Standing before Aberthau House, can you feel its unique charm? It’s more than just a building. Aberthau is a piece of Vancouver’s history.
Aberthau House was once named Rear House. It is located at West 2nd Avenue and Trimble Street. This heritage mansion showcases Tudor Revival style. Aberthau overlooks English Bay. It also has views of the Gulf of Georgia.
James Rear commissioned Samuel Maclure to design it in 1909. Rear was the general manager of American Life Insurance. Construction lasted from 1910 to 1913. The Rear family enjoyed Aberthau’s features. These included a garage, stable, and large verandah.
In 1918, Colonel Victor Spencer bought Rear House. Spencer renamed it Aberthau. This Welsh term means “a place filled with light.” Spencer renovated the house. He added a new doorway on West 2nd Avenue. The Oak Room became a popular reception area. Spencer also expanded the gardens. He built a tennis court.
The federal government acquired Aberthau in 1938. It became the Royal Canadian Air Force Officers’ Mess. A fire damaged the roof and attic in 1943. Afterward, renovations modernized the plumbing and restored the upper stories.
Vancouver gained ownership in 1972. In 1974, Aberthau became the West Point Grey Community Centre. Today, it offers programs for all ages. These include art, dance, and language courses.
Aberthau is also a venue for social events. It hosts weddings, parties, and workshops. Annual events include a haunted house and “Breakfast with Santa.”
The former coach house is now a pottery studio. There is also a fitness centre and gymnasium.
Aberthau’s architecture reflects Tudorbethan style. Maclure incorporated half-timbering and stone techniques. The exterior features a hipped roof and stucco walls. Stone chimneys anchor the design. Inside, a grand hall features hardwood panels and a fireplace. Stained glass adds to the ornate details.
Colonel Spencer’s Oak Room boasts linen-fold oak paneling. Its ribbed plaster ceiling is also impressive.
So, as you explore Aberthau, remember its journey. From a family home to a community hub, it has been a beacon of light for over a century.