Recall a time when tea was more than just a beverage. Today, we’re standing before Overlynn Mansion. It stands as a testament to ambition and a bygone era. Built in 1909, Overlynn was envisioned as the centerpiece of an exclusive subdivision. Charles J. Peter, manager of the Blue Ribbon Tea Business, aimed high. He dreamed Vancouver Heights would mirror the prestige of Shaughnessy.
Peter commissioned Samuel Maclure to design Overlynn. The price tag was a staggering $75,000. The average house then cost a mere $1,000. The name “Overlynn” was carefully chosen. It referenced the sweeping views of Burrard Inlet toward Lynn Creek. Completed in 1912, the mansion was a statement.
But Peter’s vision didn’t materialize. The wealthy remained in Vancouver. Overlynn became a grand residence without its intended context. The Peter family resided here until the late 1920s. After this, the Sisters of Charity of Halifax acquired Overlynn.
For 40 years, the nuns operated Seton Academy. This was a private Catholic boarding and day school for girls. Imagine the sounds of laughter and learning that once filled these halls. Consider the lives shaped within Overlynn’s walls.
Venture up to the attic. You will pass through the former servant’s quarters. A narrow staircase leads to a heavy metal door. Notice the locks are on the outside. This is where the girls slept. The red and gray checkered lino flooring remains. A bathroom with multiple sinks hints at dormitory life.
In 1970, the Action line housing society purchased the estate for $350,000. A tower was added. Overlynn transitioned into seniors housing. The building received heritage designation in 1995. It was the first in British Columbia to have its interior protected.
Some even say Overlynn is haunted. Ghost hunters have investigated paranormal activity. They report unexplained bumps, shakes, and apparitions. A little girl in a white dress is said to appear and vanish. Thornton Tunnel may contribute to some disturbances.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Overlynn’s history is undeniable. From tea magnate’s dream to a school for girls, it has witnessed many lives. Overlynn Mansion stands as a reminder of Vancouver’s evolving story. It is a tangible link to our past.