Special Features - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan

Homes XO exceptional

a collection of the central okanagan’s finest homes

For more information on this home, call Quincy Vrecko, RE/MAX Kelowna, 250-863-8810. MLSÂŽ10062448

april 2013

Kelowna’s

TOP LUXURY AGENT

*

Quincy Vrecko 250-863-8810

DEDICATED

EXCLUSIVELY TO THE MARKETING

AND SELLING OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE. Present for all showings to sell your home Strong negotiating skills with 20 years of luxury sales experience Valuable national and international personal contacts When you call Quincy, you get Quincy!

1665 Pritchard Dr.

MLS®10062470

3109 Thacker Dr.

$4,795,000

MLS®10061544

3664 Green Bay Landing

$1,100,000

MLS®10062496

$1,388,000

TO VIEW ALL OF QUINCY’S LUXURY LISTINGS VISIT WWW.QUINCYVRECKO.COM

www.QuincyVrecko.com Kelowna

An independent member broker.

2 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale or under contract. * Based on RE/MAX Kelowna’s internal ranking of luxury sales agents for 2012 in the Central Okanagan.

YIELD

THE BEST RETURN ON YOUR HOME RENOS canadians are investing in home improvement like never beFore: according to an ipsos-reid survey, two-thirds oF homeowners intend to undertake renovations this year. while most plan to spend reasonable sums, others say they’ll go all out: luxurious materials, home theatres, a jacuZZi on the patio...even $60,000 kitchens are not that unusual! but how much oF their investment will be recovered when their house sells?

Homeowners tend to embark on renovation projects to meet their needs, improve their quality of life or simply pamper themselves with a little luxury.

But even if you’re renovating primarily for your own sake, you should try to assess the post-project increase in the value of your house, just in case you ever want to sell.

Every year, the Appraisal Institute of Canada surveys its members and compiles a list of renovations that yield the best return on investment. Year after year, refurbished kitchens and bathrooms head the payback list: 75 per cent to 100 per cent of the outlay for

these projects can be recovered upon resale. Adding a pool, on the other hand, is far less advantageous. Still, pool vendors did a booming business this past summer...

Such positive evaluations don’t always hold true, however. For example, a kitchen that has been renovated to the tune of $25,000 but in appallingly bad taste could adversely affect the sale of the house. If renovating in order to sell, you must plan for changes that will meet the needs of a majority of potential buyers and ensure that the modifications are suitably up to date and will appeal to the maximum number of people.

“A house that looks nice inside will sell at a slightly higher price, but above all, it will sell faster,” says Guylaine Barakatt, a real estate agent and housing consultant.

“It has to be fashionable and in line with current trends; people are increasingly inclined toward luxury.” At the same time, though, beware of passing fads.

One rule seems to apply in all cases: avoid projects that will set your house apart from other properties in your neighbourhood.

The Appraisal Institute of Canada posts this warning on its website: “If the value of your house exceeds the average market value in your neighbourhood, your renovations will not yield much return. But if your house value is below

the average, you can recover a larger part of the renovation costs.”

Also bear in mind that the amount spent on renovation projects should be relative to the value of the dwelling: A $30,000 remodelled bathroom does not belong in a $100,000 house.

■ seven hot homeimProvement trends • Home theatre • Hardwood floor in kitchen • Laundry room on main floor • Whirlpool bath • Built-in kitchen appliances • Office on the ground floor • Kitchen island ■ PerCentage reCovered uPon resale Kitchen upgrade: ............75% to 100% Bathroom upgrade: ........75% to 100% Interior painting: ............50% to 100% Roof replacement: ............50% to 80% Replacement of furnace ....50% to 80% Doors and windows: ........50% to 75% Deck: .................................50% to 75% Installation of hardwood floor: 50% to 75% Construction of a garage: .50% to 75% Fireplace (wood or gas) ....50% to 75% Central air conditioning: ..50% to 75% Finished basement: ..........50% to 75% Landscaping: ....................25% to 50% Asphalt driveway: ............20% to 50% Pool: ..................................10% to 40% Skylights: ............................0% to 25%

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 3

Spruce up your

concrete yard

For most of us city folk, having a garden is a bit of a luxury, and even if we do have one, it’s likely to be a small concrete space. However, it’s easy enough to turn your yard into a garden. Follow our top tips to transform a boring backyard into a usable outdoor space.

■ Clean the concrete

If the surface of your backyard is concrete, give it a good clean with a hose and a scrubbing brush or consider hiring a steam cleaning machine for really stubborn dirt.

A DULL BACKYARD IS BRIGHTENED UP WITH COLOURFUL PLANTERS

Exceptional Home

Transform your concrete outdoor living area with a few simple tips.

Even concrete looks better when it isn’t stained and proper pressure cleaning can sometimes leave it looking as good as new.

■ Paint the walls

Painting the walls a light colour will make your space appear bigger and brighter as will fixing some colourful trelliswork to the wall with a 3” or so gap behind it. Adding a trellis will brighten up the area and provide a framework for climbing plants grown in containers at the base.

■ Add plants

(priced $100,000 below assessed value)!

Stunning Views Let us walk you home...

#1-1429 West Kelowna Rd. • $899,000 This exceptional 4300+ sq. ft. luxury home is in an exclusive, (7 homes), gated community in West Kelowna! With stunning lake views, gorgeous hardwood, tile and granite plus a security system, three stall garage and an enchanting water feature, this home has it all! Pricing that is $100,000 below its assessed value makes this home a steal!

Please call 250-808-0688 for your private showing today!

4 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

Plants always brighten up a dull backyard and there are many which will grow quite happily in large containers.

Honeysuckle and jasmine will soon cover a garden trellis, providing a wonderful scent, plus flowers in the summer. A few well-placed containers of annual bedding plants dotted about will provide more colour, particularly if you plant trailers over the edge - ‘Surfinia’ petunias or trailing lobelia will grow well in sunny conditions.

As well as flowering plants, other types of plants will also have an impact. Decorative grasses grow well in containers and will provide both colour and texture while softening some of the hard edges of your yard. You could also consider growing a herb garden which not only injects scent, but also provides you with fresh herbs.

■ Invest in a deck

One way to cover a concrete area is to build a floating deck. This involves building a frame, placing it on top of the concrete and then decking over the top. This can be pricey depending on how large an area you have got, so you’ll need to decide if the expense justifies the cost, particularly if you’re going to be moving out in the future.

As a cost-effective alternative, you could consider using decking tiles to cover the concrete - you’ll be able to pull them up and take them with you when it comes time to move.d

TOWNHOMES

Multi-Family Builder of the Year

Summit at Selkirk Showhome

% 0 5

(noon-5pm daily except Fridays) 588 Harrogate Lane

D L O

S

250.861.8989

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 5

Q uick fixes to increase your property value It’s a rough, uncertain time to be a homeowner.

Plunging value, tightening credit and a soft economy mean fewer people have the funds to invest in major home-renovation projects. Here are five steps that will save you money on those rising home bills, while improving your dwelling.

1. Dodge Drafts and Seal Air Leaks Perhaps one of the easiest ways to save money around the house is to seal off drafts, which can reduce your energy bills 5 to 30 per cent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

With today’s heating and cooling prices, that amounts to real money.

Check for window drafts by carefully holding an incense stick up to each frame and watch the smoke to see if there is a leak. (Be sure to remove all curtains first to avoid a fire.) Then use caulking or weather-stripping to seal the cracks. Make sure you cover any pipe outlets or cracks in the foundation.

Also roll up an old towel, or buy or make a cute ‘draft snake’ to put over the crack in the bottom of doors (at the ‘sill’ or ‘saddle’).

2. Install a programmable thermostat It may not be the most thrilling piece of electronics you could buy yourself, but a programmable thermostat will pay for itself in one season, and save you time and hassle. By maintaining more constant heating and cooling levels, and always ‘remembering’ to turn down the heat at night, the average family will save $150 a year, according to the EPA. That’s impressive, considering that programmable thermostats can be picked up from major manufacturers for as little as $50. They don’t contain mercury like the olden days, and are available at most home-improvement and hardware stores.

Installing one is usually only a matter of connecting up a few wires in the back once you remove your old one (shut off the power to the area). Generally anyone can do it with a screwdriver and the instructions. But if you have any doubt, it’s a quick fix for an electrician or handyman.

3. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Toilets You’d probably rather not spend much time thinking about toilets, but it’s a fact that most older models waste large amounts of water. In fact, more than 30 per cent of indoor residential water use is flushed down the porcelain throne.

Decades ago, toilets used 5 gallons per flush, but readily available low-flow models use less than a gallon, and work great. American Standard, Toto and Kohler are leaders in the field.

6 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

THERE ARE EASY, INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO MAKE QUICK FIXES TO BOOST YOUR PROPERTY VALUE

Also save water and money, and still have ample water pressure, with a low-flow showerhead, which can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70 per cent. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Many styles and features are available, including flow-adjusting dials and a pause button.

4. Fix Those Water Leaks A dripping faucet or pipe joint is more than just an auditory annoyance. Besides driving you crazy, it can really add up to substantial water waste. One faulty faucet wastes 3 gallons of water per day, reports the U.S. Geological Survey.

Sometimes a leak is just a matter of a quick tighten, which almost anyone can do with pliers or a pipe wrench Other times you get befuddled, or have a leak that is too hard to get to. In those cases it is worth calling a plumber, because not only will you see lower water bills over time, but you decrease the risk of mold, which is a serious threat both to home value and indoor air quality.

It may be a cliché, but every drop does add up.

5. Buy Energy Star Appliances Energy Star was designed by the EPA to take the guesswork out of appliance buying. Look for the blue-and-white label, which means the item is at least 10 to 50 per cent more efficient than standard models (depending on the class of product). That means lower energy bills and less pollution.

More than 18,000 products in 35 different categories are covered in the Energy Star program, and most major manufacturers participate.

Energy Star is a fixture in the showrooms of most retailers coast to coast. d

I N V ES T M EN T S Rob A. Archibald

INDUSTRIAL STRATA UNIT IN COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL AREA 250-717-6688 #1–364 LOUGHEED RD, KELOWNA, BC Split finishing with RobArchibald@shaw.ca KelownaCommercial.ca Royal LePage Kelowna Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

warehouse/production/office/showroom. Excellent location at north end of Kelowna. High visibility corner unit provides excellent exposure for a business’ advertising. Main floor approximately 2,270 sq. ft. Main entry via glass man door with corner windows. New foyer & showroom area, ideal for various displays. Warehouse entry by large 12’(w)x14’(h) overhead door plus steel man door at the rear side of warehouse.

Two open warehouse areas, perfect for production and shippping preparation. Finished washrooms. Newer furnace and a new roof. Completely finished mezzanine. $379,900

$395,000

COMMERCIAL STRATA UNIT FOR SALE

•Showroom, offices, warehouse space and rear loading door on main, with office or caretaker suite up •1,797 sq. ft. on main plus 699 sq. ft. on 2nd level •Good exposure on Hwy.97N •Lots of on-site parking •Zoned C-10 MLS®10058723

Gary Bowker 250-763-4343

LAND & BUILDING

9590 MCCARTHY ROAD, LAKE COUNTRY, BC 32,000 sq. ft. industrial vacant building. 1.95 acre site. 2008 construction; steel frame building is in near new condition. Zoned I3 Heavy Industrial.Large, grade level overhead doors at rear loading bay accessible from both sides of property. Improvements include approximately1500 sq. ft. of multiple offices, lunchroom, foyer entrance finishing, front handciap washroom & warehouse rear washroom. The site is paved, fenced & provides dedicated customer & staff parking in the front portion of the land. 600 volt power supply. Four 14’ loading bay doors.

Purchase for $3,400,000 or lease for $7.85 sq. ft. + TN.

$599,000

HEADWATERS FAMILY RESORT

•28+ year lease, lodge •9 cabins, 14 RV camping spots •Year-round access •Stocked lake •26 km from Peachland. Information package available.

Peter Wannop 250-768-2161

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 7

Growing texture trends Experts in the hardwood flooring industry are seeing a major shift in the way consumers are now choosing their floors as colour is no longer king. Texture has emerged as the new “colour” when it comes to the main driving force behind wood flooring selections.

“For years colour was always the top consideration for people looking for a hardwood floor, but over the last few years, texture has overtaken color as the new driver. The reason behind this movement is that texture stimulates our senses with both tactile and visual elements,” explained Michel Collin, Marketing Director of Mercier Wood Flooring, one of North America’s leading hardwood flooring manufacturers.

The latest handscraped and

capture the essence of a well-worn floor. With names like “Spirits”, “Stout” and “Malt” - the series replicates the unique charm of an Irish pub where its floors have seen it all and lived to tell the tale.

Mercier’s “Handscraped” series features a hand-sanded feel that gives the floor deep character.

A traditional effect shines through in the beautiful knots, a deeply distinctive touch that ties any room together effortlessly.

“When it comes to flooring texture treatments such as handscraping, they should be considered as art forms, timeless, unique works of art tailored to your home,” added Collin. d

distressed hardwood floors are good examples of how popular textures have become with discerning wood flooring consumers. According to Collin there’s a big demand for textured wood floors across North America where homeowners are looking to feature the distressed look of barn wood, prominent knots, or the natural sculptural and undulating lines of boards planed the old fashioned way.

To keep up with the demand for this growing texture trend in hardwood floors, manufacturers such as Mercier have developed new hardwood series featuring these sought-after tactile and visual elements.

This year Mercier’s Nature collection is offering even more textures than in years past as its new “Pub Series” features hardwood floors that perfectly

Joy

sold with Buy. Sell.

Live well.

DESIGN TIP: A RUSTIC SCRAPE WILL RESULT IN A MORE “DISTRESSED ” LOOK AND IS AN IDE AL CHOICE FOR AN ACTIV E FAMILY. A MORE SCUL PTED FLOOR WITH MINOR SURFACE INTERRUPT ION IS CONSIDERED “CLA SSIC” AND FITS PERFECTLY IN A CONTEMPORARY DÉCO R.

.ca

Call to view:

Joy Zsombor 250.215.0240

View more photos at www.SoldWithJoy.ca

686 Devonian Avenue ~ Yes, You CAN Have It All! $1,240,000

"Oh, by the way, I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!"

8 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

Stunning 4 bedroom rancher boasting spectacular city and lake views. Featuring 11' coffered ceilings, dining or music room, master bedroom with 5 piece spa ensuite & 2 walk-in closets. Family fun on lower walk-out level with media room, fitness room & wine bar.

Triple garage with separate access to a 20x11 workshop.

MLS®10058765

deLIVer a GREAT LOOK In LESS TIME By cHooSInG SMALLER PROJECTS laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to living areas.

uPdate your flooring Consider the function of your renovated rooms when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet, for example, while

■

uPdate your lighting Consider energy-efficient dimmers and recessed halogen lights in all rooms.

■

OVERHAULING YOUR ENTIRE HOME CAN BE COSTLY AND TIME CONSUMING, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE.

Recessed lighting is one of the most widely used and effective fixtures on the market. Paired with ambient lighting, recessed lights brighten a room without taking up floor space.

However, recessed or pot light fixtures require more space for installation above the finished ceiling. Be sure to have your contractor or electrician check that you have enough height above the ceiling to accommodate the can part of the fixture (the smaller the can, the more expensive the fixture).

refresh kitChen and bathroom Cabinets Painting cabinets, replacing sink fixtures and installing new lighting are all easy ways to update a bathroom or kitchen, says Ty Pennington, host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

■

1835 Hidden Lake Place

423 Christleton Avenue

Absolutely stunning, custom built home in Wilden backing onto greenspace located across the street from Hidden Lake. Luxurious open floorplan with over 4,000 sq. ft. of exceptional finishing on 3 levels.

Featuring h/w & tile flooring, soaring vaulted ceilings, 2 gas f/p’s, c/air, c/ vac on each level, skylights, heated ensuite floors, security system and fully wired for sound are just a few of the many upgrades to this amazing home. The property is fully fenced & professionally landscaped with water feature, hot tub and lovely dining area out back. Located at the end of a culde-sac, this home is one of the few lots in Wilden with extra parking plus a 3 car garage with room for all the toys! Asking $899,900. Call Charlene to view. MLS®10058785

Character beyond in this exceptional 1912 Arts & Crafts style home. Boasting over 5600 sq. ft. on three levels extensively renovated throughout.

Featuring a massive library, formal living & dining rooms, completely remodelled kitchen, 5 bedrooms and 6 full baths including a self contained Nanny suite on the upper level. The grounds are professionally landscaped and the backyard features a new hardiplank deck, heartscape patio stones, and play structure for the kids. Located within the popular Abbott Street recreational corridor, close to beaches, parks, shopping and 1 block to Kelowna General Hospital.

A truly remarkable home! Just Reduced to $989,000.

MLS®10054551

Charlene Campbell 250-878-2163

Kelowna

charlene@silk.net

rePlaCe kitChen CountertoPs & add an island Countertop finishes add colour, shine and personality to a kitchen. Available in a plethora of materials and colours, one can easily feel overwhelmed by the many choices. Make sure to speak to your builder, designer or product representative about the pros and cons of the materials you’re interested in before making a decision.

Read about the pros and cons of countertop materials to help you decide.

If you’ve got the square footage to spare, an island

■

can also be a practical addition to a kitchen. Family and guests tend to congregate in the kitchen and an island with counter height stools offers a smart seating and dining solution. Make the most of a kitchen island by having as much storage built into it as possible. If a cooktop will be installed, consider adding a 6” high ledge for a dining surface that will also act as a barrier from hot pots and messy pans.

install new trim and moulding Inject character into your new basement living area by adding architectural details such as wainscotting, crown moulding and baseboards.

Consider overscale crown moulding for living and dining rooms, painted matte white to create a grand, Paris apartment feel.

■

■

add storage

Built-in storage always looks sophisticated, saves space and can further add to the function of your rooms.

Always try to plan for the maximum amount of storage possible: from drawers carved out under the stairs, to builtin shelving and closets — one can simply never have enough.

■

Cover radiators

Old radiators look dingy and can make a room look lopsided if they’re on one side of the room only.

Covering them and creating a matching faux cover on the other side adds symmetry and elegance to rooms. d

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 9

NAViGATe

THe TOuGH TeRRAiN Of ReNOVATiONs more than 30 per cent oF canadian homeowners spend more than they plan to during renovations. iF you aren’t prepared, the process can become a rocky road. here’s a guide to navigating the terrain and ensuring yourselF a smooth ride.

stiCk to your limit Setting a budget is the most important part of renovating. Price everything out first. Ask friends and family what they paid for their new bathroom renovation or finished basement and try to learn from others’ experiences – both good and bad. Be wise about your investment. Experts might advise you to keep your renovation between 20 to 30 per cent of your home’s market value to guarantee a return on your investment, but the real estate market has been crazy for the past decade and investing more than the typical rule of thumb can lead to greater profit if and when you sell. Buyers can spot a shoddy renovation so if you’re going to spend more money, you need to guarantee that the workmanship is impeccable and that the materials used can garner the increased list price. If not, you could be sitting on a property for months as you watch your investment disappear in carrying costs while you wait for your home to sell. know where your money is going After you’ve met, checked references and secured a written estimate from at least three licensed, insured and bonded contractors, be meticulous when it comes to drafting the contract. The bigger the project, the greater the chance that it may go over budget, so have your expectations clearly established from the start. Discuss an estimated time frame for the job, settle the payment terms, secure warranties and even talk about how your existing property will be protected once the work begins. Most importantly, write it all down and watch

1422 Green Bay Rd OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-4 PM

2,400 sq.ft. w/ large loft. Many upgrades, 5 skylights, vaulted ceilings. 0.3 acre lot w/75 ft. sandy beach. Dock for 2 large boats. Priced below assessed!!!

Blow out price at $948,300.

MLS®10045697

2212 Dewdney Rd

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY APRIL 28, 2-4 PM

Buy one of these homes and receive a 5 day Carnival Cruise for 2 including airfare. Please call for details.

Custom waterfront rancher. Lake view from all rooms. Many upgrades 3rd bdrm/den. 0.46 acre. 100' beach & concrete dock w/covered electric boat lift. 384 sq. ft. Sep. workshop/ studio or cottage insl&fin. RV prkg.

MLS®10060859 $1,195,000

Marvyn Baker Kelowna

250-317-5007

mbaker@royallepagekelowna.com

10 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

out for the low-ball quote. If you think it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Get a detailed breakdown and scope of work and define anything that might be considered an “extra,” such as upgrading the quality of the paint used. If you’re doing the work yourself, keep a detailed account of all of your expenses and receipts so you can stick to your set budget for your home renovations.

set uP a ContingenCy fund A good rule of thumb is to put aside an additional 20 per cent of your budget to accommodate costs that will inevitably pop up. The cost of renovating can vary so much and you never know what you’re going to find behind the walls. Making changes is allowed, but know when to draw the line and try to stick to as many big-ticket decisions as possible to avoid climbing material and labour costs.

sCale it baCk In a poll by the Royal Bank of Canada, the most common renovating complaint from homeowners was going over budget. If you’re new to the game, you might not have the expertise or the time to balance your budget effectively. Scaling back is not as hard as people make it out to be. You can still get an amazing look without forking over the big bucks. Good advice is to use an inexpensive tile, for instance, to avoid paying higher than necessary prices for materials. When your renovation is complete, don’t be shy about inviting a realtor in for an evaluation. If you’ve managed to stay roughly on budget and on time, you might be very pleasantly surprised by the result. d

Thanks.

Say thanks to your Realtor® for giving you a big XO! If your home is advertised in this magazine, your Realtor® has made an exceptional commitment towards getting your home sold.

Direct-to-home distribution is a more expensive but much more effective way of getting your home in front of the most buyers possible. Glossy quality printing is also an added expense and all this adds up to an advertising cost that is somewhat more than the usual.

By putting your home in this magazine, your Realtor® has demonstrated a willingness to make that extra investment to promote your home in a tough market.

XO is an exceptional magazine and so it only makes sense that your home is here BECAUSE YOUR HOME IS EXCEPTIONAL! …

AND SO IS YOUR REALTOR®!

Remember to say thanks!

Homes XO ExcEptional

a collect i o n o f t he cent r a l o ka na ga n’s f i nest ho m e s

To advertise in the next issue, call terry matthews or alan monk at 250.763.3212.

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 11

a concrete HoMe… for beauty and superior performance

Home-building technology is solving the high cost of heating and cooling. The traditional wood framing for walls can now be replaced by a totally different system using the pre-assembled, interlocking ‘insulated concrete form’.

“Our ICF system creates an envelope of superior strength, insulation, conservation,

and energy efficiency,” says Todd Blyth at the offices of Nudura Integrated Building Technology, a Canadian leader in this field both north and south of the border.

“Instead of wood walls, the ICF system interlocks to create one monolithic wall with a thickness from 10 to 30 centimetres (4 to 12 inches). This immediately gives your house better wind and fire protection, better sound resistance, improved temperature control and many additional occupant comforts,” Blyth explained.

“Better still, the insulation and durability delivered can save you up to 70 per cent on your energy bills. You get a far stronger and ‘greener’ house but with a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

And yet, once the

12 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

practicality and the good health of the occupant are assured, it is the aesthetic beauty of the house inside and out that is an equally important ‘dream home’ feature, Blyth continued.

“A concrete home can be designed outside for smartlooking brick, or for more creative finishes like stone, stucco, wood siding and more, just like a traditional house. Inside, all of the beautiful architectural shapes, like arches, bay windows, and specific door styles – can be easily achieved for a spectacular interior design.”

Building the walls with concrete is an option, he says, that needs to be decided and requested early in the planning.

“ICF construction is already a decade underway,

but breaking away from yesterday’s standard is still a slow process for many builders. At the construction site however, the preassembled concrete forms lock together, like Lego, to build the walls far quicker than wood-framing, with far less waste, so its popularity with builders is only a matter of time. d

Joy IS In a SInGLe-BoWL SInK WItH a BI-LeVeL BottoM novel Precis Cascade sink that was Kitchens today are the focal point of commanding attention with its lavishly every home – and at resale, this is the oversized single bowl ready for any bulky room with the power to return every activity. investment dollar.

“What separates the Precis Cascade So when the time comes to renovate or redesign the kitchen, interior designers from all other sinks is its revolutionary bi-level bottom,” tell us to start says Diana Elliott with our at Blanco Canada, vision for the a leading name countertops in kitchen art and sink. technology. “The With a little lower level is ideal guidance, for large pots and exciting spatial pans and the raised concepts can level can function soon become • SCRATCH-PROOF • CHIP PROOF much like a second reality. Today, • STAIN PROOF • HEAT-RESISTANT bowl, perfect for for example, cutlery or glassware a showor for washing fruit and vegetables.” stopping sink – one that is drop-dead In addition, a ground-breaking gorgeous but also multi-functional – is material for sinks called ‘silgranit’ was the best investment feature you could also a star-attraction at the annual make. Indeed, designers point out that trade show – one that is readily at the 2013 Interior Design Show (held demonstrated in the Precis Cascade. in Toronto earlier this year) it was the

Ho m e s XO exceptio

nal

hom es nag an’s fine st the cen tral oka a col lec tion of

Quincy Vrecko, on this home, call 10062448 For more information 250-863-8810. MLS® RE/MAX Kelowna,

3 april 201

“Silgranit is a patented material by Blanco that combines 80 per cent natural granite stone with a premium acrylic resin formula to deliver unprecedented strength and durability,” Elliott explained.

“Silgranit sinks are non-porous for exceptional hygiene and easy care – and it is scratch-proof, chip proof, stain proof, and highly resistant to the heat of saucepans straight from the stove.

“As exciting,” she continued, “our company is known for the rich colours available in our sinks and the silgranit models lead the pack in a range of six, non-fading, densely-textured colour choices, plus a new one, we call Cinder.

This one is a beautiful dark charcoal with a hint of brown.

“All of our colours are imbued with a subtle mineral pearlescence – and wait until you see how Cinder’s natural stone texture complements so many other colours in your kitchen. It’s complex but velvety warm; dramatic but also serene. d

This magazine reaches out-of-town buyers for three months!

Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan will be placed on the Kelowna Capital News’ website for three months! This means that your home will be continually exposed to the many out-of-town people that come to our newspaper website to learn about the town they are moving to. (Note: virtually all out-of-town buyers have never heard of any of Kelowna’s local websites.) Our website reaches 110,000 to 140,000 different individuals each month! This is in addition to being delivered to over 9,000 homes in the carefully selected finer areas of the Central Okanagan. Have a look at EXHO online at: www.kelownacapnews.com/eeditions

Homes XO exceptional

a co l l e cti o n o f th e ce n tral o kan ag an ’s f i nes t homes Shirley Burton, owner #15-1515 Westgate Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 3X4

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 250-470-7791 CALL TERRY MATTHEWS OR ALAN MONK: 250.763.3212 OR EMAIL US AT:| REW@KELOWNACAPNEWS.COM shirleyburton@shaw.ca www.blindsbydesignnine.com

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 13

O K A N AGA N R E A L E S TAT E L I S T I N G S $2,595,000

10 ACRE COUNTRY ESTATE IN SE KELOWNA

4082 LEMKY RD This secluded acreage boasts an unparalleled lifestyle tucked away in a picturesque, country setting featuring spectacular lake city/ views, 2nd residence, inground pool, 60x40 shop. MLS®10061840

$1,500,000

SMITH CREEK RANCH ACREAGE

A great holding property for long term investors or back yard mechanics. A near new 2750 sq. ft. home plus a fully equipped shop with hoists, etc. & mobile home & stables. This 15 acres of property abuts Smith Creek Subdivision. Some land not suitable for farm use investors may want to pursue extraction from ALR, or subdivide into 5 acre parcels within the ALR zoning.

Sewer runs through the property and is hooked to municipal water. Investors will need to do their own due diligence, no approvals in place. Property is in a great location close to Westbank center. Could be ideal for horse hobbyist as well.

$1,489,000

OUTBACK CONDO FOR SALE

Want to watch your kids play in the pool from your patio? Want to walk to the beach with your family? Watch the sunset from your roof top patio? This is it! South Bay at Outback Resort. 2028 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Shared use of private wharf, clubhouse, playground, tennis Court MLS®10059804.

Ryan Peterson

Harry Kullman

Jim Armitage

250-870-8880

250-979-8565

250-300-4702

www.willmottandassociates.com

Kelowna

Kelowna

$1,449,900

$1,390,000

.45 ACRE LAKE VIEW CUSTOM CRAWFORD HOME This lake view home has everything you could ever want or imagine.

LAKEFRONT COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE AT ITS BEST Le Chateau - Pool, hot tub & boat slip all lend itself

Reclaimed elm floors on the main, grand vaulted ceilings in great room with floor to ceiling windows & stone F/P. Gourmet kitchen w/top-of-theline stainless appls, butler’s pantry, large mud room plus wet bar in great room. Den on the main w/coffered ceilings. Master w/laundry, spacious spa-like ensuite, 10x10 walk-in closet, direct access to hot tub & deck too!

Lower level with two children’s rooms sharing a Jack & Jill bthrm. Even a laundry room for them to learn to do their own wash! Gorgeous stone f/p in the fam. rm., concrete floors & separate bthrm. for use by the guest room and easy access to the 16x32 heated salt-water pool. Triple garage w/12x17 shop area (sink & counters), true RV parking & bonus “Man Room” over the garage w/full bathrm, wet bar w/sink, fridge & separate heating/cooling - would make a great nanny suite too! Extras galore! The .45 acre lot backs onto the canyon with amazing views! MLS®10061195

jimarmitage@royallepage.ca

to the lifestyle afforded to you in a gated lakefront community. Private patio offers views of the lake.

Extensive professional renovations make this a turn key opportunity. Hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, granite counters, wine fridge, 10’ ceilings make this your easy first choice for lakefront living. Within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, attached garage.

MLS®10061563

$982,000

MILLION DOLLAR HOME FOR LE$$

Mountain top living in a quiet cul de sac location, in the desirable West Kelowna Estates. Amazing home for the growing family & plenty of space. This custom built home sist on nearly 1/2 acre & backing onto reservoir trails in the Rose Valley area for a complete private courtyard. This luxurious 5 bdrm home has all the bells & whistles, vaulted ceillings, sky lights, hardwood & tiles, granite counters, heated floors spacious ensuite with soaker tub & a DELUXE in law suite, complete with lrg laundry/utility room.

Let’s not forget the ultimate Man’s cave... double attached garage + a triple garage/shop **heated** with 220v. You can park all your toys here & enjoy the good life! 10 mins. to Kelowna & 25 mins. to airport. MLS®

Joanne Willmott

Jim Armitage

Leesa Fournier

250-870-8788

250-300-4702

250-808-2932

www.willmottandassociates.com Kelowna

14 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

jimarmitage@royallepage.ca Kelowna

ForSaleOrLeesa.com

O K A N AGA N R E A L E S TAT E L I S T I N G S $980,000

B&B POSSiBiLiTiES!?

2642 WoodlAnd CRes bed &

breakfaSt PoSSibiLitieS or Perfect for Large famiLieS!!!! 7 bdrm, 4 baths, 1 bdrm nanny suite, 4300+ sq. ft. of elegance, 2 fireplaces, estate property on 0.82 acre lot near all the amenities. mLS®10061816

$939,000

$839,000

UNOBSTRUCTED LAKE viEW

SOUTH PANDOSY LUXURY ½ BLOCK fROm LAKE!

Quality built San marc home featuring spacious open concept living area. gourmet kitchen with huge granite island, large deck, room for a pool and a lake view from almost every window. 3361 Ridge Blvd mLS®10058976

301-446 West Ave Live in South Pandosy & walk everywhere...Live the uLtimate heaLthy LifeStyLe in this ultra-modern 2275 sq. ft. 2 bd+den phse quietly tucked away between Pandosy & the lake but still in the heart of the action! exPanSive 1 level oPen concePt living w/dbL maSterS, floorto-ceiling windows, 2 deckS on main & phenomenal rooftoP terrace! no hSt & 1/2 block to lake, this condo is priced to sell. mLS®10059757

Ryan Peterson

Helmut Hubert

Ellen Churchill

250-870-8880

250-878-8010

250-860-7500

www.willmottandassociates.com Kelowna

$799,000

$509,900

$549,900

ONE PRiZE HOmE

craftsman style home with every attention to detail. gourmet kitchen, theatre room off kitchen, a huge master suite and a panoramic lake and city view. 5335 signet CRes mLS®10059287

LivE iN SOUTH PANDOSY

fUNKY PENTHOUSE CONDO

Without the penthouse price tag! 2 bd/2ba 1264 sq. ft. high end unit with huge rooftoP deck in the heart of south pandosy. 1/2 bLock to Lake or ShoPPing, quiet and private in the centre of it all!

2 pets allowed, any size, based on strata approval & no rental restrictions. 302-446 West Ave mLS®10056916

108-457 West Ave kelowna’s kitsilano @ West ave Lofts! Luxury 2bd/2ba+den, corner unit w/private gated entry, stg, stunning 20 ft. ceilings w/18 ft windows, hardwood floors, energy Star SS apps, ultra modern finishes, low flush toilets, geothermal heating & cooling, & stunning terraces. Located in Pandosy village, a 1/2 block from the Lake! mLS®10050384

Helmut Hubert

Ellen Churchill

Ellen Churchill

250-878-8010

250-860-7500

250-860-7500

Spring 2013 | EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan 15

Buying or Selling?

For honest and reliable real estate services, contact Kara Sangha!

Kara Sangha REALTOR®

Cell: 250.863.1274 Office: 778.753.5899 Email: kara.apf@gmail.com

“Making your dream home a reality!” www.alwaysreliablerealtor.com 160 Rutland Road North, Kelowna BC

Imported Carpets & Unique Art Pieces!

Perfect for any home or business!

Silk carpets imported from India, Pakistan, Iran, China and many other countries.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind and hand-woven.

Okanagan Rug and Art 534 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna

BC

For more information call 778.484.3641 or 778.363.0741 • Email: okanaganrugsandart@gmail.com

It’s a Buyer’s Market!

Let Herman find you the best home for the best price!

“Always there for you!”

Herman Neustaedter REALTOR®

A DREAM LOG HOME! A grand total of 5000 sq. ft. with high-end finishing throughout and 12.45 acres, this home is spacious and allows you great privacy.

This house is equipped with a heated 44x28 shop/garage, as well a new high-end heating systems, not to mention a deluxe kitchen, and a home theater. With its 5 full bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms this is a one-of-a-kind home; a beautiful property.

160 Rutland Road North, Kelowna BC 16 EXHO - Exceptional Homes of the Okanagan | Spring 2013

Cell: 250.864.9197 Office: 778.753.5899 Email: info@neuhome.com