Sometimes, the places we live as kids never really leave us. After moving into a busier, modern neighborhood just down the road, the current owner found themselves walking past this specific property time and again. It was a simple, old-school farm—reminding them deeply of the dirt-poor farm they grew up on in Coquitlam.
After years of keeping an eye on it, the opportunity finally came to buy it from the long-time owners, Don and his wife. The vision wasn’t to build a flashy showhome, but to do what their parents had done decades prior: turn a piece of land into a park for the family to grow up in, this time with the resources to do it right.
Shaping the Land & Building to Last
Over the next decade, the property was completely reimagined from the ground up with an eye for longevity and practical quality:
• The Foundation: The entire property was raised four feet to ensure proper drainage and stability. By saving the rich loamy topsoil and bringing in 1,400 loads of boney fill, the land was given a whole new life. It actually improved the local water absorption, helping out the neighborhood’s overall drainage.
• The Driveway: A gentle, winding driveway was put in, creating a welcoming, slow approach to the home.
• The Main House: Built over a year and a half by Peter, a skilled carpenter in the family, the goal was simple: build a house that would stand the test of time. Inside, you’ll find real wood counters and floors crafted from old church wood. Every piece of the interior was chosen because it has soul—in fact, the whole house was purposefully designed to look better as it weathers, ages, and gets lived in. It resulted in an honest, high-quality country farmhouse that doesn’t ask you to walk on eggshells, but instead feels warmer the more it’s used.
A Place Built for Family, Friends, and Nature
As the years went on, features were added one season at a time, often sparked by an idea on a morning walk around the yard:
• The Pond & Local Wildlife: What started as a plan for a simple place to raise Koi turned into a dedicated two-year project. Today, it’s a thriving natural ecosystem. A resident heron visits daily to hunt, and the area is alive with frogs, salamanders, and passing rabbits, while eagles watch from above. Because it’s a balanced environment, swallows regularly swoop down to hunt, keeping the entire yard virtually free of mosquitoes.
• The Pool & Outdoor Kitchen: An annual project that extended the living space outside. The outdoor kitchen was designed specifically to keep the cook part of the conversation, bridging the gap between the house and the pool deck.
• The Pool House: Built the following year, this comfortable outbuilding gives guests a place to change and use the washroom without having to track water through the main house. It’s paired with a reliable titanium boiler to keep the pool at a comfortable, steady heat.
• The Grounds: To keep the expansive lawns and park-like setting green all summer, a dedicated private well and full distribution watering system were installed.
The Cottages, Barn, and Upkeep
• The Secondary Home & Barn: The original vintage farmhouse on the property wasn’t torn down; instead, it was completely remodeled inside and out into a cozy, comfortable two-bedroom secondary home, complete with new porches and a brand-new roof. Nearby, the old barn was entirely rebuilt and turned into a nice, welcoming home for two horses, complete with its own paddock.
• Shops, Greenhouses, and Upkeep: Along with the practical addition of workshops and greenhouses, the property runs on a system of quiet efficiency. To keep everything running smoothly, a small, trusted team of local, part-time tradespeople has been looking after the property for the last 15 years. Because everyone knows their role and takes pride in the place, maintaining the grounds is quiet and seamless.
“It has become a property where people fit in, they don’t visit.” This isn’t a house meant to be looked at from a distance; it’s a place to be used. On any given weekend, you’ll find people naturally gathering around the fire pit roasting marshmallows, kids swimming, or folks just sitting by the edge of the pond for hours watching the fish and the wildlife. It’s a beautifully finished, high-quality home built on a foundation of nostalgia and family memories.
Property Address: 49517 PRAIRIE CENTRAL ROAD
Property Features:
5.00 acre East Chilliwack acreage
3,417 sq. ft. custom country farmhouse built in 2010
4 bedrooms including main-floor primary suite
Natural pond, outdoor pool, outdoor kitchen and pool house
Gord and Amanda gave prompt responses and valuable information while taking care of our family’s property sale. They are both approachable and down to earth, with a firm understanding of the farm property market.
Barb
I am very grateful to have had Gord & Amanda from BC Farm & Ranch Realty as my Realtors. I appreciated their patience when selling my home in Sumas Prairie. After 65 years living in my family home, I was forced to sell after the flood in November 2021. Gord and Amanda took the time to help me through this terrible time. When I started looking for a new property, Amanda spent many hours to help me find a home. I know that no other Realtor would have gone out of their way as much as Amanda has and I appreciate the extra time she gave me.
Marilyn P.
High praise for Gord Houweling and Amanda Leclair! Over the period of a year with Gord’s assistance we purchased a Ranch in Merritt, a homestead in Quesnel and sold a home in Huntingdon and every detail was negotiated and executed to perfection. We appreciate Gord’s thoughtful, professional, and thorough approach and we’re confident you will receive the same excellent service. Give Gord a call!
T.V. & F.V.
We highly recommend Gord and Amanda as the team to call when buying or selling your home or acreage. They are prompt, efficient and ensure that this most important transaction, covers all bases and meets your needs. They ask the hard questions! What we also valued was their honesty in giving their opinion that is based on years of experience in the industry.
