vol5issue28_new-homes

LL PU T OU

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • July 11, 2008

NEW HOMES Your Guide to New Housing Developments in the Columbia Valley

Borrego Ridge Business Feature by Sandra Kelly

Check out this gorgeous three-storey townhome and bungalow complex just north of Radium.

In Spanish, Borrego means “wild sheep.” And so the name Borrego Ridge suggests an intimacy with nature. Rugged landscapes. Wildlife close up. And the tranquility you can only get far from the madding crowd.

Borrego Ridge more than lives up to its name. This residential development by Schickendanz West, which also brought us Links Ridge and Elk Park Ranch, is nestled between the Purcell Mountains and the Rockies, northwest of the village of Radium Hot Springs.

It’s a peaceful, spectacularly beautiful setting.

And yet the village, with all its urban conveniences, is just minutes away. There are two immaculate 18hole golf courses—The Springs and Radium Resort— great shops and restaurants, and of course the natural hot pools for which Radium is known worldwide.

“Radium is a quiet spot in the Windermere Valley,” says Scott Sauermann, area sales manager for Schickedanz West. “But we still have all the amenities that people want.”

The 20 townhomes and 20 bungalow villas on Borrego Ridge were designed for the way we entertain today. The floor plans are wide open, with high ceilings and tall windows that let in plenty of natural light.

These homes are alpine-elegant and user-friendly.

The Purcell Townhomes have a spacious multilevel floor plan with 1,426 square feet of well-proportioned living space, including three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a combined kitchen/formal dining room that is perfect for family gatherings. The multiple decks and ground-level patio maximize the views and ensure that you don’t miss a minute of mountain sunshine. The unspoiled basement has space for a family room, or a home office.

www.schickedanzwest.com

Continued on Page 3

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes

July 11, 2008

Starter Homes in the Columbia Valley

5 e ly s a Ju h P n i g n n i io l l es e S ss w Po o N ke Ta Beautifully appointed and affordable Townhomes in Canal Flats.

This growing and vibrant community offers the only public access to Columbia Lake, beautiful views, golf courses, hiking, skiing, shing, hunting, hockey, curling and playgrounds all just outside your front door.

3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES $ + GST

219,900

1,632 sq. ft. of developed space including 4 appliances and air conditioning.

CONTACT US AT

250-345-6460 • toll free 1-877-646-5890 • www.jadelanding.ca JadeLanding.ca

New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

July 11, 2008 Continued from Page 1 The Columbia Villas have 1,158 square feet of living space on one level, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The great room has ten-foot ceilings and a gorgeous open kitchen. The unspoiled basement could be developed to yield two additional bedrooms and a theatre room. These exquisite bungalows have both a covered front porch and a west-facing deck to take advantage of the views.

There are three finishing packages from which to choose: Pine, Spruce and Fir. A townhome with the basic Pine package—that includes such features as black appliances, laminate countertops and Berber carpet—can be purchased for just $324,900 plus GST. A fully upgraded bungalow villa, with features such as stainless steel appliances, granite and hardwood, is available for $504,900 plus GST. The exterior combines wood, stone and vinyl siding for low maintenance. Other features include single-car garage with opener, gas line hookup for the barbecue, access to high-speed Internet, and roughedin vacuum and home security.

The monthly condo fee ($115 for the townhomes and $136 for the villas) covers snow removal, landscaping, garbage collection, annual window cleaning, building maintenance and insurance. It’s a low-maintenance lifestyle for year-round or recreational use.

The three showhomes at Borrego Ridge are open for viewing. For information, call 1-250-342-5889, or 1-877-733-7932. Or visit schickedanzwest.com.

Beautiful stone work in the kitchen gives the showhome at Borrego Ridge an old-world feel.

It’s not about the journey to your destination, but how you feel when you arrive. Experience this feeling in one of the inviting alpine styled townhomes or luxury bungalow villas of Borrego Ridge in Radium Hot Springs, BC—North America’s most sought after recreational mountain resort. Choose from a villa or townhome, to fullfill your recreational mountain home dream.

Register on-line at www.borrego-radium.com Visit Borrego Ridge Centre in Radium Hot Springs 1-250-342-5889 or 1-877-733-7932

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

B.C.

schickedanzwest.com

This is not a offering for sale. An offering for sale can only be made by disclosure statement.

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes

July 11, 2008

Phase I SOLD OUT! Phase II 50% SOLD or RESERVED!

WORLD-CLASS RESORT LIVING NESTLED IN THE MOUNTAINS OF BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA ... 90 MINUTES FROM BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE

The ULTIMATE Resort Destination NO BUILDING COMMITMENT

SPECTACULAR VIEWS

RENTAL POOL

RESORT CENTRE

PATHWAYS

FITNESS FACILITY

POOL AND HOT TUB

discoverpineridge.com 1-866-580-2588 Visit us at our Sales Centre 1010 - 7 Avenue, Main Street Invermere

P R E C O N S T R U C T I O N P R I C I N G AVA I L A B L E F O R A L I M I T E D T I M E !

PHASE II LOTS COTTAGE AND VIEW from $139,000 Fully Serviced - Mature Forest Architectural Controls Geo-thermal Heating

PHASE I TOWNHOMES 2 STOREY MOUNTAIN VISTAS from $499,000 Alpine Architecture 9 ft. Ceilings - 3 Bedrooms Rich Finishing

resorts

info@discoverpineridge.com

New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

July 11, 2008

So you think you’re ready to renovate

By Sandra Kelly Pioneer Staff

A few weeks ago, my brother Steve called from Calgary to announce that he and his partner Janine had decided to renovate their 30-year-old house. I wanted to shout, “No!” Instead I mumbled words of encouragement.

Renovators need them.

In the past 20 years, my husband Bob and I have built 40 homes. We’ve had four new homes of our own, and tackled three down-to-the-studs renovations of old homes. We’ll take shiny and new any day.

Financially, it makes sense for some homeowners to renovate. Steve and Janine paid $150,000 for their 1,200-square-foot split-level house. Today it’s worth about $400,000. If they spend $100,000 on it, they will still be ahead of the game.

Emotionally, however, renovations can be traumatic, especially when the homeowner is living in the house.

I almost always advise people to sell the shabby old shack and buy new. I know what you’re thinking: If no one renovates, our neighborhoods will fall apart.

Point taken. Someone must do it.

But before you take the plunge, ask yourself three questions:

1. How strong is my marriage?

I can still hear Bob and me snapping at one another while we struggled to cut an irregularly configured piece of drywall to repair a ceiling. It was late, and we were drained after a long day of bickering. I can picture us after three days without a bath, filthy from head to toe and bleeding from various flesh wounds as we shrieked at one another in a tornado of sawdust.

If you and your spouse never agree on what movie to rent, it’s safe to say you won’t survive a renovation.

2. How fat is my bank account?

Renovations are riddled with little expenses you hadn’t counted on: replacing the moldy drywall behind the old cabinets you just removed; installing a beam in a ceiling because, gosh, that really was a bearing wall; paying workers—assuming you found any— to remove the old stucco before the new siding could go on. Whatever you think your renovation will cost, add 20 percent now.

3. How old am I? Young people revel in the chaos of renovations.

The work is dirty, but so what? Demolishing old walls with a sledgehammer is a blast! Crawling around in the attic is a hoot! And hey, why not make it a party? Invite all the friends and put them to work! Renovations

don’t disrupt young lives. They notch up the fun.

But if you’re over forty, you’re probably living in peace. You’re thrilled to find your fuzzy slippers at the front door every night.

You love the leather chair that hugs you while you surf the 300 channels on your big-screen TV. Your idea of a party is dinner for four, with wine.

None of these pleasures is compatible with electrical wires dangling from your living room ceiling, or a dining room stripped bare to expose a bathroom. Try brewing an après dinner pot of Kicking Horse Kickass in a kitchen that no longer exists.

On their recent visit to Invermere, I toured Steve and Janine through showrooms full of new cabinets and pretty lights and laminate flooring.

My brother found it all very stressful. It was a bad sign: he hadn’t torn up even one piece of old carpet yet.

They’ve now decided they’re not ready to renovate.

Young people take note: You’ve got the energy and the enthusiasm to survive a renovation. We over-forty types expect you to spruce up those old shacks.

We’ll even spring for the down payment.

Meanwhile we’ll be reading the New Homes supplement to the Pioneer every Friday—with coffee.

Sandra and Bob Kelly are partners in Lochend in the Valley, Invermere.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes

July 11, 2008

along the 9th fairway of the springs golf course

To tour or for ownership : 1 888 766 9637 Fractional, 1/8, 1/4 & full ownership from $29,800 Receive 50% off rental rates for a 2 or 3 night stay when you book a tour

For a resort vacation : 1 877 344 2323

New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

July 11, 2008

Lakefront property has drawbacks, too

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher When most people think of moving to the Columbia Valley, they think lakefront. But although the pros of lakefront living generally outweigh the cons, there are a few cons to consider.

• Neighbours: Lakefront property is at a premium, meaning that the shoreline has been sliced pretty thinly. Unless you are wealthy enough to purchase a large lot, chances are you will end up with neighbours on each side. You may prefer a small acreage or large lot away from the lake with more privacy.

• Noise: During the summer, the biggest complaint from cottage-owners on the lake is the noise from speedboats and jet skis. If you plan to do a lot of boating yourself and don’t mind the hum of activity, then you’re all set.

If you want to sleep in, then you’d buy some ear plugs. Remember, there are about 20 trains per day that run on the

tracks along the waterfront.

• Weather: The valley forms a natural wind tunnel and the wind can blow quite strongly off the water. Be prepared to batten down your deck furniture if it really gets howling.

• Security: A sweeping view of the water means that people on the water, and on the other side of the water, can also see you. The lake provides access to your front yard both in summer and winter, when it is covered with ice.

There are other types of waterfront.

Consider a home along the river, beside a creek or even beside a pond located on one of the valley’s golf courses.

Think carefully about whether water views would be a substitute for waterfront. Water views will give you a lot more home purchasing options. If all else fails, consider the mountain views as a substitute for water views. Mountains can provide the same sense of peace and serenity as water views, and are visible from everywhere in the valley.

Invermere’s best-priced new home ownership opportunity!

Get more for your money, with beautifully finished three-bedroom homes starting at $359,900.

Each home features a thoughtful floor plan, designed for comfortable living. On the main floor entry, a den/bedroom/office and garage… on the second floor, a large kitchen with eating area, living room, bath and balcony… on the third floor, a master bedroom with full bath en-suite, laundry, and a second bedroom.

Cedarwood Glen is centrally located in the heart of the Columbia Valley.

Imagine… just two blocks to downtown Invermere, and three blocks to the beach! Enjoy all the conveniences in a quiet and peaceful setting.

Some homes are ready for occupancy now! For details, call (250) 341-1182.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer - New Homes

N OW SELLING

MOUN TA I N E S TA T E H OMESITES I n t h e h e a r t o f t h e p r e s t i g i o u s C o p p e r Point Golf Resor t

Cop p e r Po i n t E s t a t es an exclusive com m u n i t y f e a t u r i n g large, unique hom e s i t e s w i t h s t u nning, panoramic mo u n t a i n a n d g o l f cour se views.

• Se c l u d e d e s t a t e h omesites fr o m ¼ a c r e t o ½ acr e • Go l f C o u r s e f r o n t a ge si t e s ava i l ab l e • Ar c h i t e c t u r a l l y c o ntr olled • Ga t e d p r iva t e c o m munity

Fr om $239,000

C a l l ( 2 5 0 ) 3 4 1 - 1 9 7 6 o r e m a i l r m a s o n @ c opper pointgolf.com f o r mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o a r r a n ge a site tour.

July 11, 2008

New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

July 11, 2008

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT – This boater is taking a leisurely route down the Columbia River as it runs through the Riverside Golf Course at Fairmont Hot Springs.

Photo by Dani Tschudin

For All Your Real Estate Needs Fairmont Frontage Mall 250 345-4000 Main St. Radium 250 347-0003

13th Street Invermere 250 342-6911 100 Spokane St. Kimberley 250 427-7755

www.rockymtnrealty.com

Valley TurnKey Homes

info@rockymtnrealty.com

Custom Home Builders

The Gated Community of Riverside Estates offers Waterfront and Fairway Home Sites for your Retirement or Vacation Home.

Lots starting from

www.golfriverside.com

$179,000 + GST

Fishing, Kayaking, and Golfing from your front yard.

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes

Take ownership of your escape Finally, a luxury four-season real estate investment you and your family can enjoy, just three hours from Calgary. Visit our Invermere sales office and reserve your whole or 1/4 ownership opportunities now.

Opening late summer 2008. 1-866-9LUXURY www.copperpoint.ca/pioneer

Windermere, BC On-site Show Suite opening end of May

July 11, 2008

New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

July 11, 2008

Cool ideas for beating the heat After waiting a long time for the heat to arrive in the Columbia Valley, you might feel uncomfortable now that it’s finally here. Here are some tips for cooling your house or condominium: 1. In the evening, open windows and use fans to create a cross-breeze, circulating cooler air. As soon as the sun hits the house in the morning, close all windows and and curtains, and keep them closed until it is cooler outside than it is inside. Then you can open everything up again and cool off.

2. Don’t use your oven or stovetop.

Barbecue outside in the shade, or cook meals early while it’s cool and eat them cold from the refrigerator. If you must heat something, use the microwave.

3. Use ceiling fans or portable fans.

Even mild air movement can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Make sure your ceiling fan is set for summer – you should feel the air blow downward.

A bowl or tray of ice in front of a portable fan can cool you as it evaporates.

4. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they use one-fifth of the energy and heat.

5. Turn off all electrical devices when not in use, including the TV and computer. Read The Pioneer instead!

6. Lower the thermostat on your water heater; 46C is comfortable for most uses.

7. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Air-dry the dishes and hang your wet laundry on a clothesline.

8. Seal any cracks in your home.

The average North American house has gaps around windows and door that would equal a one-metre-square hole in the wall. These cracks let cold air into the house in winter, and hot air during the summer.

9. Get out of the house. Take a picnic to the beach and don’t come home until sundown. If you’re lucky, you might have a swimming pool in your complex and you can take a dip in the heat of the day.

OVER LAKE WINDERMERE

• Premium 1/4 Acre Lake View Lots • Spectacular Mountain View Lots from $139,000 • Hillside Meadow Villas from $417,000 • Alpine Style Home and Lot from $539,000 www.castlerockinvermere.com • Ph: 1-888-341-5253 or 250-341-6212

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes

July 11, 2008

COME TOGETHER . . . . .

WWW.PEDLEYHEIGHTS.COM (250) 347-2321 LAKE ACCESS LOTS STARTING AT $189,000 COMMUNITY/RECREATION CENTRE NATURAL SAND BEACH

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

BUILDERS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE CONSTRUCTION

ROSS NEWHOUSE