Dr. Jack and Ethel (McGill) Pentland House

An English cottage-inspired home with distinctive character brings charm and craftsmanship to the streetscape, blending period detail with modern living. 

Built for Dr. Jack Harold Pentland and his wife, Ethel, this Romantic Revival cottage reflects a style inspired by traditional English homes. Designed and built by Samuel Whitman Bodley – a Burnaby contractor known for developing houses for sale, often from pattern-book plans – the home represents a transitional period in residential design.

Distinctive features include the unusual placement of a prominent brick chimney at the front of the house, along with a gabled roofline and front porch (added much later) that contributes to its presence. The design blends traditional elements with the practical needs of the time.

The home has undergone significant updates, carefully maintaining its 1931 character while incorporating modern amenities. Original oak inlay floors, encased windows, and period-appropriate details have been preserved, while updates include an expanded kitchen with a stone island, refreshed bathrooms, and a basement suite.

Dr. Pentland, a dentist with a practice on Columbia Street, was also active in the community, including coaching UBC’s men’s basketball team in the late 1920s.

Today, the house remains a valued contributor to the historic streetscape, reflecting both its origins and its graceful evolution.

Article by Bozana Djuric