Abbotsford Estate, Estate of the Day
This rambling home in Abbotsford, British Columbia offers an outstanding amount of space. It is a ten bedroom home that sits on over 20 acres and at 42,767 square feet it is the largest home to ever be listed in Canada and the largest home on record in British Columbia. Construction began way back in 1997 (and the planning started in 1994) and is still ongoing. It has details like 45-foot ceilings in the foyer, an elevator, five fireplaces, geothermal heating and a tunnel out to the pool and cabana area. It features more different types and colors of wood than I have seen in one house in a long time. According to the Great Estates website it first hit the market in early in 2005 and the $12.5 million CAD listing is a record asking price for the Fraser Valley region of Greater Vancouver. It seems to be a bit of a hodgepodge of styles and design influences but if you need lots and lots of room this could be your dream home.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Robert DesVergnes Mar 13th 2006 2:10PM
do you need a house sitter? bob
retta Mar 13th 2006 2:41PM
Proving.....money and expense do not equal taste. This is an ugly "home" and lacks style.
sharon rainey Mar 13th 2006 2:46PM
i think the home is very nice and comfortable.
Tracey Mar 13th 2006 2:57PM
BEAUTIFUL!!!! How I wish I had $12.5 million dollars!! Would love to see what the home the owners are buying if they're selling this one!
janice Mar 13th 2006 3:00PM
This home is a rare beauty. I was shocked literally to read that someone thought it ugly. Its a gem of gems!!!
Carol Mar 13th 2006 3:04PM
HOW COULD ANYBODY SAY THAT THIS HOUSE IS "UGLY", WHAT A BEAUTIFUL HOME THIS IS. THAT IS LIKE LOOKING AT TRUMP TOWERS AND SAY THAT IT IS AN UGLY BUILDING, OR MARALARGO AND SAYING THAT IT IS ALSO UGLY. WE WISH THAT WE HAD A HOME HALF THE SIZE THAT THIS ONE IS!!!
janice Mar 13th 2006 3:04PM
Couldn't find where to rate it with stars, but I would undoubtedly give this home a sky full of them! janice
Bob Cash Mar 13th 2006 3:05PM
I agree with the 1st posting by retta on 03/13/06. If it could be razed for the materials, then that would be the way to go and build a properly styled place of about 1/4 the size. As it is, it's uglier than a mud fence and probably has one somewhere. Was this built with drug money & the owners were still higher than Cooter Brown? The entrance(?) at the next to last page is all beauty - HAH! All bux, no taste nor brains...
Nancy Mar 13th 2006 3:07PM
I like it and think it is a great home. Wished I could afford it. I am so thankful we don't all like the same things it would be a bore if we did. I think style and taste is the strengh to do things your way. Not being influenced by anyone else.
Cherie Mar 13th 2006 3:08PM
Just because it isn't your taste, doesn't mean it is without taste. If those before us didn't think outside the box, how boring would this life be. Thankfully, we don't all conform to one person's thinking, and as such, we have a multitude of beautiful estates in this world to view. Your taste in architecture and design may be vanilla ... this person may be strawberry cheesecake. Don't be insulting just because it isn't your style. The home has many beautiful features ... there are people out there who will appreciate those beauties. I hope the sellers find the perfect buyer for their beautiful home.
Dawn Mar 13th 2006 3:08PM
I think while the outside leaves much to be desired, the inside is not bad. I would never pay $12.5 million for it.
Mike Duke Mar 13th 2006 3:15PM
The house has its strengths and weaknesses. I like parts of the architecture and some parts don't thrill me as much. The house could be converted into a lodge without too much effort. As for the individual stating that the house lacks taste, not everbody like strawberry ice cream. Besides, life is too short to care what someone else really thinks. Just be happy and move on.
Mike Duke Mar 13th 2006 3:15PM
The house has its strengths and weaknesses. I like parts of the architecture and some parts don't thrill me as much. The house could be converted into a lodge without too much effort. As for the individual stating that the house lacks taste, not everbody like strawberry ice cream. Besides, life is too short to care what someone else really thinks. Just be happy and move on.
David Mar 13th 2006 3:15PM
Where is the landscaping? With all that money spent, they left out the curb appeal and beauty of trees, shrubs, walkways, etc. BORING EXTERIOR!
SheShe Mar 13th 2006 3:22PM
I think the home is absolutely beautiful and the details such as the woodwork and the staircase are exquisite!!! I Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
russell miller Mar 13th 2006 3:23PM
I live in a 10,000 sq. ft. home in NC with 10 bedrooms so I feel I am qualified to say that the exterior has much to be desired in a blending style. It looks like a starter home that someone just kept building on to. There are some very nice interior spaces. What makes the house a home is the love within instead of an interior decorator. Would be a great building for a corp. or church retreat center or a place for a group home. My winter heat bills run $700. a month so I would interested in knowing how much this one is with geo heat,
Sandra Mar 13th 2006 3:24PM
To the person who didnt like the house, I'm sure if they gave you this beautiful house you would really find the beauty in it, stop being jealous.
Jim Mar 13th 2006 3:27PM
The views of the great room and music room make it clear that this house is certainly a jem on the inside. However the views from the outside reveal that it is very reminiscent of a large church. Being somewhat of a connoisseur of architecture I can understand that some of the details in the foyer don't photograph as well as they should. You have to get past this fact and recognize that this is a truly beautiful home on the inside outside may look like monstrosity that it also is.
Cathy Mar 13th 2006 3:27PM
I thought this house was VERY beautiful! Anyone who says it's ugly, must be happy living in a square box, and happy with that!It has character, and style!I love it!
martha Mar 13th 2006 3:33PM
I'm not sure that beautiful is the correct term. Unique, eclectic and inviting come to mind. I love it!