Susan Boyce
Other
It’s been more than six years in the making. It’s been the subject of scrutiny, controversy, and even outrage. Yet today, when people experience their first glimpse of Hollyburn Mews the reaction is inevitably the same: “This is so beautiful. What on earth was all the fuss about?”
Located in West Vancouver’s affluent Dundarave neighbourhood, Hollyburn Mews is a re-imagining of the seaside cottages that, during the early 1900s, were cherished summer homes for Vancouverites escaping the “big city” just across Burrard Inlet. Like their predecessors, these homes have an engagingly whimsical nature with gabled rooflines, mullioned windows, and covered porches: few people can resist smiling as they pass by.
Elegant Sustainability
While these homes clearly pay homage to the character of Old West Van, they’re also a dynamic, 21st Century housing model. Comprising six duplex homes and three coach houses—the first ever approved by the District of West Vancouver—Hollyburn Mews nestles comfortably onto what were originally three single-family lots. The developer is Michael Geller, principal of Geller Properties and well-known advocate for innovation in sustainability and affordable housing. He describes this type of infill as “gentle densification—a way to make better use of the land we already have.” For the buyers who will ultimately call Hollyburn Mews home, it’s an opportunity to downsize without downgrading—a chance to age in place gracefully without leaving the neighbourhood they love.
“Rezoning these properties to replace a single house with three smaller homes had never been tried before in West Vancouver—nor in most other Metro municipalities,” Geller admits. “When I’m asked why I proposed such an innovative concept in what many regarded as the most reactionary municipality in Metro, I often joke that if it could be approved in West Vancouver, it could be approved anywhere.”
Rediscover Community
Inside, Hollyburn Mews presents a fundamental sense of quality and attention to detail: marble backsplashes reminiscent of the Vancouver Club, sunny country-style kitchens, nine-foot ceilings, and two master bedrooms up (even in the coach houses) because, as Geller points out, when couples age, the second bedroom frequently morphs from being the “guest” bedroom to being the “his” bedroom—so why not ensure both partners have their own ensuite.
Then there are the oh-so-important but not immediately noticeable, sometimes hidden details: backing behind the shower for easy installation of a grab bar, staircases wide enough to accommodate future chair lifts, pre-wiring for solar heat tomorrow in addition to today’s state-of-the-art heat recovery system. It’s all about comfort and future-proofing.
One design feature Geller is particularly enthusiastic about is the lush, meandering central mews separating duplex and coach homes. Duplexes accessed this communal space via private patios which are, in turn, accessed through traditional Dutch doors off the kitchen. Coach houses access via a pathway along the side—although owners might choose to simply enjoy the view from their upper-level master bedroom. “It’s about finding the balance between shared spaces that create community and the need for privacy.” Geller laughs. “Everyone tried to talk me out of the Dutch doors, but they have a sense of neighbourliness you just don’t get with regular doors.”
Housing Evolution
Looking ahead, Geller says other jurisdictions are already asking him to spearhead similar projects, and West Vancouver is now considering a complete coach house program, something unimaginable when Hollyburn Mews was first proposed. “I’d like to see this alternative become commonplace throughout the Lower Mainland,” he says. “Bringing Hollyburn Mews to fruition was challenging, but we’re proving it’s a housing model that works. And if it works here, it can work in virtually every municipality throughout the Lower Mainland.”
Hollyburn Mews is located at 21 Street and Esquimalt Avenue in West Vancouver. Call 604.880.4559 or click here for more information.
© 2013 Real Estate Weekly
