A luxuriously appointed, oceanfront home on North Pender Island, an exclusive auction house and the BC Cancer Foundation. Unlikely combination? Perhaps. But on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time, all three will come together for the culmination of a spectacular act of philanthropy.
The home is Madrona Grove: a 2,662-square-foot, one-of-a-kind residence perched atop a southwest-facing, 4.38-acre lot that overlooks the sparkling waters of Swanson Channel. It's a home built with love, passion, and zest for life the home where Robert and Diane Conconi had thought they would retire. Then Robert was diagnosed with the same type of throat cancer that had claimed his father's life almost three decades earlier and everything changed.
Happily, Robert's own journey had a different ending and today he is cancer free. But after experiencing first hand the BC Cancer Agency's cutting-edge medical innovations and outstanding patient care knowledge and expertise that simply weren't available in his father's time Robert knew he needed to give something back. He contacted the BC Cancer Foundation(BCCF) and donated Madrona Grove to be used as an auction fundraiser. One hundred percent of the net proceeds will go to cancer research that Bob, as he's more usually known, hopes will have a positive impact on future generations.
"This is one of the most unique, generous funding opportunities we've ever seen," says Lou Del Gobbo, vice-president and CFO of the BCCF. His gesture takes in Madrona Grove's sweeping wrap-around sundeck, the state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and the dazzling water view. "This property, like Bob, is truly one of a kind."
This is a residence that has it all: from built-in wine fridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, and outdoor gas barbeque to the master suite's soaker tub overlooking the ocean vistas think romantic sunsets with champagne and caviar Madrona Grove is all about luxury with a capital "L."
There's space here space for quiet reflection, joyful entertaining or anything else that catches your fancy. The design is a lovingly planned marriage of West Coast rustic cabin with the elegant minimalism of contemporary aesthetics. Much of the construction incorporates lumber felled on the property.
Like the house itself, Madrona Grove's upcoming sale will be out of the ordinary. Meticulously planned by The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House (TGS), prequalified bidders will have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a customized lifestyle experience for up to a week prior to auction day a concept envisioned and created by TGS's founder and executive director, Alex Lambert.
"Live-in viewings are a way for potential purchasers to feel welcome and absolutely confident that they will love the home they are purchasing so they can make an informed buying decision," he explains.
So what exactly is TGS's "live-in viewing" experience? Let's start with a live-in host, 24-hour concierge services, and an internationally renowned personal chef to prepare gourmet meals and your favourite treats at any hour. Naturally, here at Madrona Grove you'll also have access to a fabulous selection of wines including the award-wining Ortega and Siegerrebe wines from Pender Island's own Sea Star Winery.
Although it's part of the TGS mandate that every auction has a major charity component, Lambert says what Bob is doing for BCCF is unprecedented. "He has truly touched our hearts. Having him here at the event and knowing all the funds will go to cancer research will make the sale a true celebration."
Madrona Grove will be open for public viewings during preview week from August 15 to August 21 at 1369 MacKinnon Road, North Pender Island. The auction will be held on Friday, August 22 at 1:00 pm sharp. For more information, visit www.luxuryauctionhouse.com.
Madrona Grove Pender Island charity house
Madrona Grove Pender Island charity house
Madrona Grove Pender Island charity house
Madrona Grove Pender Island charity house
Did You Know?
- More than 24,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
- BC has the highest rate of positive cancer outcomes in Canada.
- Since the company was founded in 2009, TGS has raised more than $200,000 for local, non-profit organizations in healthcare, community development, and animal rights. In June 2013, they raised $72,500 for charity when Kelowna's Nautica Vista residence sold for $4.7 million with 160 guests and nine registered bidders in attendance.
- Pender Island is approximately 34 square kilometres (13 square miles) and home to about 2,400 permanent residents. It's approximately a two-hour ride from Tsawwassen and less than 45 minutes from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.
- The Pender Island Museum Society was created in 1986. The museum is located in the old Roe House near Otter Bay where you can, on request, hear 78 recordings played on an original phonograph.
