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.
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Dream family home situated on one of the best and quietest streets in Dunbar. This premium quality home is designed by award-winning John Henshaw Architect and built by 25+ years well known experienced quality builder View Point Construction. This stunning home has an excellent flr plan w/5 bdrms, 5.5 baths & sits on a 6525 sf lot. Extraordinary quality w/4326 sf living space feat. formal cross-hall LR, fab gourmet kitchen w/high end millwork & appl's, family rm off kitchen, & office on main. 4 bdms up incl. spectac. MB w/vaulted ceiling & spa-like ensuite & huge walk-in closet. Fabulous media rm down incl. home theatre, guest rm & wine bars. Smart home, AC. Sunny S facing back yard w/huge patio and kids play. Steps to St. George's, Crofton, York, PG, LB UBC and Kerrisdale shops.More details
One of a kind home situated on a 66x135 lot in Dunbar! Inside boasts impeccable millwork and beautiful finishings. Main level features office, powder bath, elegant dining + enclosed wine rack, spacious living room perfect for relaxation and gourmet kitchen with Wolf steam oven, Hestan range, Sub-Zero fridge & Asko dishwasher and an abundance of storage with the expansive walk-in pantry plus additional fridge. Breakfast nook off the kitchen for enjoyment. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms ideal for unwinding. The primary bedroom showcases a walk-in-closet and lavish bathroom with soaker tub and rain shower creating a serene ambiance. Lower level includes recreational room, gym, and guest room, along with a fully equipped one bedroom suite with a separate entrance. The covered patio complements the private backyard. Ample parking with one car garage and two spots in the driveway. This home is the epitome of modern living and sophistication.More details
Stunning custom-designed family home in highly sought-after Dunbar. Features high-end finishes, including Caesarstone countertops, integrated appliances, & Bertozzi gas oven and range. Floorplan is perfect for family-living, w/ spacious principle rooms. Kitchen equipped w/ large island, & eating area. Dining room features Murano chandelier & handprinted wallpaper. Primary suite features WIC, & spa-like bathroom. 2nd floor of this stunning family home features 4 spacious bedrooms. Walk-out basement is fully finished and includes a rec. room, workshop, & large 2nd rec. room. Backyard features a large patio and upper deck with retractable awning, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The landscaping is meticulously maintained. Close to Crofton House, Saint George's & UBC.More details
Custom build house with a sunny South-facing backyard in desirable Dunbar area! This 6500 SQFT lot build a 4,396SQFT home. Top building quality with elegance and functional open layout. Four bedrooms with all ensuite bathrooms up, one office on the main. High end marble and hardwood flooring throughout. A sensational gourmet kitchen with a separate wok kitchen, extensive use of granite countertops with top brand appliances. Family room opens to an extra large back patio. Radiant heating system, a/c, HRV, sound system, full security system with HD cameras, and a home theatre system with a luxury wine bar. Abundance of storage space with top quality cabinets! One bedroom suite downstairs can be guest, gym or a mortgage helper. School catchment: Lord Kitchener Elementary and Lord Byng Second.More details