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Explore Burnaby’s heritage
Monday, May 16th, 2005 by GetawayBC.com
Deer Lake Park is Burnaby’s best-preserved heritage precinct. The diligence and effort of many individuals and city councils over the years have succeeded in acquiring and preserving an entire neighbourhood of Edwardian country homes and landscapes, which are now part of the city’s largest urban park.
The homes surrounding Deer Lake were built between 1904 and 1935 and were developed by their owners with an idealized view of the English countryside in mind. The landscapes designed as part of many of these gracious old homes remain integral to the experience of the lakeshore setting, and convey a special sense of history to the park visitor.
This tour, developed by the City of Burnaby’s Heritage Program, highlights some of the history and the protected heritage buildings of Deer Lake Park. More of the heritage and natural beauty of the park remain to be discovered by wandering the many trails surrounding the lake shore.
Visiting all of the buildings on the tour may take between 60 and 90 minutes.
Each historic property is marked on the map with an assigned number to locate the text.
The tour starts at the Shadbolt Centre and Burnaby Village Museum on Deer Lake Avenue.
1. Edwin W. and Mary Bateman House “Elworth”
(Burnaby Village Museum)
Behind the fence of the city’s museum, you can see “Elworth,” the only original building constructed on this site.
Edwin W. Bateman came to B.C. as the Canadian Pacific railway’s right-of-way and tax agent in 1910. In 1920, Edwin and Mary Bateman purchased land in the “Deer Lake Crescent” subdivision and began to develop a country retreat which they called “Elworth.”
Completed in 1922, the house was designed by Vancouver architect Enoch Evans and is a classic example of a romantic revival cottage. It incorporates the overall form of an arts and crafts bungalow, but includes classic revival features such as Ionic verandah columns, shutters and a symmetrical facade.
The City of Burnaby purchased this property in 1970 for use as part of Deer Lake Park. It became the focal point for the creation of Heritage Village which opened in 1971.
(Check the open hours at the entrance gate to visit the museum or take a ride on the restored Centennial Carousel.)
2. Robert F. and Bessie Anderson House
6450 Deer Lake Avenue
In 1912, shortly after New Westminster hardware merchant R.F. Anderson purchased his lots in the “Deer Lake Crescent” subdivision, local newspapers noted that “his new $10,000 mansion was well on its way to completion.”
Local architect Frank W. Macey’s signature style is evident through the use of unique English arts and crafts design elements.
After World War I, Anderson sold the house and many different owners came and went. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King.
In 1971, the house was purchased by the City of Burnaby as part of the arts centre and, in 1992, was designated as a heritage site.
3. William J. and Mary Mathers Mansion “Altnadene”
6490 Deer Lake Avenue
William J. Mathers was the New Westminster manager for the Brackman-Ker Milling Company. He purchased the first two lots of the “Deer Lake Crescent” subdivision and in 1912 built this magnificent Romanesque revival-styled home designed by architect F.W. Macey for a reported cost of $13,000.
During World War I, the mansion was used in part as a convalescent home for soldiers wounded on the battle front.
After the death of W.J. Mathers in 1929, the estate was rented and finally sold. In 1939, the Benedictine Monks converted the mansion into the Seminary of Christ the King which operated until 1953.
In 1971, Burnaby purchased the building for use as part of the arts centre and designated it a heritage site in 1992.
(For historic photographs and more information, see the interpretive sign at the rear entrance of the house.)
4. Henry T. and Grace Ceperley Estate “Fairacres”
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Henry and Grace Ceperley were the first property owners to decide to build a high-class country residence at Deer Lake.
Henry Ceperley was a local pioneer, having arrived in Vancouver in 1886 and started a real estate and insurance firm which became the largest in B.C.
Grace Ceperley received a large inheritance from her brother-in-law, A.G. Ferguson, and used it to build “Fairacres.” She purchased the strawberry farm from George Clayton in 1909 with the intention of building a retirement home.
Designed by English architect R.P.S. Twizell, the English arts-and-crafts-styled mansion and estate cost more than $150,000 in 1911.
When Grace Ceperley died in 1917, her will stated that the proceeds from the sale of the estate were to be used to build Ceperley Playground in Stanley Park.
In 1939, the local Catholic Diocese funded a group of five Benedictine monks to establish a Priory in B.C. and “Fairacres” was purchased and used for this purpose.
This property was acquired in 1966 by the City of Burnaby for use as a civic art gallery and designated a heritage property in 1992.
(Tour the estate using the interpretive signs to learn more about the mansion, garage and stables, chauffeur’s cottage, steam plant and root house.)
5. Thomas O. and Frances Townley Mansion “Deerholme”
6110 Price Street
“Deerholme” was built in 1913 by Vancouver’s 1901 mayor, Colonel Thomas Owen Townley, and his wife Frances.
The house was designed by their son Fred Laughton Townley, who had just returned from the University of Pennsylvania where he had received a degree in architecture.
The mansion’s design reflects his training as it is based on the Gregorian revival style, popular with Americans proud of their Colonial roots.
The Townley’s enjoyed the estate until 1920 when they rented the house to the Cunningham family before selling the property to the Vancouver Anglican College.
The college held the building until 1940, when it was again sold and was owned by various owners until being purchased by the City in 1979.
The house remains leased as a private residence until future park expansion is completed.
6. Frederick J. and Alice Hart Estate “Avalon”
6664 Deer Lake Avenue
“Avalon,” now in use as the Hart House Restaurant, was built by local real estate agent F.J. Hart.
Born on Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, Hart came to New Westminster in 1890. He purchased the site in 1904 as a summer retreat for his family.
In 1912, Mr. Hart decided to build an estate and he chose the talented Burnaby architect Frank W. Macey to design his mansion.
The British Columbian newspaper noted that F.J. Hart’s “beautiful home … will be one of the handsomest in Burnaby when completed, costing it is estimated, nearly $50,000.”
The home is designed in the tudor revival style and features a massive tower with mock battlements, corbeled chimneys, cobblestone foundations and decorative half-timbering.
In 1917, Montague and Ethel More moved into the home they named Rosedale Gardens and developed a beautiful farm, planting many of the specimen trees and shrubs visible today.
Purchased by the City of Burnaby in 1979, the building was designated a heritage site in 1992,
Take the time to visit or dine at the Hart House Restaurant and see the many historic photos of the house on display in the public rooms.
7. Drs. Blythe A. and Violet Eagles Estate
5655 Sperling Avenue
Constructed in 1929, this estate was developed for more than 60 years by Dr Blythe Eagles and Dr. Violet Eagles.
The property featured a magical 1.6-acre garden designed by Frank E. Buck, a pioneer Canadian horticulturalist who planned and landscaped the grounds of the University of B.C. The Eagles had an impressive garden rockery, trellis work and beautiful perennial gardens.
A heritage value assessment of the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden revealed that it is a highly-significant garden in B.C. based on its historic, artistic and cultural significance.
A new volunteer program has been initiated by The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC) to restore the garden to its former glory.
Take time to admire the gardens and visit that house to view interpretive displays during open hours and get more information about this restoration project.
8. Dr. William and Ruth Baldwin House
6543.6572 Deer Lake Drive
Dr. William and Ruth Baldwin purchased this Deer Lake property in 1959 and chose their close personal friend, architect Arthur Erickson, to design a waterfront home in 1965.
The design of the Baldwin home is an early example of Erickson’s famous design aesthetic which demonstrates his vision of “site, light and cadence.”
A small portion of the site was devoted to a reflecting pond in typical Japanese style, an Erickson trademark.
As one of a rare group of early surviving modernist structures – in original condition – from one of Canada’s most globally prominent and respected architects, it poses significant heritage value.
Acquired by the city, this home and garden were designated as the first modern heritage site in Burnaby in 2002. This home is available for lease as a guest house by the The Land Conservancy of B.C.. Call 604-733-2313 for more information.
For more information on Burnaby’s Heritage Program, call the planning department at 604-294-7400 or visit the City’s website www.city.burnaby.bc.ca;