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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS | THE DELTA OPTIMIST | SEPTEMBER 2022
100 years of the Baker Residence The Baker Residence was built as a 1 ½ storey craftsman home in 1922 for George T Baker, his wife Ursula, and their 6 children. It was originally located at 4883 48th Ave in Ladner. George opened a wheelwright and blacksmith shop on Elliott Street in 1897 called “Ladner Carriage Works”. He was a well known carriage painter. Around 1912, he expanded his business into hardware and farm machinery sales and renamed his business Ladner Carriage and Automobile Works. George Baker served on the Delta Police Commission, and as a member of the Delta Fire Brigade. He also belonged to the Delta Lodge No 15, the Shriners, and the Masons. When George Baker died in 1928, Ursula took the children and moved to Vancouver. The house was sold in 1944. Delta Archives: 2010-038-069
In the 1970’s, the home was used by the Gateway Society as a group home for autistic children. The Gateway Society used the home for many years, until they ultimately needed a larger facility. It was at that time, in 1985, the Baker Residence was moved - from its original location a block away - to the current location at 4919 48th Ave in Ladner. The house was raised at this time, to include a full height basement. Other alterations made to the home during the move were the removal of the chimney, and the roof over the lateral extension, rear porch, and stairs were truncated. A balcony was also added to the upper floor rear bedroom and the roof over the main floor was altered in the rear. In the new location, the Baker Residence was used as the Primrose Guest House. Delta Archives: 2011-027-003
In 2002, the Baker Residence was purchased by Clair + Clifford Oates, who lived on the lower level, and turned the main and upper floors into a boutique hotel. They renovated the kitchen and created the 6 themed guest rooms. They also renovated aspects of the landscape by creating lush gardens and a water feature. The work was recognized with a Heritage Preservation Award in 2002. Clair’s Boutique Hotel operated until October 2021, when the owner’s retired and put the property up for sale. With sources from Delta Heritage Society, City of Delta, and Brian Hart