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History at a discount: ‘Kew House’ relisted at $13.75M

Despite its famous pedigree, this storied oceanview home has been reduced in price
West Van Kew House exterior
Kew House on Marine Drive in West Vancouver has a rich history of well-known owners. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

Even though its previous owners have a remarkable pedigree, this historic house on Marine Drive in West Vancouver didn’t sell when it was listed for $15 million in February 2018, and is back on the market at a discount of $1.25 million.

The 1937-built “Kew House,” which is now listed by Engel & Volkers at $13.75 million, was once the residence of A.J. Taylor, who was responsible for the construction of the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Vancouver’s Marine Building and the development of the British Properties. The property's entrance once boasted two replicas of the Lions Gate Bridge lion sculptures, created at Taylor's request, which were later donated to North Vancouver Museum and Archives. The prominent West Vancouver street Taylor Way is named after this renowned developer.

Not only that, Kew House was later home to the late local philanthropist Kay Meek, for whom West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Theatre is named.

Sitting on a 1.66-acre lot with panoramic ocean views, this heritage house has beamed ceilings, cove and base mouldings, antique light fixtures and chandeliers, and Spanish tile and herringbone hardwood flooring. It has 6,600 square feet of living space with a grand dining room, gracious living room with curved ceiling, three bedrooms, a den/media room, an office, a craft/flex room and three and a half bathrooms.

West Van Kew House dining room
Imagine the dinner parties previous owners AJ Taylor and Kay Meek have had in this spectacular dining room. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

The house has seen considerable upgrades, including an elevator from the main floor to the bedroom floor, as well as new roofing.

Kew House landing
The grand stairwell at Kew House looks more like a small Spanish castle than a West Vancouver home. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

It was valued by B.C. Assessments in July 2017 at $10,481,000, and property taxes in 2017 were $21,917.

Take a visual tour of this historic home with more listing photos, below.

Kew House living
The huge living room at Kew House has vast windows to let those views in. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

 

Kew House foyer
The tile on the foyer floor at Kew House gives it a Mediterranean feel. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

 

Kew House kitchen
The kitchen is updated but still in keeping with the home's historic, European style. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

 

Kew House master bedroom
The huge master bedroom makes the most of those ocean vistas. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

 

West Van Kew House bathroom
One of three full bathrooms in Kew House, the divine master bathroom has incredible views from the tub. Listing agent: Harry Kramm

 

Kew House terrace view
The expansive terrace at Kew House offers a fabulous view and tonnes of entertaining space. Listing agent: Harry Kramm
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