Shaughnessy, Vancouver’s Upper Crust Neighbourhood
The Grandeur of Shaughnessy
The Shaughnessy neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is one of grand heritage homes. Its borders are 16th and 41st avenues on the north and south and Oak and Arbutus streets on the east and west. Shaughnessy is not a good fit for the Vancouver grid pattern of streets and avenues; instead, many roads loop and meander with the hilly terrain of the highest area in the city aside from nearby Queen Elizabeth Park. The neighbourhood’s estimated population is 9,000. Its name commemorates Thomas Shaughnessy, the American chief executive of the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1899 to 1918 when the king raised him to the British peerage as a first baron in 1916.
Shaughnessy has sprawling homes with enormous gardens. In September 2010 the average house sale price was $2,955,059. Average neighbourhood annual household income is $136K+, considerably higher than the Metro Vancouver average. In Shaughnessy, 51.5 percent of neighbourhood housing dates from before or during the Second World War II compared to 20.8 percent city-wide. The objective of the December 1998 First Shaughnessy Official Development Plan of the City of Vancouver is “to protect and preserve Shaughnessy’s unique pre–1940 character.” Two neighbourhood streets, Beverly Crescent and Cedar Crescent, have the highest average home values nationwide.
The Three Shaughnessys
The Canadian Pacific Railway developed the land for the First Shaughnessy neighbourhood in the early 1900s. The federal government in Ottawa granted the railroad, then the largest Canadian real estate developer, Old Shaughnessy north of King Edward Avenue as an inducement to extend its service to the West Coast. “First Shaughnessy” between 16th and 25th avenues and Oak Street and East Boulevard was the first such Canadian Pacific-developed subdivision. The area subsequently extended south of King Edward as far as 41st Avenue. The success and appeal of First Shaughnessy were so great that in the late ’20s and early ’30s development of adjacent land created the Second and then the Third Shaughnessy, where lots and houses are mostly smaller and more modest but still impressive by any measure.
Neighbourhood Attractions
A main Shaughnessy attraction is the VanDusen Botanical Garden, from 1911 to 1960 home of the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club as lessor and tenant of the Canadian Pacific Railway until the club moved to a new location. The railroad proposed a subdivision, which many influential citizens opposed, so in 1966 the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association formed to assist the Vancouver Park Board in acquiring and redeveloping the property. Acquisition and redevelopment funds came from the City of Vancouver, the British Columbia Government, the Vancouver Foundation, largest of Canada’s community foundations, and industrialist/philanthropist W J VanDusen, the garden’s namesake. VanDusen Botanical Garden opened in August 1975.
The Heritage Vancouver Society sponsors weekend morning two-hour walking tours of Shaughnessy architectural wonders and landscaping delights. The Glen Brae Mansion on Matthews Avenue, once after its career as a private home the headquarters building of the Canadian Ku Klux Klan and now the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, features twin, domed towers framing its front entrance. Hycroft Manor on McRae Avenue between Marpole Avenue and The Crescent around Shaughnessy Park, perhaps Vancouver’s most fashionable address, has 30 rooms on five acres housing the University Women’s Club of Vancouver since 1962. Hycroft Manor is open to the public for the club’s annual fundraiser, Christmas at Hycroft, and for many other events throughout the year.
Information Links:
http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/shaughnessy.aspx http://former.vancouver.ca/parks/cc/douglas/website/index.html
http://vancouver.ca/docs/planning/arbutus-ridge-kerrisdale-shaughnessy-arks-community-vision-full-report.pdf
New Shaughnessy Live MLS Listings
Shaughnessy, Vancouver's Upper Crust Neighbourhood
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3402 OSLER Street in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2188127
$24,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2188127
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 9,714 sq. ft.
Prime Sahughnessy Mansion. This fabulous 15 years old manor located on the "Crescent" prestigious 1st Shaughnessy area. Not only a home, a piece of art. Custom designed by renowned architect Loy Leyland, built attention to details by builder John Blackmore & interior designed by Joey Chan. 23,630 sq ft. Beautifully landscaped lot, close to 10,000 sq ft of luxurious living with superior quality, elegant interior, bright & open floor plan.6 spacious bedrooms (all ensuite). City & mountain view from master bedroom with 19' x 11' open deck & huge walk-in closet. Dream kitchen with top notch appliances & wok kitchen. Nook and family room overlooking indoor swimming pool & hot tub area (size: 22'10 x 59'4). Fully fenced mature garden with concrete driveway to 4-car garage at rear. Front yard fully fenced, with some secured gates & circular driveway. Advanced hi-tech security smart home, aircon, theatre, bar & wine cellar. This mansion provides complete indoor and outdoor healty & safe enjoyment for your whole family More detailsMacdonald Realty Westmar
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1469 MATTHEWS Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2187283
$19,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2187283
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 7,864 sq. ft.
This magnificent mansion is located in the prestigious First Shaughnessy area. Huge 22,056 sf south facing lot with a grand total of 7,864sf lavishly furnished living space. Seller spent millions of dollars to completely rebuild from studs w/new foundation, deepened bsmt & rain-screened exterior. Fantastic details all over, such as walnut wood flr, gorgeous millwork, high end fully equipped kit w/ brand name appls+ Wok kitchen, digital door lock, grand chandelier, & beautiful drapery. Total of 6 bdrm, 4 upstairs with walk in closets, 7 & half bathroom, including a Jacuzzi bath ensuite. Master bdrm occupies entire floor w/ a lovely lounge, office, his/hers closet & bath, sep laundry. Professional home theatre w/tune THX sound sys. Bsmt contains a separate boiler, rec rm. Spac 6 car garage at backyard! A must See! More detailsRoyal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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3690 SELKIRK Street in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2178319
$19,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2178319
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 8,717 sq. ft.
A grand architecture mansion. A great opportunity to own & renovate this precious Victorian styled mansion in an exclusive & private First Shaughnessy. On a huge lot w/over 32,000 sq ft, this well maintained Heritage B mansion offers over 7,200 sq ft of charming living area. Elegant millwork thruout the house. A total of 6 bdrms (can easily be converted to 8 bdrms) & spacious principal rooms. Modern kitchen was updated a few years ago. An enormous fenced backyard for your private entertainment - potential for O/D pool or tennis court or mini golf. Renowned private schools: York House, Little Flowers Academy & St George's School are nearby. South Granville eateries & shops & downtown are within a short driving distance. More detailsMacdonald Realty - Manyee Lui - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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3426 OSLER Street in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2175988
$19,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2175988
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 8,001 sq. ft.
Better than new. This gorgeously renovated Georgian Manor located in prestigious 1st Shaughnessy just off the "CRESCENT" is on .38 acre of land. Millions of dollars spent in recent years to bring this 8000sf home to a modern world class property, move-in ready with the finest finishings. A stunning, luxurious mansion with elegant grand entrance, Slovakia 'Bohemian' crystal chandelier suspended from spectacular leaded glass ceiling. Sophisticated gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances & separate commercial grade wok kitchen. Hardwood staircase leads upstairs to 4 bedrooms, all ensuites, & a sun-lit mountain view office. Basement contains the media room beside the rec room with additional 2 bedrooms & the maid's quarters. A rare opportunity to own this newer home in 1st Shaughnessy. More detailsSutton Grp-West Coast (w.blvd) - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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5087 CONNAUGHT Drive in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2133423
$19,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2133423
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 8,368 sq. ft.
Created by Vancouver's elite Builder Robert Walker, Architect, Interior Designer & Landscape Architects. Stunning foyer leading to expansive principal rooms for large scale entertaining. The ultimate kitchen with every conceivable feature complete with a generous eating area and impressive family room plus outdoor kitchen & deck. 4 ensuite bedrooms up with a master suite complete with private sun trap deck with water and mountain views. Stunning garden level features a huge games room with bar, wine cellar, 2 additional ensuite bedrooms, exercise room, sauna & steam facilities and separate theatre room. 2 car enclosed garage plus separate additional 2 car garage. You will appreciate the sophisticated design throughout and the finishes rarely available today. More detailsEngel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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1316 CONNAUGHT Drive in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2126400
$18,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2126400
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 9,615 sq. ft.
First Shaughnessy Mansion! Gorgeous contemporary custom built in 2004, designed by famous designer. Big lot of 19,301 sq ft with 9,615 sf. Luxurious living area: 6bdrms, 1 den& 8 bathrms. Modern & Elegant. Superb materials & craftsmanship. Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances. Upper level with 5 bdrms, dream master suite w/oval ceiling, spa like ensuite & closet. Down has an ensuite, home theatre with state of art AV system, wet bar, huge recreation room and wonderful indoor pool with hot tub, steam, sauna and designer landscaped garden. Shaughnessy Elementary School and Eric Hamber Secondary School Catchment. Close to private school. Exceptional home in Vancouver’s finest neighbourhood! Must have choice! VIP Open: Thursday, July 20, 10:30 am -1:30pm. More detailsRoyal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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1138 MATTHEWS Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale in "FSD" (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2016952
$17,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2016952
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 6,089 sq. ft.
1138 Matthews Ave, Vancouver, V6H 1W4 - First Shaughnessy home designed by Matsuzaki Wright sits on almost 22,000 sf of beautifully landscaped park like gardens w/ lush South facing yard. One of the most coveted addresses in the city, steps to Osler Blvd and The Crescent. This 6,000 sf home has 5 bed & 5 bath, recently updated gourmet chef's kitchen w/ island & E/A, large rooms w/ beautiful Oak hardwood floors & a fully finished basement w/ games room & lots of storage. 4 Bed up & an in-law suite/den on the main floor. Fully gated property w/ circular drive, grand entrance & porte-cochere. Bonus, self contained studio suite above the 2 car garage, perfect for nanny or housekeeper accommodation. This home is post 1940 and the lot is buildable if desired! By apt only. More detailsRE/MAX Crest Realty Westside - Aedis Realty
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- 604-657-1111
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3333 THE CRESCENT in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale in "FIRST SHAUGHNESSY - THE CRESCENT" (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2174654
$16,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2174654
- Bedrooms:
- 10
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 11,598 sq. ft.
"The Nichol" house is one of First Shaughnessy's most prestigious mansions. Located on The Crescent, this stately Tudor Revival home was designed by Samuel Maclure & Cecil Fox in 1912. It was built for the former Lieutenant Governor of BC - a newspaper magnate & the wealthiest Vancouverite in his time. The interior features fine wood finishings, beamed ceilings, grand entry hall, 8 fireplaces, lead-glass windows, inlaid oak floors & panelled walls. The grand scale rooms offer elegance at its best! Over 11,000 sq. ft. with 10 bdrms. Enjoy the 1 acre plus property with beautiful formal estate gardens. The grandeur of the house, its carefully crafted details & stunning grounds make it a piece of history well worth treasuring. More detailsDexter Associates Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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1520 W 32ND Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2146618
$16,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2146618
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 7,097 sq. ft.
Great investment and potential development site located in prestige Second Shaughnessy area. Zoned RS-5 this large 18,759 sq ft Lot offers a custom built 7,000 sq ft 3 level mansion. This world renowned West Side neighbourhood offers beautiful parks, some of the best schools in Vancouver, fine dining, and boutique shopping. This 8 bedroom grand home features great craftsmanship throughout, vaulted ceilings, custom kitchen with wolf and sub-zero appliances. Additional spice/wok kitchen, indoor hot tub and sauna, rec room, bar, large backyard with a covered concrete area where young kids can play basketball until dawn. All measurements approx buyer to verify home/lot size and potential development with the City of Vancouver. More detailsRE/MAX Commercial Advantage - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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1290 MATTHEWS Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS® # R2106814
$16,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2106814
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 7,724 sq. ft.
Shaughnessy's prime property rarely comes up for sale, flat corner lot over 20,000sf with 140ft frontage and 144ft depth. This elegant character home has loads of features, leaded glass windows, gleaming hardwood floors, tastefully updated, new bathrooms, kitchen, media room, gym, beautifully landscaped. More detailsColdwell Banker Westburn Rlty. and Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
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