On the main peninsula of the City of Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of the southwestern corner of the Canadian Province of British Columbia, the neighbourhood of Dunbar–Southlands extends northward from the Fraser River past Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the west to West 16th Avenue, where the border extends eastward to the neighbourhoods of Arbutus Ridge and Kerrisdale east of Puget Drive, Mackenzie Street, and Blenheim Street. The Southlands area of the neighbourhood south of Marine Drive near the river is one of lavish mansions, golf courses, and horse farms.
Historical Sketch
History or legend records the first European settlers as farmers Fitzgerald and Sam McCleery in 1863. In 1912, the Canadian Pacific Railway and the provincial government, which by then held most of the land, established a subdivision for construction of residences for the planned University of British Columbia under development just to the west. By 1927, Dunbar had three streetcar lines and a number of unique homes, many still standing; 21 are on the City of Vancouver heritage register.
Affluent Southlands
Southlands is ideal for the high-flying, jet-setting lifestyle as Vancouver International Airport on Sea Island across the river is a short drive away. Trees line Southlands streets and often arch across the entire roadway. In early spring, hundreds of cherry trees blossom. The city maintains eight parks within Dunbar-Southlands. The extensive Pacific Spirit Regional Park has many kilometres of trails and the Camosun Bog wetland. Southlands lots are mostly of multi-acre dimensions behind million-dollar mansions that dominate the land.
Dunbar-Southland are in fact two distinct neighbourhoods combined into one. North of Southlands, Dunbar too has quiet streets lined with grand old trees and landscaped parks. Cross the line from Southlands to Dunbar and property quality declines from magnificent to merely luxurious. Multi-million dollar mansions on expansive, secluded estates give way to large single-family homes on pristine lots. Dunbar-Southland is a neighbourhood of mostly established families, not many recent immigrants, and less ethnic diversity than in Vancouver overall, but this feature may change as condominium construction makes the housing stock more affordable.
Commerce and Education
The Dunbar Business Improvement Area (BIA), the newest Vancouver BIA, covers ten blocks along Dunbar Street between 16th and 41st Avenues as far east as Collingwood Street. Shopping in the quaint stores along Dunbar Street adds to the distinctively genteel neighbourhood ambiance. About 12,350 inhabit the Dunbar BIA.
The proportion of people between the ages of 5 and 19 is well above the Metro Vancouver average. Dunbar-Southlands residents value formal education highly. The independent St George’s School on the eastern edge of Pacific Spirit Regional Park has ranked at the top of the British Columbia schools for several years. Two other schools, West Point Grey and Crofton House, rank regularly in the top five. Lord Byng and University Hill are perhaps the most academically distinguished in a field of highly reputable public secondary schools.
Careers
Fifty-six percent of Dunbar-Southlanders hold university degrees compared to thirty-nine percent for the city and thirty-one for Metro Vancouver. Perhaps reflecting the fact that neighbourhood education levels are significantly higher than average regional levels, many residents work in leadership positions and in specialized fields in social sciences, education, government, religion, business management, natural and applied sciences, and health care.
This stunning residence is situated on an ideal 61’ x 167’ south facing lot in Dunbar. Custom built in 2009 and then extensively renovated inside and out in 2016, the home offers almost 5,000 sf of fabulous interior space. With four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a massive kitchen, great room, media room, home office and more, there is plenty of space for a family to spread out and enjoy. The entire property is enhanced by exquisite landscaping and a sprawling and secluded Julie Hodgson designed rear garden retreat complete with a spectacular pool, hot tub, cabana, outdoor living room with gas fireplace, and a very special garage roof top herb and vegetable garden! Overlooking all of this is a spacious open-air dining room providing the ultimate destination for outdoor entertaining.More details
This exquisite masterpiece is located in Dunbar on and 8646 sq ft lot (71.1' x 121.6') with nearly 5,300 sq ft living spaces. It features grand foyer, entertaining sized living and dining room, Gourmet Kitchen & WOK Kitchen with top-of-line Miele appliances, radiant heat, smart home system, large rooftop deck. 4 bdrms upstairs, all ensuite with fabulous city&ocean view, Germany brand Grohe faucet and shower. Basement boasts large size media room; Apple TV system provides thousands of auto-updated films, steam/sauna, exercise room & much more to enjoy! Double garages. School Catchment: Lord Kitchener Elementray & Lord Byng Secondary. Open house on Sat April 2 from 2-4 pm.More details
TRULY AMAZING HOME IN MOST PRESTIGIOUS DUNBAR LOCATION. 2018 high quality construction, over 5200sqft masterpiece on a beautiful landscaped lot 66 x 131.9 (8705 sqft). This huge home defines 6 bdrms & 8 bths, offers supreme finishing give a feeling of luxurious MODERN & TRADITIONAL living. 11 ft super high ceiling with SCHONBEK crystal chandeliers thru out the main&basement, open layout, Huge gourmet kitchen with top of line appliances, marble countertop, huge kitchen island, separate wok kitchen. Lots of details throughout. HOME THEATRE,KTV, GYM, WINE CELLAR, SAUNA &STEAM, A/C, HRV, RADIANT FLOOR HEATING, HOME SMART SECURITY SYSTM. Close to ST. GEORGE'S, CROFTON PRIVATE SCHOOL, LORD BYNG, POINT GREY HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTHLANDS ELEM, TRANSIT, & UBC. MUST SEE!More details
One of the finest homes built in Dunbar! Featuring a wine cellar, a media room in the basement, walnut floors on the main, in-floor radiant heating throughout the home, a 3-car garage and huge kitchen, eating area and family room. All of the appliances are top of the line, featuring a 48" Sub Zero fridge and a 48" Wolf gas range. The french doors off of the family room open to an immense private patio. This is a must see home!More details
A masterpiece by Kingstone. Sitting on the higher side of the st., this English Tudor style Dunbar Mansion on offers approx. 5500 Sf luxury living space on a 50x165=8206 SF lot. It features open flr plan on the main flr w/a bright & spacious wok kitchen, family room; 4 bdrms upstairs; basement features an entertainment area w/bar, wine cellar, prof theatre & 2 extra bdrms. High ceiling on all 3 levels. High end finishing throughout, extensive use of marble on the main flr, millwork, Euro-line windows, Miele appliances, Kohler fixtures, granite countertops, and so much more. 3 bdrms have balconies. Southern water VIEW on the 2nd level. Short stroll to Dunbar shopping, Crofton House; easy drive to St Georges, UBC. All measurements are approx, buyer to verify.More details
Beautiful home located in prestigious Dunbar neighbourhood. Exceptional quality, practical layout with luxurious finishes. High ceiling throughout creates a bright & spacious interior. Main level welcomes you with open living/dining rooms, elegant built-in millwork. Entertainer's dream kitchen with top of the line Miele appliances, farmhouse sink, views of spacious backyard via eating area & family room. 4 generous suites upstairs each with spa-like bathrooms. Relax & entertain in the basement complete with home theatre, wine display, sauna/steam shower & wet bar. Wired with Smart Home Technology throughout for modern living. Large backyard, sundeck & triple garage. Near St. Georges, Crofton House private schools, Southlands Elementary, Point Grey Secondary & UBC. Short stroll to shops.More details
This bespoke home is situated in the prestigious Dunbar neighborhood of Vancouver West. A home of exceptional luxury quality materials and impressive design, sitting majestically on a large south-facing lot with mountain and ocean views. This one a kind estate boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and over four thousand square feet of living space. Impeccable European-inspired designs for unmatched elegance and presence. Master hand-craftsmanship and finishing blend seamlessly with the grand 11" feet high ceilings. The entire property is surveillance gated for privacy and security. Surrounded by garden beds and beautiful landscaping. It is also conveniently located minutes away from UBC, Saint Georges.More details
PRESTIGIOUS DUNBAR LOCATION! Stunning, custom-built SOUTH-facing home sits on beautiful 50 ft wide property, sun-drenched backyard with private fenced yard and back lane. Designed by famous architect Loy Leyland, built by experienced west side builder. This home offers 5 bedroom suites on the upper floor, H/W flooring throughout the house, wok kitchen, theatre room, plenty of entertainment areas, smart system and a lot more. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Book your private showing today! Close to private schools St. George's, Crofton House, York House, and WPGA. Nearby public transport, golf course, UBC, entertainment, shopping and groceries.More details
Charming new family home located in a quiet tree-lined street in sought after West Dunbar. Close to St.George's and Crafton House private schools. Point Grey Secondary and Southland Elementary Schools. Pacific Spirit Park and Dunbar Community Center as neighbours. Luxury Design and Quality Materials.More details
Contemporary Villa living style! Concrete-built home by renowned builder G. Wilson & landscape by Paul Sangha. This 3-level home showcases the ultimate in modern design; 12' ceilings, marble flooring, custom millwork, chef kitchen with appliances Gaggenau, floor-to-ceiling doors that open creating an intimate indoor/outdoor living space. Master bdrm boasts a lounge area & inner lit "onyx" fireplace, spainspired ensuite & walk-in closet. The bsmt includes a full rec. rm w/ kitchen, 2 bdrms & office. Landscape with daybeds, 48" barbeque, firepits, hot tub, infinite water feature & waterfall wall. Smart home system integrated by LaScala with lighting, HVAC, audio-visual, TV & apple TV, all LED lights, motorized blinds & curtains etc. Private showing only. Open house: May 28, 2-4pm.More details