Every day, Paul and Mary Stopp wake up to catch herons, geese, ducks or swans diving into the Fraser River for their next meal. From their upper deck, they have unobstructed views of the Gulf Islands, right to Shelter Island.
“We love watching the fishing boats pass by and eagles soaring high above,” says Mary.
The Stopps were empty nesters since their son went off to university, so they figured it was time to downsize from their large heritage home on No. 4 Road in Richmond.
Recently, the couple moved into their custom built three storey waterfront executive home with six-car garage in East Richmond’s newest riverfront project - Blue Heron Marina Estates, a sophisticated collection of nine executive residences.
Initially, Mary admitted she needed some convincing to move to in the emerging Hamilton neighbourhood. Now you couldn’t pry her away.
“It’s amazing to watch the marine life go by every day,” says Mary. “In addition, we walk out our door and we have numerous walking trails and an off-leash area only five minutes away for our two dogs.”
Each three-bedroom custom built homes, ranging between 2341 and 3084 square feet, is superbly appointed with unique features such as a six-car garages, an elevator, media room and glass Eclipse Folding Doors - giving residents front row seats to spectacular riverfront vistas.
The contemporary, open-concept homes are showcased by solid black walnut flooring with travertine foyers, gas fireplace in the great room, oversized windows to let in lots of natural sunlight, nine-foot ceilings, custom millwork and south facing waterfront decks from the great room and master suites that overlook the marina below.
Each residence is beautifully appointed with an exceptionally elegant kitchen — a chef’s dream. All are equipped with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, including a Wolf 36” Gas Range, gourmet microwave drawers, granite countertops with ceramic tile backsplash, custom cabinetry and walk-in pantry (in some).
Blue Heron Marina Estates comes from yacht builder Paul Palmer.
“I’ve built many boats in my lifetime and wanted this reflected in the finish of these homes," says Palmer. He and his wife Heather wanted to create a waterfront community where you could just step out of your door and head out on your boat.
When Hamilton reaches full re-gentrification, it will encompass new housing developments and a new urban centre. Steveston Real Estate RE/MAX’s Sean Lawson is involved in a 10-year project that will transform this neighbourhood; creating a new city core. It is said to become the next Steveston.
This summer when Blue Heron Marina is complete, there will a full service marina with 48 slips for power or sail boats and a clubhouse. Only four homes remain. This is an opportunity to purchase a luxurious executive home, assessed at around $1.7 million, for $1,288,000 to $1,388,000.
This is waterfront living at its best. With easy access to highways 91 and 99 you are 15 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes to downtown Vancouver and 20 minutes to the US border. For more information, or to view the show home at 23740 Dyke Road, stop by Thursdays or Sundays from 1 to 4pm, or for a private viewing call Randy Larsen of Macdonald Realty at 604-290-2650 or email randylarsen97@gmail.com.
