Organic Gardening News

Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

1506 Kamloops St., Vancouver

Type: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 3,009 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,859,500

Listed for: $1,899,000

Sold for: $1,780,000

Sold on: Oct. 6

Days on market in this listing: Six

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Carmen Tsang PREC at Macdonald Realty Westmar

Spacious kitchen with eat-in dining are. The big sell: This late 1920s character home resides on a corner lot in east Vancouver’s Renfrew neighbourhood at the junction of Kamloops and Grant streets. The home was extended in 1980 to provide more than 3,000 square feet of living space divided between three levels, and an elevator was installed to offer access from the basement to the main floor. There are five bedrooms in total with two on the top floor, one on the main level next to the principal reception rooms, and two in the basement which, alongside a full living/kitchen area, flexible spaces, a laundry room, and walkout access to the backyard, could suit a mortgage helper or accommodation for elderly relatives or guests. Key updates over the years include improvements to the roof, gutters, windows, hot water tank, and furnace, and the oil tank was removed. A white picket fence surrounds the back garden which has patio areas and flower bed borders.

406 — 4352 Hastings St., Burnaby

Type: Two-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,198 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,147,000

Listed for: $1,249,900

Sold for: $1,200,000

Sold on: Aug. 10

Days on market in this listing: 26

Listing agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

Buyers agent: Ron Chong at Amex Broadway West Realty

The big sell: Storia is a five-storey condominium development by Beedie Living that was constructed in 2021 in the heart of Burnaby’s Willingdon Heights district. This particular home has an end-unit, upper-floor position with just under 1,200 square feet of living space that accommodates two bedrooms, a den, and three bathrooms. There are nine-foot-high ceilings, air conditioning, roller shades, Shaker-style cabinets, integrated appliances including a wall oven, a pantry, quartz counters, and laminate floors throughout. The primary bedroom has a walk-through closet to a five-piece ensuite with underfloor heating and the second bedroom is also ensuited and resides on the opposite side of the floor plan. A balcony offers views of the North Shore Mountains, while a communal rooftop terrace has outdoor seating and panoramic vistas. The monthly maintenance fee for this home is $647.67 and it comes with parking and a storage locker.

309 — 156 West 21st St., North Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 602 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $489,900

Listed for: $499,900

Sold for: $499,900

Sold on: Aug. 28

Days on market in this listing: Two

Listing agent: Ben D’Ovidio PREC at Sutton Centre Realty

Buyers agent: Adam Chahl PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: It took just two days for this one-bedroom North Vancouver condo to sell for the full asking price. What contributed to the appeal? An updated home with a top-floor position in Oceanview, a 26-unit pet- and rental-friendly complex built in 1980 that has undergone comprehensive upgrades including a complete envelope update with rain screening, re-piping, the installation of fibre cement board siding, and new balconies, sliding doors, windows, and an elevator. The unit itself has an open-concept interior with laminate floors, a galley kitchen that overlooks the dining area and living room, and a covered balcony with treed views. It comes with a parking stall in the underground garage, a $423.71 monthly maintenance fee that covers both heat and hot water, and a central Lonsdale location near shops, transit, and parks.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Learn more about the latest mortgage rates and explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Talk of wellness design has picked up in North America, but has been around forever in Europe, says interior designer Reisa Pollard of  Beyond Beige Interior Design . It’s design that goes further than how a material or colour looks in your home — it’s about how the elements you surround yourself with every day affect you.

During the pandemic, people definitely started to view their homes more as sanctuaries, says Pollard. Here, she shares how you can include some wellness elements in your home, from light touch to serious investment.

For 23 years, their motto at Beyond Beige has been feel good inside, says Pollard. Good design is about not just how it looks, but how it feels and smells and tastes. All of the senses come into play, she says.

The perfect night’s sleep

An immediate wellness upgrade is found in simply getting more sleep, says Pollard.

You can achieve this by using blackout drapery and addressing any light emitted in your bedroom. It might be from a power bar, or TV, air conditioner or fan, so you want to make sure these are blocked out in your sleeping quarters.

Sound is another factor, says Pollard.

“Some people like white noise, some prefer air circulation, but whatever helps them sleep should be intentional,” she adds.

Beyond that, temperature matters.

“We want the bedroom cooler than other rooms in the evening. All-natural bedding and linens are ideal, and aromatherapy — lavender especially — can make a real difference,” she says.

The good news is these changes don’t need to cost too much, says Pollard. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a small piece of black electrical tape over the tiny orange-glowing lights.

Somewhere worth retreating to

Pollard encourages everyone to have what she calls a “decompression zone” in their home.

“If the client is lucky enough, they might be able to devote a whole room to meditation or yoga,” she says. “It might have warmer lighting, softer lighting, more sound barriers, crystals, or whatever feels healing. But it can also be a corner of a room — with a large cushion for relaxing,” she says.

It doesn’t even have to be solitary.

“It can be a place where you and your child decompress together after a big day,” says Pollard.

Natural and tactile

If a renovation isn’t on the cards, Pollard says simply choosing natural materials — woods, linens, wools or cotton — can calm a space instantly. For those wanting to do something bigger, the bathroom is the best place to start.

“With a spa-like bathroom, we can really embrace healing,” she says.

This can be achieved through water therapy — shower rain heads, steam, tubs and even light therapy, such as red light and infrared sauna.

Pollard would like to call an end to bad bathtubs. People have, for too long, accepted tubs that don’t necessarily fit their bodies, or are super shallow.

“There are tubs that fit taller people, that are deeper, infinity tubs that overflow, tubs designed for two, or with back pitches that are warmed so you can sip wine or read a book comfortably. It doesn’t have to be like your previous tub — it can be much better,” she says.

Practical luxury

Pollard points out that wellness doesn’t have to mean extravagance. So many of those things can be addressed with almost no extra cost, such as getting the right light bulbs, the right dimmers, and products that don’t hum or buzz. These are all very minor price differences.

Picking less toxic materials usually isn’t much more expensive either. It’s just awareness, says Pollard.

“We’re designing drawers with metal lining for people who want to block electromagnetic fields,” she says. “Or creating better mud rooms with air filters because, as a hockey mum, I can tell you — good air exchange is essential!”

The hot and cold trend

Saunas and cold plunges are increasingly on everyone’s wish list, says Pollard. “The cold plunge is very much on trend. People are putting them on patios or outside somewhere, often paired with a sauna.

“A sauna has always had value — it’s a much more enduring wellness element.”

Recently, Pollard worked on a residence that includes a hot-cold design feature.

“For the first time, we put in an indoor hot tub and a cold plunge side by side, along with a steam and sauna,” she says. “That shows how much people value this balance of heat and cold.”

Pollard works with  Kindred Custom Homes  to create homes that have that sanctuary feel.

“Spaces like saunas, recovery rooms, and spa-inspired areas require a high level of technical precision and close collaboration with our partners. As builders, our role is to ensure these wellness-focused amenities are executed to the highest standard of craftsmanship, resulting in homes that feel effortless, luxurious, and built to last,” says Bryan Reid, president of Kindred Custom Homes.

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What began with a little girl given free rein to paint second-hand furniture that her mother provided has evolved into a lifelong devotion that became the foundation of a successful business. Revived Vintage , nestled in the heart of Qualicum Beach, is the go-to source for custom furniture painting, Fusion mineral paint and a curated offering of local makers’ work.

Owner Christie Tokairin is passionate about painting furniture and sees it as a creative outlet for everyone, and not just herself. She believes painted furniture introduces more character and warmth into living spaces than solely commercially manufactured pieces. She asserts that virtually any type of furniture can be transformed by paint.

“It doesn’t matter what type of furniture,” Tokairin says. “A lot of people think it has to be the good ol’ solid wood kind. Ideally that would be the best. It’s my favourite. We love a quality piece of anything, but I have Ikea (furniture) at my house that is painted and (that’s) because it’s functional.”

For those embarking on furniture painting for the first time, Tokairin advises letting go of any expectations of perfection. It’s about making something unique, and the finished product will reflect that. “Be kind to yourself,” she says. Also, start with a small piece like a side table. Large projects, like a dining room set, can fast become overwhelming when you’re still developing skills.

The most important step for achieving good results is the preparation. Every piece should start with a light sanding. Tokairin recommends a medium or 120-grit sanding paper.

“Glass, metal, Arborite, or melamine, that’s going to need a different prep which is usually an adhesion primer and that’s going to get the paint to stick as we want it to stick. So we can use these pieces without worrying about them,” she explains.

The Fusion brand’s adhesion primer is Ultra Grip, and Tokairin also uses the Zinner 123 brand which provides effective stain blocking for wood. Some types of wood bleed through the paint, especially with light colours. “Cherry mahogany: if you paint it white, it’s going to be pink,” she warns. This also applies to woods with knots, like pine or cedar.

What type of brush is used depends on what part of the furniture is being painted and the shape of it.

“If it has spindles, I’ll use a round brush which is called a sash brush,” she explains. “If it has narrow skinny legs, I’ll use a one-inch brush. The top is wider, so I’ll use a one inch-and-a-half brush. If it’s a bookshelf and I’m going inside I’ll use an angled brush. On the flat bits, I’ll roll it.” She advises using a good quality brush and buy the best you can afford but notes that it doesn’t have to be super expensive.

Tokairin says a four-inch roller will do the job and there’s no need for anything bigger. Though she shies away from hard and fast rules, she emphatically eschews using either a foam roller or a brush as they won’t leave a nice finish. They’re sponges so they absorb a lot of product but don’t let it go very easily. “We push on it to get the product out and that’s where we get that orange peel, stipple-ly texture,” she says. Otherwise, using a brush or roller comes down to personal preference.

How the brush is held will affect how the finished product will look and how the paint takes to the surface. “You want to hold your brush so that your arm works instead of your wrist. When you hold your brush down the shaft a bit more, your arm does the work for you,” she explains. This technique spreads the paint nicely whereas painting with a wrist motion flicks the paint. That little change lays paint much differently.

Once paint is dry, the piece can be used lightly with care because cure time and drying time for paint are different. Paint takes about 30 days to cure — that’s the full evaporation of moisture in the paint which will make it as hard as it’s ever going to be, Tokairin notes, adding that dark colours dry a lot faster than light ones.

Depending what type of material you’re painting and how it will be used, a surface like Arborite or melamine on a counter or desk could be better protected with a topcoat. Fusion makes a topcoat and that’s what Tokairin used when she painted her kitchen cabinets which, three years on, are wearing really well, she says.

Her last bit of advice is to enjoy the process and the unique result whether you see it as perfect or not.

“You’re creating something that you didn’t buy at Winners,” she observes. “You see brush strokes on the best artwork hanging in museums and galleries. Just be kind to yourself. You’re making this. Even my work isn’t flawless, but you wouldn’t know unless you knew where to look and that’s the same for most people.”

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International pro surfer Erin Brooks is known for chasing the perfect wave around the globe. But when it came time to find a place to call home, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula won the 18-year-old’s heart.

Brooks has purchased a residence at Cabo Real Surf Club , a new development under construction above the surf-rich shores along what’s known as the Golden Corridor in Los Cabos, between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Los Cabos’ endless sunshine, fabulous beaches and traditional cuisine are just a few of the community’s offerings that hooked dual Canadian -U.S. citizen Brooks, who cites proximity to where she resides and trains in North America as another big draw.

But what sealed the deal for Brooks — Team Canada’s rising star and most recently 2025 Rookie of the Year on the World Surf League Championship Tour — are Cabo Real Surf Club’s plans for a state-of-the-art Endless Surf wave basin and recreational amenities.

“The development is going to have a world-class wave pool along with a fitness centre, trampoline and skateboard facilities, swimming pools and a beach club, which are all things I use to train and improve my surfing,” she says.

American developer Meriwether Companies partnered with prominent Mexican landowners, the Sanchez Navarro family, to build this master-planned community.

When complete, Cabo Real Surf Club will comprise a collection of luxury homes spanning an expansive landscape featuring golf, surf, personal wellness and outdoor adventure amenities — including the wave basin, the largest of its kind in the world. Turnkey home prices start at US$2.75 million, and interest has been strong since presales launched in the spring, with more than $125 million in sales.

Brooks, who has surfed wave technologies around the world, was impressed by Cabo Real’s plans for the surf wave basin and the ability to combine training in a controlled wave environment with sessions at local breaks. “Waves in the ocean can be inconsistent, which is why having a wave pool is so incredible,” she says. “It guarantees I can get quality waves every day, which is every surfer’s dream.”

Vancouver’s Endless Surf designed the wave basin, the centrepiece of the development, says Cabo Real’s sales director, Janet Jensen. “It’s pneumatic, powered by 16 engines and 48 caissons that push air to generate the wave. It’s a simple and proven system, perfected by Endless Surf.”

Cabo Real’s Golden Corridor location is ideal, adds Jensen. “It’s not too hot like the Sea of Cortes, and not as cold or windy as the Pacific side. You’re close to both towns: San José offers colonial charm and culture, while Cabo San Lucas has the nightlife and energy.”

Nearly three decades after leaving Vancouver for Mexico, Jensen has seen tourism in the region evolve into a more refined, luxury-focused experience. “The area commands higher rates than many other destinations in Mexico, which helps set a higher standard of quality and experience,” she says.

That appeal is catching Canadian attention too. “As we [Cabo Real Surf Club] enter our first peak season, we are seeing a noticeable increase in Canadian interest,” notes Jensen.

Los Cabos’ vibrant expat community adds to the draw, thanks to the warm climate, lower cost of living and convenient flights. “As per Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, owning property in Mexico as a Canadian is certainly possible,” she explains.

“Many foreigners purchase real estate for residential purposes within the ‘restricted zone,’ which is all of the Baja, through a trust for 50 years (renewable in perpetuity). With this trust, the trustee bank retains title to the property, and the foreigner is the beneficiary and may use and enjoy the property as fee simple ownership. The acquisition, tax or property purchase tax is the same for foreigners as it is for nationals, which is 3.5 per cent of the purchase price.”

Having purchased a home at Cabo Real herself, Jensen is excited about what’s ahead for the community, particularly the debut of more than $10 million in upgrades planned for the Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course.

More than 500 homes are planned across multiple phases, including single-family residences with four home plans to choose from — two are developer-built, and two are homesites ready for owners’ custom builds.

The surf casitas offer 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space on a single level with three bedrooms. The two-storey boardwalk homes feature an additional terrace on the second level and views of the wave basin from the front and the Pacific Ocean from the rear of the home.

Custom ocean-view villa lots and spacious estate lots can be purchased with four- to six-bedroom floor plans. “The working drawings are ready to go,” says Jensen. “We have three preferred builders, but people can bring their own builders too.”

Brooks opted to stay close to the action, purchasing a surf casita, which offers easy access to the central wave basin. “The open floor plans, indoor/outdoor living areas and private backyard pools really attracted me,” she says. “I also like the double-car garages, as storage is a big plus for me.”

Boardwalk homes are located directly along the edge of the wave basin. Each home sits on a quarter-acre lot, with homes starting at over 5,000 square feet.

“The boardwalk home is unique because we only have 21 on the property,” says Michael Schwab, Meriwether development partner. From the architecture to the landscaping, he says design is central to the Cabo Real development.

“The design team is led by Sordo Madaleno, one of the world’s pre-eminent contemporary architects,” explains Schwab, son of famous billionaire investment broker Charles Schwab. “We are leaning into using modern forms and natural materials that blend into the landscape. Each home is designed to maximize views of the [ocean] and surrounding mountains.”

The residences are designed as a seamless reflection of the desert-meets-ocean surroundings, blending natural textures with contemporary form. Local materials, such as stone, rammed earth and pigmented concrete, echo the region’s organic tones, while streamlined architecture and sculpted roofs lend a modern counterpoint.

Inside, regionally crafted furnishings soften the spaces, creating a comfortable retreat after a day of sun, sand and surf. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views from every living room and primary suite, and each home extends outdoors with private pools and open-air showers.

The amenities’ esthetic will mirror that natural style with lush landscaping, primarily plants native to the area. “We’ve preserved [more than] 4,000 protected plants in a nursery and will replant them in their original orientation,” says Jensen.

When asked what a perfect day at Cabo Real would look like, Schwab, an avid surfer, describes a morning surf session followed by recovery time in wellness lounges equipped with saunas, cold plunges, hot tubs, a spa and stretching rooms. Later in the day, he’d play a round of golf, followed by sunset cocktails at the private beach, then dinner at one of the golf or surf clubhouses.

Looking ahead, Brooks sees Cabo Real as more than just a surf destination. It’s a retreat where she can unwind after competitions, spend meaningful time with family and friends, and be part of a like-minded, active community.

“This is where I want to be when I’m not competing,” she says. “It’s the kind of place that lets you grow into it — on the waves and off.”

Project: Cabo Real Surf Club

Project address: Zona del interior, México 1 Supermanzana km 19.5, 23457 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico

Developers: Meriwether Companies, Grupo Questro and Clubs Desarolla

Architecture and Interior Design: Sordo Madaleno Architecture & Design Studio

Project size: More than 500 detached residences planned across multiple phases. Construction of Phase 1 to be completed late 2026.

Scope: Cabo Real Surf Club members will have access to a surf wave basin and surf clubhouse, a private beach club with an infinity pool and beach for swimming, a fitness and wellness/recovery spa, racquet sports courts, hiking and biking trails, and an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse. Memberships start at US$150,000.

Price: Homesites are available from US$1.3M and turnkey surf casitas from $2.75M. Option to purchase surf casitas and boardwalk homes with furnishings.

Phone: 1-310-594-7325

Website: caborealsurfclub.com

For more information about Canadian citizens staying in Mexico visit travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

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Since its launch in 2022, Vancouver Island’s Wildflower Mercantile has blossomed into a community favourite.

Known for its locally grown flowers and creative homeware, the Comox-based boutique’s latest in-house line — Wildflower Bath, Body & Home — distils its founder’s love of design, nature and sustainability into a collection of home and beauty essentials created from all-natural, non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients.

We caught up with founder Emily Yewchuk to find out more.

Q. For anyone unfamiliar with your business, what is Wildflower Bath, Body & Home?

Wildflower Bath, Body & Home is our in-house line for Wildflower Mercantile, which is a floral and lifestyle boutique in Comox. We launched the line this summer as an extension of our refill program. It began with a few core essentials and has grown into a full curated collection of bath, body, and home products available both for refill and as beautifully bottled stand-alone pieces.

Q. How has the Wildflower brand evolved since it began?

Wildflower Mercantile — the mother brand — started in 2022 in Courtenay. My background is in commercial photography, but after moving back to Vancouver Island, my love of gardening led me into florals and homeware design. When a beautiful heritage building came up for lease, I decided to take the leap into retail. We opened our first store selling home goods and flowers, and after two years, we moved into a larger, modern space in Comox. That move allowed us to refine our direction, while learning what worked, what didn’t, and what felt authentic to us as a team.

Now, Wildflower has evolved into a clean, intentionally curated brand focused on natural, mostly Canadian-sourced products and a thoughtful, design-forward approach to everyday essentials.

Q. What sets it apart from the rest?

It’s about creating products that are both beautiful and functional. We care deeply about ingredient integrity, and everything we make is natural, biodegradable, and scented only with essential oils. No artificial fragrances. Our goal is to design items you love having on display — things that look and smell good but also perform exceptionally well.

Q: Tell us about your new line of products

The Signature Collection is our core line. It’s the scents and formulations that really define Wildflower. The inspiration comes from my connection to gardening and the natural world. I grow citrus trees in my greenhouse, and the scent of citrus blossoms in spring was something I wanted to capture. Another scent was inspired by that earthy, green fragrance when you water tomato plants in the evening. I wanted our products to evoke those fresh, natural, and familiar moments — not synthetic.

Q: Is there a customer a favourite, and why do you think it resonates?

Our Soft Skin Lotion has been a standout, and people come back for it in multiples. It’s citrus-forward but rounded with vanilla notes, so it feels fresh and warm at the same time. Our All-Purpose Cleaner has also developed a loyal following. Customers tell us it performs beautifully, and we’ve even had local Airbnb hosts start using it in their properties.

Q. What’s the price range, and how does your refill program work?

Our products range from about $12 to $36, with refill options priced lower to encourage reuse. We also offer three-litre refill pouches, so customers can top up their bottles at home. We’re big believers in reducing waste, and the glass packaging is meant to be reused, not discarded.

Q. Where can people find Wildflower products?

You can shop online at wildflowermercantile.ca or visit our boutique in Comox. We’re also looking to partner with other like-minded shops across B.C. to make refills more accessible. The goal is to support small businesses like ours and create a more sustainable, community-based retail experience.

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Touted as a “luxury tree fort on a cliff’s edge”, this ocean- and mountain-view Squamish property built into solid granite high above the Squamish and Mamquam valleys certainly feels like an exclusive hideout. But with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and more than 3,500 square feet of living space, it has a lot more room than your typical playhouse up a pine tree. And it’s not just for kids.

Built in 1960, the home underwent a major renovation in 1975, then again in 2022 when current owner Lindsay McIvor and her husband purchased the property. “I could see the potential of the home,” says McIvor. “And the land is so special. You get views you don’t get anywhere else in Squamish. We have windows in every direction and we’re not concerned about privacy. It really does feel like a tree fort.”

McIvor and her husband hired Skladan Architecture to completely rebuild the house right down to the framing. Annaliesse Kelly, founder and creative director of AK Design, led the redesign to enhance the home’s modern mountain esthetic while maintaining its strong connection to the natural landscape.

“We had to respect the character and soul of the architecture, and honour the era it was designed in,” says McIvor. “I would call it traditional architecture with a bit of mid-century twist in terms of the way we placed the windows, which are off centre and to the side. The interior finishings have that colour that you find in more of a mid-century home. It was kind of an ode to the 1960s character of the home.”

McIvor says that, because the house is situated on top of granite, the original builders had to do a massive amount of blasting. “That kind of blasting is so expensive to do now. The concrete of the house was (attached) directly to the granite. It’s really on there.”

And in there: the interior stairs were built on top of exposed granite, a nod to the nearby Stawamus Chief mountain, and a room that is used as a gym is “basically underground,” says McIvor. “The concrete wall is up against granite. I joke that it could double as a bomb shelter.”

That melding of concrete with natural granite is what impressed Jenna Franze, personal real estate corporation at Stilhavn Real Estate Services, who’s handling the sale of the property. “What really stood out to me was the craftsmanship in the concrete work around the exterior and entryway,” she says. “The way the design integrates the natural rock formations into the home itself is truly impressive.”

Valley views

The abundance of natural light that streams in through the many, well-placed windows that look out onto the Stawamus Chief and Mamquam mountains, combined with the lofty, 12-foot high cathedral ceilings of the main living area, further add to the tree fort feel of the home.

The expanded deck space also takes advantage of the views. “It has a nice indoor-outdoor flow when the weather is decent,” says McIvor. “We maximized the deck space because of that.”

She says she also admired the original gardens that cover the half-acre lot. “The former owner had planted a beautiful garden, nothing like I had seen in Squamish. There are such a variety of species of trees and perennials and annuals like what you would see in Victoria or Vancouver.”

Kitchen and bathrooms

The kitchen, remodelled by Squamish company Solo Designs, features high-end Thermador appliances, including a push-to-open, integrated fridge and freezer, and a built-in coffee maker that can be concealed behind custom cabinetry. The large quartz island serves as a stylish centrepiece for food prep or entertaining. Engineered hardwood oak spans the home, with white oak in the kitchen, living room and book shelving.

The spa-like ensuite bathroom features a soaker tub, heated floors, integrated LED lighting, and one of three skylights found throughout the home.

Garage and mud room

The newly added double-car garage, with extra storage space for activity gear, also has EV charging capability. The garage leads directly into a spacious mud room which, says McIvor, “has good flow from the garage into a fully equipped mud room. Everything you need is in there — laundry, utility space, extra storage. You can come home dirty from your mountain bike ride, take off your gear, (and hit the) shower in the bathroom down the hall.”

McIvor says she and her husband designed the home to reflect who they are: an active Squamish family. “It really is a dream family home that’s not so big that you don’t ever see your kids. It doesn’t feel industrial or cavernous; it’s got a lot of character and cosiness.”

The Northridge neighbourhood is close to shops, restaurants and other amenities across the Sea to Sky Highway, and is within walking distance of five schools. “That’s been important to me, especially when we had little kids,” says McIvor. “We value the ability to bike and walk everywhere.”

Location: 38243 Vista Crescent, Squamish

Listed for: $4,199,000

Year built: 1960

Type: Five bedrooms, four bathrooms

Size: Living area, 3,588 sq ft; deck/patio space, 989 sq ft

Realtor: Jenna Franze, personal real estate corporation, Stilhavn Real Estate Services

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In the Eastern Fraser Valley, early November has always been considered the deadline for having all our plants ready for winter.

Based on past experience, we know that those infamous, northeasterly, outflow winds can arrive early, without much warning, resulting in the loss of many more-tender plants. I remember that, quite a few years ago, this exact situation happened on Oct. 31, which was a Sunday, with no groundskeepers working.

We suffered tremendous losses of heirloom fuchsia trees, Angel Trumpets (brugmansias), bananas and palms — plants that we’d grown in our gardens for years. Echeverias and other tender succulents were wiped out, as were roses, gardenia trees and special geranium varieties. We had not yet closed the gardens for the season, and with 27 acres of plants, it was not possible to winterize them all in a very short time period.

Weather can be uncertain. While we have a window of opportunity before any severe cold arrives, it is important to winterize our gardens, as well as plants in containers on decks and patios. Winterizing the plants that provided so much beauty over the spring and summer will go a long way to ensuring that they won’t be lost. Outdoor tropical plants, like hibiscus, mandevillas and similar non-hardy greenery, don’t do well when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. These types of plants should now be inside, sheltering by a window with cool, indirect light.

When bringing plants inside, it’s important to check them for insects and disease, and, perhaps, give them a gentle leaf wash with a Safer’s Soap product, like Trounce, or a mild solution of horticultural oil.

Keep them cool and the soil just moist. Mist them with warm water a few times daily for a week or so to help them adjust to being indoors.

Hardy annuals, like fuchsias, lantanas and brugmansias, should be pruned back and placed in an area which is cool but always above freezing. A window for light would be helpful or at least some grow lights turned on for eight hours per day. All the leaves should be removed, and the plants should sit dormant until late February or early March.

The eastern Valley has a hardiness rating of zone 6a or 6b South Surrey, Vancouver and most of Vancouver Island are rated zone 7 or 8. This means, as a rule of thumb, if your plants are rated for the hardiness zone of your area, they should be fine. However, once plants are taken out of the ground, they lose one zone of hardiness and may need extra protection; so potted plants will require mulching with fir, sawdust or bark. Alternatively, you could bury the pots in the ground on the southwest side of your home, use a frost blanket or a proper insulating wrap, like N-Sulate, to keep them safe. Tender succulents, agaves, mangaves and aeoniums, as well as geraniums, lantanas and mandevillas, will need to be kept from frost.

All tender succulents need to be in a highlight situation next to a south- or west-facing window. Being inside a warm house, they will need a good water check at least once a week, and they should be kept as cool as possible.

Red leafed bananas are purely tropical and must be inside now. In a well-lit location, they will adapt to indoor settings. Although they are quite big, they can also make a nice indoor tropical plant. If their leaves are somewhat damaged, they can be trimmed along the edges, or if really unattractive, they can be carefully cut off to improve the look of the plant.

Many folks have already potted spring-flowering bulbs in containers, but if cold weather comes, the pots will need to be wrapped with an insulating material. Frost blankets are ideal. Remember: burlap has no insulating value.

Roses are always one of my major concerns at this time of the year. Traditional floribundas, hybrid teas and grandifloras, which are budded on the bottom, must be covered with at least 12 inches (30cm) of protective mulch to ensure that they will not freeze. All the new shrub roses are much hardier and do not need that protection because they are growing on their own roots. However, as a precaution, it still might be wise to add just a little mulch.

The greater challenge is with tree roses, where the graft is two to three feet up near the top of the stem. The simplest way to protect them is simply wrapping a three-to-four-foot piece of metal fencing around the tree and filling the space with either a mulch or with household insulating material, which must be kept dry to be effective.

Tender plants, like camellias and star jasmines, need to have protection whether they are in containers or in the ground. A good mulching around the base will protect their roots, but if they are exposed to outflow winds, they will have to be wrapped with insulating material just until the cold spell ends.

Far too many folks have lost their fig trees in past cold winters. Figs, planted locally, are all zone 7 plants living in zone 6 areas. As the leaves fall off, the whole plant should be heavily mulched around the base and wrapped with insulating material if temperatures dip below -10C. The same is true with green bananas (Musa basjoo). In zone 6 areas, the outer leaves should be cut back now, leaving only the central stem. Mulch the bottom and create a narrow tripod out of 2 x 4s around the stem which you can load up either with leaves or with insulating material. The tripod, covered with netting or with insulating material, will keep snow from damaging the stems. Bay trees (Laurus nobilis) and rosemary trees can be treated in the same way.

Dutch windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) will also need winter protection in zone 6 areas. When severe cold arrives, they will need to be either placed indoors or wrapped with insulating material and with heating cables added for extra warmth.

Outdoor winter containers, planted with hardy perennials, grasses and shrubs, will need just a wrap of insulating cloth to keep the plants safe in temperatures below -8 to -10 degrees Celsius.

At this point, it’s important to have all your mulches and insulating materials on hand, just in case weather conditions change quickly. Tropicals and tender plants should be put away as soon as possible. Last year we had a reasonably mild winter, and very few plants were lost, but being prepared for an early cold spell is just wise gardening.

Fall is still a time for planting, and hardy bulbs, shrubs and trees — ones rated for your particular area — are OK to plant now. Take advantage of our current mild weather to add value to your landscape, but be sure to protect your investments: tender plants need that extra bit of winter protection to survive.

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Homes for the Holidays marks its 20th year this November — a milestone for one of Vancouver’s most-loved seasonal traditions.

On Nov. 15 and 16, the city’s design community will once again bring festive magic to Cecil Green Park House, the elegant 1912 mansion located in West Point Grey, overlooking the Strait of Georgia.

Each room will be transformed into a winter wonderland by some of Vancouver’s leading designers, all donating their time and creativity for a good cause. This two-day event raises funds for the YWCA Metro Vancouver Housing Action Fund, helping to create safe, affordable homes for women and children across the region.

Community, creativity and a great cause

For Vancouver designer Trish Knight, of Knight Varga Interiors, the event blends everything she loves most: design, community and giving back.

“My parents taught me, from a young age, that your work isn’t truly complete until you use your skills and time to give something back. Community involvement has always been a source of joy and purpose, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to something that directly supports young people and families in need,” she says.

Knight Varga’s team will transform the Cecil Green library this year, infusing it with warmth and storytelling vibes.

Knight’s relationship with Homes for the Holidays runs deep. She has volunteered for the event many times, decorated clients’ homes for the tour, co-chaired this event, co-ordinated social media, and organized the Designer Happy Hour.

“My friend Sarah Thompson was one of the original presenting sponsors, and over the years, it became a cherished tradition among our group of girlfriends. We’d tour the homes together and then celebrate the start of the season with a special lunch,” she says.

Two decades of good times and giving back

Since its debut in 2004, Homes for the Holidays has raised more than $1.5 million for local charities and evolved from private-home tours into a single-venue celebration, based at Cecil Green Park House.

Like the homes featured in this event, Homes for the Holidays has also undergone its share of makeovers. From multi-home to virtual tours to its current single-venue iteration at the prestigious Cecil Green mansion, says Toula Favreau, Homes for the Holidays 2025 event chair.

Six local design teams — Knight Varga Interiors, Formwerks Interiors, Daniel Meloché Design, Harmony Sense Interiors, Madeleine Design Group, and Ross & Company Interiors — will each interpret the holidays in one of the mansion’s rooms.

Outside, the Terrace of Trees will feature more than 20 decorated trees by additional designers, along with wreaths, a boutique market, and silent-auction treasures.

Nature-inspired design

Returning designers and last year’s “People’s Favourite” winners, Formwerks Interiors, are decorating the conservatory in the Cecil Green mansion this year.

“The nature of its design has greatly influenced where we’re taking the room this year. Touring Cecil Green on any day is a treat, but filled with breathtaking decor, florals and live music, it’s truly magical,” says Formwerks’ interior designer Shauna Townsend.

It’s an incredible opportunity to team up with talented local vendors to create something beautiful that raises money for a meaningful cause, she says.

Each year is so unique because you have different designers creating what Christmas is to them, with the added influence and inspiration being drawn from the rooms that they are assigned,” says Formwerks’ interior designer Eleanor Coyle.

A good cause

YWCA Metro Vancouver CEO Erin Seeley saysHomes for the Holidays makes a real difference.

“Right now, many families are struggling with rising rents and limited housing options,” she says. “For single mothers especially, the challenges can feel overwhelming. While we operate 18 housing communities across Metro Vancouver, more than 1,000 families are still waiting for a safe place to call home.” 

“Proceeds from Homes for the Holidays tickets will go directly to the YWCA Housing Action Fund to help us create more housing and stability for families across Metro Vancouver,” Seeley explains.

Making the most of the tour

Varga encourages guests to take their time.

“You’re not just touring a beautifully decorated heritage home, you’re supporting an incredible cause and seeing Vancouver’s design community up close,” she says.

Her tips: choose VIP tickets for more flexible entry times, browse the silent auction for one-of-a-kind gifts, and pre-order a fresh wreath — a crowd favourite.

“And don’t rush. Plan time to enjoy a hot chocolate or a glass of wine while taking in the Terrace of Trees. Go with friends, make a day of it, and soak up the inspiration.”

Tickets are on sale now at homesfortheholidays.ca

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

985 King Georges Way, West Vancouver

Type: Five-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 4,287 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $6,157,000

Listed for: $5,788,000

Sold for: $5,200,000

Sold on: Aug. 24

Days on market in this listing: 76

Listing agent: Brian Lane at Royal Pacific Lions Gate Realty and Holly Calderwood PREC at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Victoria Qiu PREC at ReMax Crest Realty

The big sell: Deep pockets were needed to secure this West Vancouver estate property with a final sale price in excess of $5 million. Boasting spectacular 180-degree south-facing ocean and Vancouver skyline views, the home sits on a lot size in excess of 0.5 acres (24,785 square feet to be exact) on what is dubbed the district’s Golden Mile. According to listing agent Holly Calderwood, the mid-1960s home was originally built by a Warner Brothers cartoonist/designer with a Tuscan-inspired style that reflects Southern California’s Mediterranean architecture. There are exposed rafters and beams, stone-surround fireplaces, a statement entrance hall with a curved staircase and chandelier lighting, shuttered windows, vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms, an elevator, terracotta tiled floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, and an expansive covered patio from which to soak up the vista.

2128 — 2130 East Pender St., Vancouver

Type: Eight-bedroom, five-bathroom detached

Size: 3,450 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,880,000

Listed for: $1,990,000

Sold for: $1,997,500

Sold on: Aug. 7

Days on market in this listing: Eight

Listing agent: Bob Bracken at ReMax Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Shawn Anderson PREC at Engel & Volkers Vancouver

The big sell: This legal side-by-side duplex is located on East Pender’s wider boulevard street just east of Victoria Drive. It comprises a mix of suites divided between three levels with three two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units each with separate entrances that, according to listing agent Bob Bracken, bring in a gross income of $11,476 per month ($137,712 per year). The building has been well maintained with updates to the electrics, plumbing, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, furnaces, meters, hot water tanks, plus the suites enjoy private patios or decks, and mountain views. There is coin laundry (although one newly-renovated suite does have its own laundry), mechanical rooms, and storage. Character features celebrate the home’s 1926 origins with wood floors, high ceilings and wainscot detailing. The property sold over asking with multiple offers in eight days.

101 — 2969 Whisper Way, Coquitlam

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 712 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $535,000

Listed for: $565,000

Sold for: $545,000

Sold on: Aug. 19

Days on market in this listing: 48

Listing agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

Buyers agent: Anita Aheer at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: This one-bedroom fully-renovated ground-floor condo resides in Summerlin, a four-storey complex within the Polygon-built master-planned Silver Springs community located in Coquitlam’s Westwood Plateau. The home has an open-concept living space under nine-foot-high ceilings, stainless-steel appliances including a gas range, quartz countertops, new light fixtures, Shaker-style cabinets, laminate floors, and it has been decorated in designer paint colours. The bedroom has a six-foot-long walk-in closet and custom cabinetry for extra storage space, while outside the covered patio provides a venue for additional entertaining. The home comes with one parking stall, a storage locker, a monthly maintenance fee of $391.98, and access to the development’s Cascade Club where residents enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness studio, hot tub, theatre, barbecue and lounge areas.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Want more expert mortgage info? Robert McLister shares Canada’s best national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily.

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