Big Fat Deal: $4 Million for the Illusion of Grandeur in Richmond

BCLiving takes you inside one of the most outrageously upmarket real estate offerings in the province

Address: 6840 Donald Road, Richmond

Price: $4,280,000

MLS: R2209682

The skinny: Five-bedroom, six-bathroom, 4,561-square-foot house on an 11,500-square-foot lot in Richmond.

The bling: Let’s be honest here: you’re at the entry level for luxury homes, and you have to prioritize. At this price point, it’s not about the house of your dreams, but the house that looks as if it could be the dream house of others. That’s right: it’s not about the living space, but what the living space appears to be. It’s OK, we don’t judge you for a bit of smoke and mirrors; perception is reality, right? And just look at the curb appeal on this one! Doesn’t it just scream Maserati or three? Seriously. Not only is your righteous devotion to the automobile written all over the façade of this abode, there’s a banging oversized portico for absolutely no reason at all except to confirm that you, my friend, can afford such monumentous folly. So what if the inside shows exactly zero design or architectural flair? That the décor exists simply to prove that top-end finishings in the hands of those with no taste can look effortlessly cheap and ugly? All you need is the illusion you’ve made it big (and the space to spend your waking hours playing PS4).

The hidden extras: Fresh lick of paint, hot water tank (no, really), motorized front gate (now we are talking), media room (deal sealed).