The Rosemary Estate

The Rosemary Estate 3689 Selkirk Street, Vancouver, BC 12 BEDROOMS 13 BATHROOMS 16,655 SQ.FT.

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A Rare Offering The Ro semar y E s tate, The “Grand Dame” of Vanc ouver’s pre s tigious Firs t Shaughne s sy neighb ourho o d. This signific ant home was b uilt from 191 2 — 1915 by Alb er t Edward Tulk, a whiskey baron and law yer who made his signific ant for tune during the Gre at C anadian gold rush in the late 18 0 0s . In 191 2, Tulk decided to hire B.C.’s top architec t s to de sign a house b efit ting of his s tature and this is where the s tor y of The Ro semar y b egin s.

The mansion, named after Tulk’s first daughter Rosemary, was to be built with the finest materials by the finest craftsmen. No detail was to be overlooked and no expense was to be spared in its creation.

The home is the result of a collaboration by two of the last century’s most acclaimed architects, Samuel MacLure and Cecil Croker Fox. The two only worked together from 1905-1916 adding to the Rosemary’s pedigree and provenance.

Throughout the last 110 years, The Rosemary has had surprisingly few owners but the list, though small, is exceptional and diverse. Members of this exclusive club include a Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, a prominent banker, an industrialist and race horse breeder and The Catholic Church - Order of the Covenant Of Our Lady of The Cenacle.

The current owner took nearly 5 years to painstakingly restore Vancouver’s “Grand Dame” to her former glory as First Shaughnessy’s most prominent home. Thousands of man hours have been invested to restore the home’s richly appointed interior. Modern luxury conveniences are evident throughout the home which align to 21st century living. With no expense spared, this project has eclipsed six million dollars in its process.

This once in a lifetime offering invites the next family to add their own chapter in the Rosemary’s continuing history.

The Grand Foyer is a show stopper. Soaring beamed ceilings and thick paneling of solid oak greet guests and draws their attention to the centerpiece, the “Arts and Crafts� fireplace. A huge gold chandelier soars above the massive oak staircase and landing which incorporates a large window of stained-leaded glass. The stage is set.

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The Rosemary Estate a history timeline Albert Edward Tulk

191 2 - 192 2

1st Owner of 3689 Selkirk (1912-1922)

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Born 25 December, 1878 in Ontario, one of three brothers

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In 1898, 18-year-old Albert came west for the Klondike Gold Rush, and wound up settling in Vancouver in 1911

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He was also a venture capitalist

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Tulk was also a lawyer, and an avid sportsman who developed Vancouver’s first baseball park on the Powell Street Grounds (today’s Oppenheimer Park).

He also co-owned a pro baseball team that played at Recreation Park at Nelson and Homer

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Samuel Maclure was known for his large mansions — he was the architect behind the Rogers mansion in the West End and Hatley Castle in Victoria.

For the Tulk commission he joined with Cecil Croker Fox to build one of Shaughnessy’s landmark mansions, Rosemary

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Named after Tulk’s daughter, the Tudor revival home was built on two lots at 3689 Selkirk that took up almost two acres of land. Construction began in 1912, but the building was so large it took several years to complete

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His mom was the granddaughter of Sir Alexander Galt, one of the Fathers of Confederation

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192 2 - 19 31

Lieutenant-Governor, John William Fordham Johnson 2nd Owner of 3689 Selkirk (1922-1931)

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After Tulk’s death, B.C.’s 14th Lieutenant-Governor, John William Fordham Johnson, bought the house for $75,000, which was probably a bit less than it cost to build

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He worked for the Bank of British Columbia from 1888 to 1898 whilst based in Portland Oregon

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He quit his job at the bank and went to work for B.C. Sugar By 1902, John had become an accountant at the B.C. Sugar Refining Company

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From 1905 to 1907, John was the resident director and manager of the Vancouver-Fiji Sugar Company in Fiji

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In 1918, John became the vice president of B.C. Sugar, and in 1920 he became the president of the company

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From 1931 to 1936, John was appointed the 14th lieutenant governor of British Columbia. He served in this role until 1936 when he retired from the position with ill health

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19 9 4 - 2014

2014

Mingfei Zhou Current owner 3689 Selkirk (2014 – Present Day)

Major Austin Cotterell Taylor 3rd Owner 3689 Selkirk (1931-1947)

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The mansion was sold in April 2014 to “international investor” Mingfei Zhao

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Zhao is a retired property developer from Beijing

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Zhao says his decision to buy and restore the Rosemary was inspired by his love of the TV show, Downton Abbey

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Johnson sold it to industrialist/horseman Austin Taylor in 1931

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Taylor made a fortune in the mining and lumber industries, notably through Bralorne Mines Ltd. of which he was President

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An influential business figure in Canada, in 1934 the Wall Street Journal announced his appointment to the Board of Directors of British Columbia Power Corp and later was appointed a director of the Bank of Canada

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Zhao’s extraordinary vision and substantial financial commitments allowed him to restore the Rosemary to her former glory

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In recognition of his service, Taylor was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

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He acted as a director for several Canadian entities, including the Royal Trust Corporation, the Bank of Canada, and B.C. Forest Products

Zhao spent over 3 years working with the best heritage consultants, contractors and artisans in restoring the Rosemary

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Austin Taylor was voted part of the inaugural class of inductees in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Builders category

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According to his biography at the Hall of Fame, Austin Taylor “assembled the most powerful stable ever seen in Western Canada during the 1930s.”

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His racing stable competed in Vancouver as well as at tracks throughout California

Order of the Convent of Our Lady of the Cenacle 4th Occupancy (1947-1994)

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The Sisters of the Cenacle (full title: Congregation of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle) is a Roman Catholic Congregation founded in 1826 in the village of Lalouvesc, France. The founders were Saint Therese Couderc and diocesan priest Jean-Pierre Etienne Terme

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At the hostel for women, the Sisters took in all who came to the door. Not only was the place crowded, but it was noisy and unruly.

Mother Thérèse approached Father Terme and told him that they could not live religious life in these circumstances. She managed, with a bit of difficulty it appears, to convince him that from then on, only those women who were willing to make their stay a time of serious prayer would be given lodging

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In 1994, the Sisters of the Cenacle decided to sell, and in 1996, the lot was subdivided in three, so new homes could be built on either side. In return, Rosemary was “designated” a heritage structure

Le Salon D’Or (The Gold Parlour): A spectacular room of grand scale and design, with parquet oak and inlaid mahogany floors is a visual feast. Rich upholstered walls and a centre fireplace add to the ambiance, as do the two huge leaded and stained glass windows.

Four marbled pillars support the high beamed ceiling adorned in “Dianthus Leaf” crown moldings. Crowning the room are 3 spectacular chandeliers and 8 wall sconces in shimmering gold. therosemaryestate.com

An oversized bay window with bench seating overlooks the rear gardens. Opposite, the carved walnut fireplace is inset with original “Arts and Crafts� style ceramic tiles.

The walls are fielded panels of rare walnut and intricate Chinese silk. A spectacular gold chandelier crowning the room is suspended from the coffered ceiling.

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The upper lounge: an impressive room of grand scale. Massive beam ceilings of solid oak and bespoke cabinetry with leaded glass. Original, hand-hammered copper fireplace in Art Deco style. therosemaryestate.com

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The main kitchen is marriage of beauty, convenience and modern luxury. Imported from Brazil, a most impressive 12’ X 5’ slab of solid Rosewood creates an amazing island which is flanked by 3 pair of French doors flooding the space with natural light.

Adjoining the main kitchen- this bright and functional caterer’s kitchen is well appointed with a Blue Star double gas oven/6 buyer range and extraction fan. Integrated Bosch dishwasher and refrigerator completes the space.

The kitchen is anchored by an impressive La Cornue- France gas range. The custom oak cabinetry includes an impressive carved oak canopy/extraction fan, integrated Gaggenau appliances and espresso machine. A French country sink surrounded by full height windows overlooks the rear terrace and gardens.

Above: the master bedroom.

5 bedrooms occupy the second floor of the main house with 3 additional bedrooms occupying the second floor of the attached carriage house.

An additional 4 bedrooms and 2 dens are located on the third floor.

Above: The entrance foyer powder room. Beautifully preserved with original antique Blue Delft tiles.

Opposite Page, Top Right: Upper hall bathroom - the principle bathrooms have been remodeled with Carrara marble and elegant modern finishings.

Opposite Page, Bottom Right: Master ensuite therosemaryestate.com

11 fireplaces are featured throughout the Rosemary Estate.

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Features & Upgrades •

Restoration predominantly completed by renowned “Fair Trade” construction

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Wood restoration to paneling, millwork and crown molding including gold leaf, was extensively refurbished and restored by restoration expert, Colin Griffinson

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Nearly $750,000 of restoration upgrades to the interior and exterior woodwork

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New electrical system upgrades including removal and replacement of knob and tube wiring

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Full Asbestos abatement

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New roof installation 2014

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New furnace in 2011

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Plumbing throughout the house was substantially upgraded, furnace/hot water boiler - 2014

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Solarium completely refurbished with a new glass roof

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Grand chandeliers and wall fixtures are made of solid brass and plated with 24 karat gold by Almerich, of Valencia, Spain

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Extensive outdoor kitchen for summer entertaining is situated opposite of the carriage house

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Massive +/- 1,981 sq.ft. outdoor terrace adjoining the dining and kitchen area overlooks the private rear gardens

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Solid granite paving stone driveway restored to historic accuracy

Numerous, one-of-a-kind custom chandeliers and light fixtures are highlighted throughout the Rosemary. These spectacular “artwork pieces” were custom created by the world famous, Almerich Classic from Valencia, Spain.

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Main Floor 4,176 sq.ft.

Second Floor 5,085 sq.ft.

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada does not guarantee the accuracy or feasibility of this proposed plan. Buyer to verify if important. E. & O. E.

Third Floor 2,758 sq.ft.

Basement (unfinished) 4,070 sq.ft.

therosemaryestate.com

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada does not guarantee the accuracy or feasibility of this proposed plan. Buyer to verify if important. E. & O. E.

The most elegant study- Wall to wall paneling and bespoke cabinets incorporating leaded glass bookcases are solid red mahogany. Crown moldings surrounding the detailed ceilings are embossed in “Vines and Roses” motif.

THE ROSEMARY ESTATE 3689 Selkirk Street, Vancouver, BC 12 BEDS 13 BATHS 16,655 SQ.FT. 0.909 ACRE LOT TAXES: $106,377 sothebysrealty.ca therosemaryestate.com | willandkevin.com

$26,988,000

WILL McKITKA

KEVIN HARDY

Senior Vice President, Sales

Senior Vice President, Sales

604.803.8421 wmckitka@sothebysrealty.ca willandkevin.com

778.996.5386 khardy@sothebysrealty.ca willandkevin.com

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