Photos: Then and now in the trees at Madrona House | Georgia Straight Vancouver’s source for arts, culture, and events

1 of 12 2 of 12 Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter.If your real estate fantasies skew less white marble palace and more architectural time capsule in the woods, meet Madrona House. James Han Tucked into Gleneagles in West Vancouver, the 1967 home by Barry Downs and Fred Hollingsworth is on the market for $4,950,000. Yes, that Barry Downs, who would later co-design Canada Place. Before the sails, there was this: a low-slung cedar home folded into a rocky, forested slope above the water. Vintage Archival Photo from 1960's Vintage Archival Photo from 1960's Madrona House reveals itself slowly, framed by Douglas firs, before culminating in a dramatic entry bridge that lifts you from the forest floor to the front door. The roofline sits low beneath the canopy, deferring to the forest's scale. Cross the bridge, and the city noise transforms into forest bathing.Inside, the bones of 1967 remain intact: generous volumes, a partial double-height living room, and expanses of glazing that pull the forest right up to the sofa. In 2020, Cedric Burgers of Burgers Architecture led a renovation that didn’t sand down the home’s personality. Instead, the current owners consulted Downs to ensure a careful renewal. Living Room Sketch by Barry Downs, 1967 James Han The original cedar-clad feature wall still anchors the living room, where a zinc-covered gas fireplace sits against wood and glass in classic West Coast modern composition. Timber detailing appears to pass through the glazing, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior. The kitchen and dining areas, once isolated, have been reimagined as the heart of the home. A 12-foot island, paired with Bosch appliances, a sub-zero refrigerator, and an integrated Fisher and Paykel dish-drawer in the pantry. Sliding doors open to a heated pool and spa bordered by a cedar forest, with a fire pit and built-in Napoleon barbecue extending the entertaining zone outdoors. James Han Bedrooms are tucked into the lower level, oriented toward the secluded terrace. Above, the main living space feels suspended within the tree canopy, framing strong forest outlooks toward the back side of Black Mountain.  James Han James Han “We chose this house for its beauty, its style, and its history,” the owners note in a release. “Everything else felt soulless by comparison — this home had character and warmth.”In a market that often equates value with excess, Madrona House makes a quieter case. Built into the land rather than imposed upon it, the 1967 original and its thoughtful 2020 update offer something increasingly rare: a home that feels rooted, intentional, and entirely at ease in the forest. James Han Join the discussion Facebook comments not loading? Please check your browser settings to ensure that it is not blocking Facebook from running on straight.com