If you’ve ever daydreamed about what a $6.65-million home in North Vancouver looks like, here’s your peek inside.
The Nest, a 5,385 sq. ft. residence with five bedrooms, an office, and five and a half bathrooms, was built for Hootsuite founder Ryan Holmes and his partner, artist and philanthropist Paola Castelo.
It has officially hit the market, and it’s as much a piece of art as it is a home.
Set in the quiet Pemberton Heights Estates, the home was designed by Shawn Rassekh of RAAF Projects and landscape designer Dave Demers in collaboration with Holmes and Castelo.
Instead of opting for flashy or trendy, Holmes and Castelo sought a timeless sanctuary that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature.
The result is a house that feels both sculptural and warm, a modern “nest” built right into the hillside.
“We didn’t want a house that looked like it came from a particular era or trend,” Castelo said in a release shared by West Coast Modern.
“We wanted an environment that transcends time, and above all, a response to space and nature.”
The home is filled with thoughtful design touches: cedar soffits, Venetian plaster walls, custom walnut cabinetry, and even hand-moulded sinks.
The Nest’s entryway framed by lush greenery in Pemberton Heights. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
Each level of the house cascades into the next, creating sunlit terraces with sweeping views of the city, ocean, and Lions Gate Bridge.
Despite the price tag, the setting feels surprisingly down-to-earth.
The Nest’s living room blends contemporary art and warm, organic textures. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
The property covers nearly three-quarters of an acre and is part of a neighbourhood where kids ride their bikes, neighbours chat, and nature trails wind through creeks and forest.
“Ultimately, it’s a space where we aim to cultivate uplifting, positive energy,” Holmes said in the release.
“A reflection of the soul”
In an email to Daily Hive, Castelo explained how her approach to art and design shaped the project.
“My art is deeply rooted in extensive research into ancient cultures, exploring how traditional techniques and philosophies can be woven into contemporary practices. That same mindset guided the design of our home,” she wrote.
“I wanted to create a space that evokes a calm, almost sacred atmosphere—something that feels timeless.”
A spa-like bathroom inside The Nest, complete with a freestanding tub and brass fixtures. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
She added that the family’s curated collection of contemporary art sits alongside ancient artifacts, “creating a dialogue between the old and the new.”
The Nest’s custom kitchen features natural wood cabinetry and a large island for gathering. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
Even materials like plaster were chosen intentionally “to bring in a more organic, tactile quality, reinforcing that sense of age and grounding.”
The Nest’s dining room pairs bold artwork with natural light and warm textures. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
“To me, just like art, a home is an expression of the soul,” Castelo said.
“It’s a reflection of our inner world—a way to translate experiences and emotions into something tangible, something that almost feels alive. Especially when you consider philosophies like feng shui, you realize that a home holds energy. It becomes our personal imprint on a space, a physical manifestation of who we are and what we value. Ultimately, I believe in shaping a home that uplifts, nurtures, and carries positive energy.”
Time for a new chapter
The family nicknamed the home El Nido (Spanish for “The Nest”), and it’s been their sanctuary for years.
The Nest’s primary bedroom opens onto a private balcony with sweeping North Shore views. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
But now that they’ve relocated to Whistler, Holmes and Castelo are ready to hand it over to someone new.
The Nest’s upper-level balcony captures sunset views over the North Shore treetops. (West Coast Modern/James Han)
The listing is being handled by West Coast Modern, the Vancouver brokerage that specializes in architecturally significant homes (it’s also sold icons like Arthur Erickson’s Starship House).
So while most of us don’t have millions lying around, we can at least marvel at how stunning this North Shore masterpiece is.
And if you do have $6.65 million to spare? Well, you might have just found your dream home.
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