Dream Home: $4.2 Million for a West Coast Modern Heritage Home

Address: 6664 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Price: $4,198,000

Listing: West Coast Modern

The skinny: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,464-square-feet property with a one-bath, 570-square-feet studio in West Vancouver

The chic:

This property embodies the west coast’s modernism with its blend of natural elements and modern designs. This home was created in 1979 by Barry Downs, Order of Canada laureate and renowned Vancouver architect. Future custodians will have the opportunity to inhabit a piece of West Coast heritage with Downs House II.

Nestled on a private road, this waterfront home features multiple levels that cascade down a rock cliff, offering stunning views of Garrow Bay and the Strait of Georgia. The property’s bluff white cedar shingles and glass elements emulates its surrounding forest canopy while providing unexpected elements of interest. The rounded tops of select walls and windows mimic nature’s curvatures and the slope that the home is situated on.

Heading inside, you will be welcomed by warm, modernistic decor with plenty of wooden elements. The wide windows with views of the surrounding forestry gives off the illusion that you are residing under the unasuming overstory. 

The primary bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, a guest bathroom, kitchen, dining and living room are all located on the main floor. Here, you’ll also have access to the stretch of bridge walkway that leads to the carport, storage and studio. 

The large floor-to-ceiling windows on this main floor provides custodians with immaculate views of the Strait of Georgia’s clear waters. Not to mention, the kitchen might just be every chef’s dream. With a large sloped skylight occupying most of the ceiling space, this area is bathed in plenty of natural lighting. 

Head out to the deck and enjoy the sunrise as you listen to morning songs by the birds in the area. There is also a pond connected to the deck, offering up beautiful contrasting textures with the orange skies and surrounding greenery.

The lower floor of the home houses one bedroom and two office spaces. The office spaces would be great for revamping into a media room or recreation room for relaxing with guests. Add a TV to one of the rooms and enjoy a movie night in if you want to lose yourself in a classic. 

With a carport that fits two cars, you will not have to sacrifice convenience for the beauty of nature with this home. In addition to a separate storage room, there are storage shelves available in the carport for all your goods. 

The hidden extras:

There is a 570-square-feet studio unit included as part of this property. Here, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen and one bathroom. You’ll have the option of renting this unit out, or if you have older children who want to experience independence, this is a great space for them to feel a degree of separation from the rest of the family!