2267096
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,985 sq. ft.
VILLA BELLA! Location, location! Unobstructed wide open downtown mountain view on top of mountain Quesnel/20 largest lot in the prime view area. Total living area over 5000 SF (Interior plus 5 exterior & 5 prime view patios). Modern castle by famous architect Kingsley Lo, who is well known to design for European princes' summer home. Walk to PW & Trafalgar. 2 years Italian stylish renovation floor radiant heat. Air conditioning 5 extra large bedrooms all with patio & ensuite. 300 bottle wine cellar. Special fashion fitting room Stadium seat home theatre 3 car heated garage. Central but quiet location, rarely available Villa Bella 4488 Quesnel Drive. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2335 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2280058
$6,988,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2280058
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,700 sq. ft.
IEW OF MOUNTAINS & CITY! DIFFERENTLY "ONE OF KIND". TRULY AMAZING CLASSIC NEW HOME IN MOST PRESTIGIOUS ARBUTUS LOT 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 ELEM. & PRINCE WALES HIGH. 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 kit w/high-end cabinetry & top off line appliances as MIELE, large center island & granite counter top. 5 bedrooms & den, 7 baths, HOME THEATRE, TATAMI RM., WINE CELLAR, STEAM BATH, SAUNA, HOME SMART SECURITY SYM, RADIANT FLR HEAT, A/C, HRV,SOUTH-FACING & PARK LIKE GARDEN. MUST SEE! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3979 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2244723
$6,850,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2244723
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,627 sq. ft.
Perched high atop prominent Puget Drive, with sweeping views of the water and mountains, rests this luxurious contemporary home designed by renowned architect Ted Murray. Boasting an immense attention to detail, you will be struck by the outstanding blend of unique design elements and 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, and 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 for guests, family, or rental. 2 car garage plus open 3rd parking spot. Extensive concrete work and landscaping throughout. Smart home with Control 4 automation. Built in 2017. No GST applicable. Showings by appointment only. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2190 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2254135
$6,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2254135
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 4,268 sq. ft.
One of the most unique homes on the West side, an integration of ideas & perfect achievement by an exquisite furniture/millwork manufacturer, award winning architect Alexandre Ravkov & renowned Bela Construction. This stylish retreat reflects a magical inter-mix of Victorian style inspiration & architecture, a masterpiece of classic design & superb craftsmanship featuring mahogany millwork throughout, hand-carved moldings & fireplace mantle, marble flooring & intricately finished barrel-vaulted ceiling. Featuring 7 generous sized bedrooms (including a self contained housekeeper suite) & 6 ensuite bathrooms, home theatre, spectacular garden with waterfall & pond. More detailsListed by Macdonald 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
$6,588,000Residential 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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3508 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2257642
$6,580,000Residential 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 Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2428 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2250400
$6,580,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2250400
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,825 sq. ft.
Fabulous custom built luxury home in Arbutus. First class workmanship & high end materials throughout. Offers 4825 sq ft living space on a 7680 sq ft lot. 7 bdrms + 6.5 baths. 4 ensuites upstairs. Quality finishings features: grand foyer, designer marble entry, vaulted ceiling in living room, south facing family room open to sundeck, spacious wok kitchen, kitchen with granite countertop, maple hardwood floor, cherry cabinets. Miele fridge, A/C, HRV, high quality aluminum alloy windows, built in vacuum in every room, surrounded sound system, basement boasts a media room, sauna & wine cellar. 5' Lindab half round steel gutter system. Must see! School Catchment : Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. Open House: Sun (June. 10) 2-4pm More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - 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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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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4248 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale in "Arbutus /MacKenzie Heights" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2251476
$5,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2251476
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,951 sq. ft.
180 degrees of Vancouver panoramic skyline unobstructed views from every level of this home. Architectural custom masterpiece designed by Kingsley Lo. Contemporary custom built and substantially renovated in 2004. Very bright & efficient 4 bedrooms floor plan with view balconies & large open patio. Large Custom Cherry wood kitchen with SS Miele appliances and 2x36" side by side SubZero fridge/freezer, built in Espresso, built-in double oven. Comfortably air-conditioned main floor, bright with several skylights, in-floor water heating system throughout, hardwood floors and much more. The most desirable and rarely offered for sale area of Vancouver West. More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
