Kootenays Luxury and Waterfront Homes: Real Estate Information
When it comes to opportunities for luxury real estate in the interior of British Columbia, the Kootenays region can definitely be said to stand out from the rest. Areas such as Kamloops and the Shuswap and the Okanagan are defined by their hot weather, while Vancouver Island is of course defined by the Pacific Ocean. When one thinks of the Kootenays, one word comes to mind: rugged.The nature of the Kootenays region is determined by the mountain ranges that run across the entire region. The most famous of course are the Canadian Rockies, but the Kootenays also include the Purcells. The influence of these ranges affects every part of life in the Kootenays, from economies to recreation.
The natural beauty and recreational opportunities afforded by the mountainous setting of the Kootenays is also the big standout point when it comes to luxury real estate in the area. The region is home to some of the most incredible vacation and waterfront neighbourhoods in the province, made possible through the working of nature at the top of the world. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular places as far as recreational and waterfront real estate as well as some of the Kootenays and Rockies lakefront real estate for sale , as well as riverfront and lake view properties for sale.
Revelstoke
Revelstoke is the westternmost of the Kootenays municipalities. Located at the west of the Rockies, until recently it was a working town. However, the recent expansion of the Revelstoke Mountain Resort has led to an incredible rise in prices in homes both within the resort and in the town itself. The mountain is famous for having the largest vertical drop anywhere in North America, and luxury vacation homes on the hill abound.
The resort appeals to luxury home owners of all recreational bents. The winter, of course, is dedicated to various types of skiing and snow mountain activities, with summer time devoted to the handful of golf courses in both the town and the resort. Luxury real estate includes chalets and condominiums; the perfect place to enjoy a winter’s hot tub soak while viewing the snow covered mountain peaks.While resort living is the main choice for those looking for luxury real estate in Revelstoke, there are a few very nice homes located along the Columbia River. This huge river boasts some of the most incredible views in the province, so many of the wealthier local residents choose to make neighbourhoods which border it their homes.
The Arrow Lakes
For those who love luxury real estate in less populated spots, the Arrow Lakes provide a good mix of recreational and upscale opportunity. The Lakes run between the Selkirk Mountains and the Monashee mountains, so no matter where one buys an incredible waterfront, mountain view is almost guaranteed. Smaller communities such as Nakusp and Edgewood and Castlegar dot the Lakes region. There are great opportunities for waterfront activities as well as the unique opportunities found only in the Kootenays (hot springs, cooler golfing climate, and so on). Of course, the incredible views really cannot be overstated.
While summer temperatures in the Kootenays are generally more temperate than those in the neighbouring Okanagan region, the hot, dry climate of the Lower Arrow Lake is more similar to parts of the Okanagan valley. This, combined with easy access to amenities in Castlegar, Nelson and Trail makes lakefront in the area a good choice for those seeking warm water, sun, and less isolation. The Lower Arrow Lake lags other parts of the Kootenays in development but new opportunities to build or buy waterfront are coming available. Sandy beaches, great lake and river fishing, sailing, world class skiing, biking and hiking, several fabulous golf courses and access to cultural meccas like Nelson make this area an undiscovered gem.
This combination of waterfront views and variety of recreation make the Arrow Lakes region a great place to look for property along the beach.
Fairmont The Fairmont region has long been one of the most popular recreational destinations in the Kootenays region. Fairmont is defined by its hot springs, both the natural pools located a ways up a winding mountain road and the much more popular developed resort. The resort is the reason for the location of several luxury real estate opportunities in the Fairmont area. It includes a ski area, the hot springs pools, and a golf course, which runs along the Kootenay River. Accordingly, there are a variety of luxury real estate properties to be found in the Fairmont region. The golf course includes bordering condominiums, with great views of the mountains, the course, and the river. Chalets are also available just up the road between the golf course and the hot springs. However, it is the appeal of the view of the Columbia River that continues to draw those interested in waterfront living to the Fairmont region.
Creston/Nelson Finally, Creston and Nelson are two popular Kootenays areas for those looking for luxury real estate. Both have a very laid back feel which has attracted a large arts community as well as a good number of retirees. Spacious properties run along the rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, and smaller resorts in the area.
Set amidst mountains on the Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a picturesque community featuring many restored heritage buildings and a decidedly old-world feel. The town has sloping streets reminiscent of San Francisco, leading down to the lake. Because the city is located on one side of the lake, some of the prime waterfront is taken up by hotels and shopping centres; however a spectacular waterfront park with play area, beach and sports fields is located a short walk from the city centre. Luxury waterfront homes can be found in the areas adjacent to the city as well as across the bridge. In outlying areas, luxury homes dot the shoreline leading up to areas such as Kaslo and rolling hills and large riverfront acreages can be found heading west.
When it comes to Kootenays luxury real estate, homes are usually defined by their views as well as their proximity to various mountain recreational opportunities. Waterfront property in the Kootenays is easy to find, with an abundance of mountain run off and spring fed bodies of water with a beauty that astounds.However, it is the mountainous environment that truly defines luxury real estate in the Kootenay region. The area has some of the most amazing skiing to be found in the province, with world class resorts appealing to buyers of luxury vacation homes. Hot springs and golf courses also abound throughout the region and it is possible to purchase a home close to or bordering these mountain amenities. Outdoor recreation is the order of the day when you live in or have a vacation home in the Kootenays area, and what better way to take advantage of the opportunity than to retire at the end of the day to a spacious luxury home with a view!
