7325 CARNARVON ST., SOUTHLANDS, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $11,800,000
SELLING PRICE $9,785,000
TAXES $42,271 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 234
LISTING AGENT Greg Carros, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
CO-OP AGENT Judith Shaw, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
The Action: In a rural setting across from McCleery Golf Course, this custom equestrian estate drew more than 40 showings. Over the course of several months last year, the price was gradually reduced from $13.5-million to $11.8-million. Despite a marketing program that included exposure abroad, a local buyer negotiated the clinching offer.
What They Got: In 2009, a 2.44-acre lot was redeveloped for this 7,041-square-foot residence with more than half a dozen walkouts to private patios, a riding ring and a 1,179-square-foot stable. Designer Steve Tidball included eight stalls, a lounge, kitchen and caretaker's suite upstairs with one bedroom, bathroom, cooking and entertaining areas.
Architect John Hollifield and designer David Drummond Clarke formed the creative team behind the lavish design of the main house – a French Chateau-inspired home with fireside living and family rooms, formal dining space and a recreation area with a steam shower and change room.
The gourmet eat-in kitchen has two islands, a pantry and prep area, a mudroom to the double garage and two staircases to an upper laundry room, second office and five bedrooms, including a master retreat with a walk-in closet, balcony, fireplace and the largest of the home's seven bathrooms.
The Agent's Take: "It was two-years-old and architect-designed with beautiful quality, and it had outstanding equestrian facilities – I used to call it the Four Seasons of barns – and the training facility was fantastic," says agent Greg Carros.
"It's rare in Canada and the world where you have equestrian facilities in the centre of a city."
This also meant the owner won't have to travel far to reach amenities, whether waterfront trails or manicured greens.
"The golf course was right across the street and a riding club is right down the road," Mr. Carros adds. "It's 10 or 15 minutes to everything."