Big Screen Beauty

Welcome to Breezehurst, one of New Westminster’s most spectacular homes located just steps from Queen’s Park.

Built in 1889 for George Bremner, who opened the first branch of the Bank of Montreal in New Westminster in 1888, this magnificent Queen Anne-style home boasts incredible living space with large entertainment-size rooms, five bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. And, it should come as no surprise given its grandeur, that Breezehurst packs some serious star power. Most recently, it can be seen in the new Netflix series, Virgin River. It’s also played a role in the popular television series Supernatural, Nickelodeon’s Jinxed and the spin-off prequel of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, just to name a few.

A lovely wrap-around veranda welcomes you to this grand beauty, nestled on a 10,916-square-foot corner lot surrounded by mature gardens.

You’ll be captivated by the soaring 22-foot ceiling in the foyer, along with polished wood work and the beautiful stained glass windows that reflect a prism of soft light throughout the living spaces. The main floor is spacious and family-friendly, featuring a roomy formal living room and dining room along with a light-filled conservatory, full-size billiard room, den and spacious kitchen.

The well-equipped kitchen has been renovated to suit today’s modern family, with a large centre island, granite counters and a commercial grade gas range. The owners also wanted to pay homage to the original kitchen and opted to keep some of the vintage cabinetry for use as a freestanding display cabinet and extra storage.

When you make your way up the front staircase — one of two in the home — you’ll find an open sitting area on the second storey, along with four generous bedrooms, a laundry room, two full bathrooms and a lovely porch with views of Mt. Baker. The light-filled master bedroom features large windows and the original 1889 wallpaper.

The house doesn’t stop there — the third floor attic has high ceilings and close to 1,500 square feet of additional living space that could be finished to suit.

Head down to the basement and you’ll find plenty of storage and a workshop space. And a little bit of house history: During the Prohibition Era, the Breezehurst basement was home to a speakeasy called The Old Log Inn, where the likes of Frank Trapp and other prominent businessman would gather. The home’s former tennis court (now subdivided for other use) was where Miss Cave-Brown-Cave instructed her first May Day practices.

Breezehurst offers the best of all heritage worlds — it oozes a rich civic and social history but has been updated electrically and has a high efficiency boiler with cast iron radiators throughout. The major work has been done on this home and it is now awaiting its next caretakers, who will no doubt put their personal stamp on Breezehurst and write the next chapter in its incredible story.

Showings by appointment – call Lori at 604-312-0738 or email lori@lorifralic.com for more information about this property.