Eric Hamber’s ‘Greencroft’: A Landmark of BC’s Architectural and Social Heritage 3838 CYPRESS STREET | VANCOUVER, BC
History ‘Greencroft’ estate, at 3838 Cypress Street, is a landmark of Vancouver’s architectural and social heritage. Completed in 1912, it was designed by Thomas Hooper, one of British Columbia’s most influential early 20th-century architects, renowned for blending traditional European styles with a distinctly Canadian identity. Greencroft stands among Hooper’s most distinguished works, alongside Hycroft Manor, the Royal Bank Building in Victoria, and Vancouver’s first steel-framed commercial structure, the Winch Building (Sinclair Centre) all reflecting his meticulous craftsmanship and lasting influence on the region’s architecture. The 3838 Cypress Street estate was first owned by Lieutenant Governor Eric W. Hamber and Aldyen Hendry, daughter of industrialist John Hendry, who named the home “Greencroft” in 1913. During their tenure, the estate hosted luminaries such as Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Architecturally, Greencroft is a masterful fusion of Tudor and Gothic Revival styles with Arts and Crafts detailing, featuring oak-paneled interiors, stained-glass windows, and a distinctive portico. The original ballroom was thoughtfully transformed into a sunroom by architect Ross Lort, blending historical grandeur with modern adaptability. In 2003, Greencroft underwent a meticulous restoration, preserving its heritage while integrating modern amenities. This revitalization earned the estate a coveted Heritage A designation and the Vancouver Heritage Award, underscoring its architectural and historical significance.
Greencroft Estate, Present Day In 2003, Greencroft Estate underwent a meticulous restoration and refurbishment, carefully preserving its architectural integrity while integrating modern amenities. This revitalization earned the property a prestigious Heritage A designation as well as the Vancouver Heritage Award, recognizing both its historical and architectural significance as well as the excellence of its restoration. During this restoration, the estate was stratified into a side-by-side duplex, and two additional homes were built on the property, creating a total of three dwellings across four independent legal titles on the expansive 1.1 acre corner lot in First Shaughnessy. From the outside, 3838 Cypress Street retains the commanding presence of a grand single-family estate. Inside, however, it offers two distinct units, each with its own legal title, designed with multiple points of optional internal connectivity. This thoughtful configuration allows the property to function either as independent residences or as a fully integrated estate, providing unparalleled flexibility for homeowners or investors seeking a historic estate with modern functionality. The estate today seamlessly blends heritage grandeur, contemporary updates, and flexible living, making it one of Vancouver’s most unique and compelling offerings.
UNIT 1 | 1 - 3838 Cypress Street
Offered at:
BC Assessment (2025):
Title:
$6,880,000
$8,951,000
Freehold Strata
Living Area:
Bedrooms / Bathrooms:
Kitchens:
6,565 sq.ft.
5 Bed / 7 Bath
2
Private Parking:
Strata Fees:
Additional Features:
6
$0.00
Elevator, Underground Parkade
1 Main Floor: 2,495 sqft Second Floor: 2,107 sqft Third Floor: 1,624 sqft Fourth Floor: 339 sqft TOTAL LIVING SPACE: 6,565 sqft ADDITIONAL SPACE Balcony: 741 sqft Patio: 868 sqft Crawl Space: 1,091 sqft Storage: 439 sqft Porch: 157 sqft Utility/Laundry: 523 sqft Garage: 2,883 sqft
EATING AREA
UNIT 2 | 2 - 3838 Cypress Street
Offered at:
BC Assessment (2025):
Title:
$5,580,000
$10,584,000
Freehold Strata
Living Area:
Bedrooms / Bathrooms:
Kitchens:
4,959 sq.ft.
4 Bed / 6 Bath
2
Private Parking:
Strata Fees:
Additional Features:
3
$0.00
Underground Parkade
2 Main Floor: 2,089 sqft Second Floor: 1,656 sqft Third Floor: 1,214 sqft TOTAL LIVING SPACE: 4,959 sqft ADDITIONAL SPACE Balcony: 218 sqft Patio: 688 sqft Crawl Space: 898 sqft Storage: 439 sqft Porch: 157 sqft Utility/Laundry: 523 sqft Garage: 1,441 sqft
FULL ESTATE | 1 & 2 - 3838 Cypress Street
Offered at:
Combined BC Assessment (2025):
$12,460,000
$19,535,000
Title:
Freehold Strata
Living Area:
Bedrooms / Bathrooms:
Kitchens:
11,796 sq.ft.
9 Bed / 13 Bath
4
Private Parking:
Strata Fees:
Additional Features:
6
$0.00
Elevator, Underground Parkade
Main Floor: 2,089 sqft ADDITIONAL SPACE Porch: 157 sqft Patio: 1,214 sqft
Second Floor: 1,656 sqft ADDITIONAL SPACE Balcony: 218 sqft
Third Floor: 1,214 sqft ADDITIONAL SPACE Balcony: 74 sqft
EATING AREA
Fourth Floor: 339 sqft
Garage: 2,883 sqft Utility/Laundry: 523 sqft Storage: 439 sqft Crawl Space: 898 sqft TOTAL UNDERGROUND SPACE: 4,743 sqft
LINDSEY VERMETTE
MICHAEL MILLER
C: 604.603.6031 | O: 778.374.3100
C: 778.242.6356 | O: 778.374.3100
Real Estate Advisor
Real Estate Advisor
lindsey.vermette@evrealestate.com
michael@michaelmiller.homes
lindseyvermette.evrealestate.com
michaelmiller.evrealestate.com
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