One of the great homes in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood, Hycroft Mansion was originally constructed in 1911 for the Vancouver businessman and politician, Alexander Duncan McRae.
Known for the society parties that were hosted by the McRae family during the 1920s and 30s, Hycroft Mansion includes 30 rooms, 11 bathrooms and 12 firelplaces. Although it still retains its beautiful Italian garden, Hycroft once had a covered swimming pool and private tennis courts on its property as well.
Among the most intriguing features of Hycroft Mansion are the various secret panels throughout the building, apparently used by its residents to store family heirlooms. There are also rumours that the house is haunted by as many as seven ghosts.
Today, the Hycroft Mansion is owned by the University Women's Club of Vancouver. The house is open to the public on special occasions, and it is also available for weddings, conferences, and concerts.
If you'd like to have a look at Hycroft Mansion, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's annual Open Vancouver is being held on Sunday, June 5th from 10am to 5pm. For $35, you'll receive a guidebook and pass, permitting you to conduct a self-guided tour of 10 heritage homes. An additional $10 will buy you a "light lunch" at Hycroft Mansion, to be served from 12pm to 2pm.
For a virtual tour of the property, with still photos and a QuickTime video, click here.
