For me, a heritage house has character, history, craftsmanship. It is built from excellent materials with attention to detail and style, and most importantly, it has a sense of mystery. When you walk in, you know the place has a story to tell; you’re intrigued with the built-in cabinetry, the original woodwork and the sense of warmth and home they evoke. The house presented here has all these attributes and more. Its excellent condition bears witness to a well-constructed, well-loved house.

Purchased by Averra Developments, the 1915 Arts and Crafts Edwardian heritage house had occupied 1800 sq. ft. But the former property location at 3725 West 37th Ave. is zoned to build a 4,000 sq. ft. house. So it was a foregone conclusion that the heritage house would go. Fortunately, instead of being torn down, the house has been moved.

Averra, understanding the quality of the house, contacted Nickel Brothers, the award-winning land and marine structural movers in business since 1956. Nickel Brothers knew that Ben and Jen Ford, former clients, were looking for a house just like this. Professional renovators, the Fords comprehended its heritage value and found it ideal for their family. For $150,000, house and move included, it will find a new location on their property in Union Bay on Vancouver Island, south of Comox.

Here we see the house after just having been transported onto a barge – a spectacular feat to witness at which Nickel Brothers excels. This was all done at the foot of Salish Dr. on Musqueam Nation land along the Fraser River on the 31st of July. On the 26th of July, the house was moved here from 37th Ave., an equally novel feat. There was a second house on the barge and a third was to be loaded on in Richmond later the same day. The journey was scheduled to proceed to Vancouver Island with all 3 houses on August 1st .

This is the first time a house has been moved onto a barge on Musqueam property. The Musqueam people generously hosted a dinner for all the workers and onlookers after the work was completed.