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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3689 CARTIER Street in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2738249
3689 CARTIER Street Vancouver V6H 3C4 
$15,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2738249
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 8,432 sq. ft.
Discover this rare offering in coveted Shaughnessy. This magnificent 4 bdrm/5 bath mansion is on a manicured .78 Acre private property, just steps from the trendy stores on South Granville. Enjoy the entertainment sized living spaces w/ expansive windows looking out onto the lush landscaped grounds. Chef’s kitch is equipped w/ wall mounted ovens, flat top stove & granite counters. Retreat to the spacious 4 bdrms above. The primary bdrm w/ 4 pc bath, walk-in closet & flex area. There is great potential for additional bdrms & renovations to fit any sized family. Unbeatable location, just 15 mins to YVR and close to Vanc’s finest schools. Call today for your private viewing. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Real Estate Services
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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5376 CONNAUGHT Drive in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2662294
5376 CONNAUGHT Drive Vancouver V6M 3G6
$15,000,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2662294
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 7,520 sq. ft.
Carefully designed and crafted by renowned Formwerks Architectural, this stunning 8-bedroom mansion offers you the most luxurious living style in Vancouver Westside. Interior is definitely at the highest tier, hand-picked Italian Marble countertop and floor tile, Schonbeck Crystal Chandeliers, Custom made KOHLER sinks, Gaggenau Fridge and top brand Kitchen Appliances, all elevate your lifestyle onto a totally different level. This exclusive home also features a spacious wok kitchen to host a feast, and a comforting, well-landscaped garden for your ultimate relaxation. Never miss the specticular 5 car garage provides space for your supercar, family SUVs and all your favourite ride. More detailsListed by Macdonald Platinum Marketing Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1233 LAURIER Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2747224
1233 LAURIER Avenue Vancouver V6H 1Y7
$14,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2747224
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 9
- Floor Area:
- 8,890 sq. ft.
Urban Oasis in the heart of First Shaughnessy. Approx 9000sf elegant residence on a 100x200 world class property. A rarely available PERFECT 1st Shaughnessy piece: the house was built 1995 (can be torn down and built new), north south facing w/lane access, level lot, quiet and private. Double height foyer, extensive use of millwork, crown moldings, faux painting, superior craftsmanship, A/C & radiant heating. Impressive principal rms on the main; 4 large bdrms all w/ensuite on the 2nd flr; basement boasts wine cellar, bar, theatre, rec rm, 2 extra bdrms. The exterior and gardens have been completely revamped in 2015. 4 car garage. Walking distance to York House; prestigious & central location, easy access to YVR, DT & UBC. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1626 AVONDALE Avenue in Vancouver: Shaughnessy House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2749139
1626 AVONDALE Avenue Vancouver V6M 1S1
$14,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2749139
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 8
- Floor Area:
- 5,125 sq. ft.
Meticulously custom-built home sitting on 89'x175' lot, in the most desirable Shaughnessy neighborhood. Inspired by traditional European architecture w/ modern touches around every corner. 5125 sqft luxury living space w/ smart home system, exceptional quality finishing features 3 bdrms up & 2 bdrms in the basement, steam/sauna, wine cellular and theater/rec. rm. Semi-precious, translucent fossil granite countertops and a hidden stainless steel, industrial Wok kitchen contribute to the home’s contemporary interior design. The open concept extends outdoors to a stunning 40 ft infinity edge pool and jacuzzi wrapped with stained teak decking and surrounded by manicured Zen Gardens, putting green, a creek, soothing waterfall, Japanese Garden and cherry blossoms. A true unique masterpiece! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty and Luxmore Realty - 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®# R2743209
1469 MATTHEWS Avenue Vancouver V6H 1W7
$14,690,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2743209
- 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 7,864 sf lavishly furnished living space. Seller spent millions of dollars to completely rebuild from studs w/new foundation, deepened bsmt & rain-screened exterior. Interior house was re-lay-out to 6 spacious ensuite berms. All new lighting-fixtures. Walnut wood flr, gorgeous millwork, high end fully equipped kit w/ brand name appls+Wok kitchen, digital door lock, smart home system, grand chandelier & custom drapery. 4 bdrm up w/walk-in closet, jacuzzi bath ensuite & sitting/dressing area. Master ensuite occupies entire level w/well-appointed lounge, office, his/hers closet & bath, sep laundry. Professional home theatre w/tune THX sound sys.New 6 car garage! More detailsListed by Keller Williams Realty VanCentral - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
