One of the first mansions in Vancouver is getting an unusual restoration.  The 11,000 square-foot Stone Residence will be reduced to its original 4,500 square feet in size, and will revert to its original Arts and Crafts design.

The home, located on Larch Street, was built in 1913 for Henry and Beatrice Stone.  After the Stone family sold it, the home was purchased by the Killam family, and the Killams enlarged the home considerably.  When the property was purchased in 2006, developers Trevor Rennie and John Dean discovered that the home was special, and waiting to be restored.  Taking advantage of city incentives permitting them to subdivide the original lot and construct three smaller homes, they were able to save the Stone home, and bring it to the classification of “Heritage-A.”

After purchasing the grand old home, Dean discovered a number of family treasures inside it.  Moved by the house’s sense of history, he decided to save it instead of tear it down.  

The new homes occupy 40-foot wide by 135-foot-deep lots.  One of the residences is nearly completed, and is priced at $2.75 million.  Work continues on the Stone house.

Don Luxton of Heritage Vancouver worked as a consultant on this endeavour.  He said he applauded the city’s incentives, the densification, the added value to the property and the restored original home.  

Marco D’Agostini, senior heritage planner with the City of Vancouver, said that although neighbours do not always appreciate redevelopment, the projects are necessary for historical restorations.  Infill homes have met with particular controversy, especially in certain upscale neighborhoods.

Jason Luke – New Westminster homes and condos for sale