Billionaire Philanthropists' Elegant Vancouver Townhouse Comes to Market
The sophisticated South Granville townhouse belonging to prominent Canadian philanthropists Joe and Rosalie Segal has officially been listed for sale, offering a rare glimpse into one of Vancouver's most exclusive residential properties. The couple, known for their extensive charitable work and business success, purchased the unit in the Kingswood residential tower in 2021 following the sale of their massive Point Grey estate.
From Mansion to Managed Luxury
After selling their sprawling 22,000-square-foot, five-bedroom Point Grey home for an impressive $42 million, the Segals sought a more manageable living arrangement without sacrificing luxury or privacy. Their solution was the West Estate unit in the 12-storey Kingswood tower, a building developed by their son Lorne Segal twenty-five years earlier.
"My parents were certain they would never live in a typical highrise," explains Lorne Segal, president of Kingswood Properties Ltd. "What they valued most about the Kingswood was that it was conceived not as a conventional condominium, but as a limited-edition residential work — closer in spirit to a private estate than to typical multi-family housing."
Architectural Excellence and Royal Connections
The Kingswood building itself represents a significant architectural achievement in Vancouver's residential landscape. Lorne Segal's design philosophy was heavily influenced by traditional English architecture and principles articulated in then Prince Charles' book A Vision of Britain, which emphasized human scale, proportion, craftsmanship, and buildings that age gracefully.
Years after completing the Kingswood, Segal had the opportunity to meet Prince Charles in Vancouver, where they discussed architectural principles and the responsibility of the built environment. The encounter led to an invitation to Buckingham Palace, where Segal presented the Prince with his own book about the building, The Kingswood.
Substantial Investment in Renovation
According to listing agent Derek Grech, founder of West Vancouver realtors The Partners, the Segals purchased the 4,100-square-foot unit for approximately $5 million and invested nearly the same amount in comprehensive renovations. "They spent almost the same amount renovating the entire space, from the sinks to the chandeliers," Grech notes.
The property features:
- Tinted curved windows stretching to 18-foot high ceilings
- A kitchen with granite countertops and Wolf appliances
- Elevator access for convenience
- High-end finishes throughout the entire unit
Grech emphasizes the building's exceptional quality: "Every trade that was involved in building the Kingswood has used it as a portfolio highlight on how to properly build a building in the city."
Aging in Place with Luxury Amenities
The Segals specifically sought a property that offered both luxury and practicality as they aged. The lock-up-and-go convenience of the townhouse, combined with elevator access, provided the perfect solution while maintaining the privacy, dignity, and beauty they valued in their previous home.
The Kingswood tower, with only 18 units total, represents what Lorne Segal describes as "a limited-edition residential work" that preserves the essence of estate living in a more manageable urban form. The building has become a landmark in South Granville, known for its architectural integrity and exceptional craftsmanship.
This listing represents a rare opportunity to acquire a property with both architectural significance and connections to Vancouver's philanthropic community. The Segals' meticulous renovation and the building's royal architectural influences create a unique offering in Vancouver's competitive luxury real estate market.
