“Elegant World-Class Mansion” – $17,800,000

1638 Angus Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6J 4H3

This grand historic mansion dating back to 1917 sits on a generous 1.12 acre (49,060 square foot) lot in the prestigious First Shaughnessy District of Vancouver, BC.  It is located only 8 minutes from Downtown Vancouver.  All 14,556 square feet of the mansion has been completely rebuilt from the studs by local famed architect John Hollifield.  There are a total of four levels of luxury space with 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and an indoor swimming pool with ‘Romanese’ hand-painted murals.  There is no doubt that this mansion is worthy of $17.8 million.  Sadly the agent who has the listing took absolutely horrific listing photos.  Surely for a few hundred dollars a professional photographer would be able to show off this historic estate as it deserves to be shown.  The description also says there is potential for infill homes on the lot – seriously Vancouver?  Do you not want to protect and preserve your architectural history?  To see the entire listing Click here.  Scroll down to see what you can get in Newport, RI for $100,000 more.

“Historic Fairholme” – $17,900,000

237 Ruggles Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, United States, 02840

While the historic mansion in Vancouver, BC may be stunning, check out what you can get in Newport, RI for just $100,000 more.  Built circa 1875 by Frank Furness, this 24,393 square foot Tudor revival masterpiece sits on an expansive 4.3 acre lot with 425′ of ocean frontage on Newport’s legendary Gilded Age coastline.  The entrance hall alone is worth a million bucks with its silk covered walls, delicately molded plasterwork, and immense limestone fireplace as the focal point.  Also included is a sprawling barrel-vaulted ballroom designed by Horace Trumbauer which can seat up to 120 people for dinner.  According to the listing description this is the only private house in Newport capable of accommodating an indoor dinner party of that size.  Other features include magnificent ocean views, professional grade kitchen, a six bedroom carriage house, three greenhouses, and a tiled swimming pool.  This spectacular estate is located only an 8 minute drive from Downtown Newport.  To see the entire listing click here.  So which is it?  Not the easiest decision this time.  Would you choose the historic mansion in Vancouver, BC for $17.8 million, or the grand oceanfront historic manor in Newport, RI for $17.9 million?