Vancouver area: Seymour Village

Think you know the North Shore? Well think again, because Seymour Village is about to change the way you imagine life in North Vancouver.

A partnership between Aquilini Development and Takaya Developments, a branch of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, this spectacular 25-acre master-planned community is surrounded by majestic forest, natural grandeur and the lush greens of the Seymour Golf & Country Club to the northeast. You could say this is a little slice of paradise.

Each façade features extensive use of natural stained, wood siding and soffits. Glass with metal railings defines the generously sized balconies, and front doors are framed with panels that provide unanticipated punches of colour – blue, red, green.

For me though, it’s the L-shaped cladding that cascades from the roof and down one side that’s the most innovative feature. It’s one of those rare designs that quite simply take my breath away because they’re so unexpected and so very creative.

Homes for living

Inside, these homes are thoughtfully crafted to make life easier. “Downsizers who already live on the North Shore love them because they have so much space,” says Deren Akinci, project marketer. “Families like the open floorplans that make entertaining easy.”

And everyone loves the starting price. “The cost of buying a single-family home in Vancouver has gone through the roof,” Deren says. “Even in the suburbs it can be prohibitively expensive. At Seymour Village, you get a double benefit – the cost savings of a townhome and the extra value of purchasing a leasehold property. And you can still be in downtown Vancouver in less than 20 minutes. It’s a win-win all round.”

Connected lifestyle

“This whole area is amazing,” Deren says. “Everything that makes the West Coast such a desirable place to live is nearby. You’re minutes from some of the best hiking and biking trails in Metro Vancouver, there’s no shortage of shopping and restaurants close by, Capilano University is about an eight-minute drive, and if you haven’t been to the beach at Cates Park you should – especially since it’s only two minutes away.”

Of course, there’s also Deep Cove with its charming theatre and art gallery plus the famous Honey Doughnuts… which reminds me… I think it’s time for a snack. And on the way back, I can snag a growler and some of the most interesting gin around at the Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers. Life is good here on the North Shore.