The Founder of Hootsuite Lists His Vancouver Estate for $6.7 Million

Many tech bros opt to live in and around Silicon Valley, but the founder of the social media management company Hootsuite instead chose to settle down in Canada.

Ryan Holmes, who helped create Hootsuite back in 2008, is now listing his modern Vancouver retreat for $6.7 million. Dubbed the Nest, the five-bedroom, six-bath home was custom built for Holmes and his wife, artist Paola Castelo, just last year. However, the couple has recently relocated about 75 miles north, to the charming resort town of Whistler, so they’re now parting ways with their all-but-brand-new Vancouver digs. West Coast Modern holds the listing.

After they acquired the lot a few years back, Holmes and Castelo worked with architect Shawn Rassekh and the design firm RAAF Projects to bring their vision to life. Inspirations for the residence ranged from the Belgian artist and designer Axel Vervoordt’s organic minimalism to, referencing Castelo’s Mexican heritage, architect Luis Barragán’s emphasis on light and restraint. That’s all at play here, from the modest wood-clad facade turning into a multilayered, contemporary structure on the backside, where glass-edged terraces cascade down to a calming hot tub.

Throughout, large glass walls disintegrate the barrier between the living spaces and the outdoor areas. A tapered fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room, which flows into the dining area and the kitchen, outfitted with warm walnut cabinetry. Other communal spaces include a den heated up by a midcentury-style fireplace, a bright and airy media room for watching movies and TV, and a yoga studio.

The sizable primary bedroom tops off the structure. A vast picture window runs the length of the room, framing the Vancouver skyline, while a glass slider leads out to a spacious wraparound terrace. Hand-plastered walls line the minimalistic primary bathroom, while a secondary bathroom in another part of the house is decked out with an infrared sauna.

As one of the most expensive real estate markets in Canada, Vancouver is home to many standout structures akin to the Nest. Earlier this year, for example, architect James K.M. Cheng’s updated Peninsula House listed for $3 million. Even more impressive, perhaps, was an imposing mansion that popped up for sale last year, carrying a price tag of $48 million. That seven-bedroom spread included beach access, a pool, and a basketball court, among other top-notch amenities.

Click here to see all the photos of the Vancouver residence.