Former municipal councillor Judy Higginbotham, who served on Surrey’s council for 25 years, talks about homes. She and husband Pat may eventually buy a recreation property – for a summer getaway or, perhaps – to downsize into a smaller home.

New homes in a desirableVancouver neighbourhood offer homebuyers quality, style and location.

Listraor’s Carrington features Tudor-style townhomes at Oak and 45th, an area that is close to

transportation, shopping and downtown. “People feel lucky they’re able to live there,” says Listraor sales manager

Carla Zivot. ›› p.6

scaling it down…

July 30, 2009

›› p.2, 10

TRICIA LESLIE

The children are all grown, and the huge house they grew up in is all but empty. Maintenance and upkeep on the home and yard is becoming overwhelming. Utility bills are through the roof, and repairs or renovations are sorely needed.

There are several reasons why people might start thinking about downsizing – or, as some call it, rightsizing – to a smaller home, and many reasons make sense.

Making the move into a new home makes even more sense, say some, since it means everything from the appliances to the exterior finishings is brand-new, and will not need repair for years. New homes also usually come with builder warranties to protect owners for years to come, as well.

“I don’t really think people are willing to give up quality,” says Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association CEO Peter Simpson.

Downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean moving into a condo or townhome, he notes, although that market presents plenty of options to home buyers.

At Anderson Walk, an Epta Properties development of single-family homes in South Surrey, the first houses in the 51-home project are in the 2,500-square foot range.

Epta Properties vice-president and director Chris Tsakumis says the homes are drawing interest from downsizers as well as first-time buyers.

“We’ve provided basically maintenance-free homes. I was surprised to see how many downsizers – from all over the Lower Mainland – who are interested,” Tsakumis says. “The South Surrey-White Rock life-style is attracting people from Vancouver,

Making the right moveFinding a new home that fits your needs does not necessarily mean downsizing

Mosaic Homes sales manager Saralyn Slarks enjoys the garden at Mosaic’s Links community in Port Coquitlam. The rowhomes offer a downsized lifestyle to homebuyers.

Rob Newell photoCONTINUED ON P.2

Resurgence of housing market is Canada-wide

Improved home affordability is stimu-lating the housing market across Canada, according to the latest housing report from RBC Economics.

And in B.C. in the first quarter of the year alone, housing affordability showed the sharpest improvements since 1991, reports RBC.

Aggressive economic policy and soften-ing home prices are drawing buyers back into the market, resulting in home af-fordability recording some of the biggest quarterly improvements on record in the first quarter of June of 2009, the July report says.

RBC senior economist Robert Hogue says that, with financial market turmoil subsiding and the flow of credit increasing, home resale activity has rallied impres-sively since the late winter.

“What’s most impressive is how wide-spread this rebound has been, with all ma-jor cities in Canada experiencing a revival,” Hogue says.

In the first quarter of this year, monthly payments on a typical detached bungalow in Canada has decreased by close to 17 per cent from a year earlier, thanks to signifi-cant cuts in mortgage rates and “the federal government taking an active role in sup-porting the mortgage securities market,” a release states.

Affordability improved in all housing segments at the national level, RBC reports, marking the third consecutive quarterly decline in home ownership costs.

“Housing markets generally appear to be on the mend in Canada but the road to full recovery still has obstacles,” Hogue says.

“With property values stabilizing and the effect of the steep drop in mortgage rates likely behind us, further improvement in affordability will depend on greater gains in family income. Those gains will be dictated by the speed of the economic expected dur-ing the second half of this year.”

2 • New Local Home | July 30, 2009

Publisher: Fiona Harris • 604-575-5822 • publisher@newlocalhome.comEditor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.com Advertising Sales - Black Press National Sales • Adrian Saunders • 604-575-5812 • adrians@blackpress.caOnline Advertising • Nicole Hutchinson • 604-575-5826 • nhutchinson@blackpress.caDesigner: Brad Smith • bsmith@blackpress.ca

New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

Richmond... one couple is moving from a 5,000-sq.-ft. home in Burnaby.”

Some home owners may just be looking for the right house level for them, says Portrait Homes marketing sales manager Troy Steine.

“I refer to it as people making the best choice they can make to suit their lifestyle,” he says. “Some people are coming from older homes, but have made the decision not to put all that money into renovations, so they move into a brand-new residence.”

One couple from North Vancouver moved to a single-family home in Portrait’s The Crest

at Silver Ridge, which won a Gold SAM award for Best Residential Community

in Canada, to be closer to their grand-children, and to have room for them when they visit, he notes.

Starting this fall, home buyers will have the chance to get a peek at

Portrait’s new, 145-unit townhome community, also in Maple Ridge, en-

titled Brighton.“It’s nice and quiet, close to nature, and it

will give (homebuyers) more choice,” Steine says.

While some families still want a larger yard and more space, some are looking for less maintenance and less work around the home.

“I like to call it a lock-it-and-leave-it lifestyle,” Simpson says. “Often, (homebuy-ers) want to forget about the lawn cutting and snow plowing and enjoy their lifestyle.”

Moving from a larger home to a smaller

dwelling can mean financial benefits for the downsizers, too. Ridding the onus of a mort-gage can be one benefit, or investing the extra dollars from moving into a less expensive home. Smaller utility bills can add up extra savings as well.

At Mosaic Homes, a company known for its high-quality residential developments throughout Metro Vancouver and Washington State, sales and marketing manager Andrea

Whether you’re an empty nester moving from a house into a condo, or a renter trading in a two-bedroom to own a new studio, you’ll have to say sayonara to some of your stuff. Stressed out by the prospect? Don’t be. Sarah Moyse and Jennie Davidson, Toronto-based moving plan-ners and owners of Wren Designs, offer 10 tips designed to make downsizing a snap:

✓ Write a list of all the items you love and can’t live without; it will help you bid adieu to things that didn’t make the list. “It’s hard to persuade people they can’t take everything with them,” Sarah says. “But by keeping what’s on your wish list, you won’t be upset about the things you can’t keep.”

✓ Start thinning out your belongings at least three months before the move. Take some time each day, or one morning each week, to go through that jammed coat closet or overflow-ing filing cabinet. “Paper is the real killer,” Jennie says, so tackle it one box at a time. The same goes for photos, which require a lot of attention.

✓ Get a feel for the size of your new rooms by comparing them to rooms of similar dimensions in your present home. For instance, your living-room-to-be might be roughly the same size as your current bedroom. You may think you can squeeze in two sofas, but this kind of reality check could help you realize that only one will fit comfortably.

✓ Heavily edit areas with items that don’t have as much sentimental value. Take the kitchen, for example; most people don’t need 10 mixing bowls and won’t get teary-eyed over losing a second spatula. If you’re downsizing from a house to a condo, target the garage. Snow shovels, the lawn mower, ladders – you won’t need any of them.

✓ Don’t throw anything in the garbage. Re-cycle, reuse, sell and donate instead. As tempt-ing and easy as it is to pitch wire hangers, musty clothes and shabby furnishings, be environmen-tally responsible and find a home for everything.

✓ Label three bins To Keep, To Sell and Charity (bins should be manageable when full). For the average downsize, keep only one-third to one-half of your belongings, say Sarah and Jennie.

✓ Get an objective opinion. If you can’t decide whether to keep or kiss that dusty ’70s-era sew-ing machine goodbye, Sarah says, “It’s good to have someone who’ll say, ‘Oh, please, you never use that!’” It might just be the kick you need.

✓ When selling your goods, try an auction for high-end items. Then look for reputable antique and secondhand dealers. Often, they can buy all of your wares or put you in touch with booksell-ers and other specialty dealers. “Some dealers will come to your home, take what you don’t want and even drop off the charity stuff,” Sarah says. “That way you won’t be trudg-ing all over town.”

✓ Use floor plans to prearrange your furniture before the move. This is another useful reality check. To start, draw plans if you don’t have any, and sketch in a furniture layout. Then look at the plans realistically; if you’ve crammed in side ta-bles, armoires and chairs, you need to edit more. Don’t wait until after you move to contend with furniture you’ll just end up tripping over.

✓ Once you get to the packing stage, use a colour-coded system to organize all of your boxes. Choose a colour for each room and mark the boxes destined for that room with a coordinating colour sticker. You can also do the same thing numerically; for example, if room No. 1 is the kitchen, then all boxes marked No. 1 will go there.

Source: www.styleathome.com

Cut down on the unnecessary before the move

Off the front: “Often, (homebuyers) want to forget about the lawn cutting and snow plowing and enjoy their lifestyle.”– Peter Simpson, GVHBA CEOCONTINUED FROM P.1

Downsizing into a smaller home can mean financial benefits and less maintenance work.

SMALLER CAN BE BETTER

Live the

lifestyle At Carnoustie Golf Course, right next door to Mosaic’s Links rowhome community in Port Coquitlam, local residents enjoy playing golf.Rob Newell photo

CONTINUED ON P.5

New Local Home | July 30, 2009 • 3

4 • New Local Home | July 30, 2009

New Local Home | July 30, 2009 • 5

Camp says Mosaic strives to recognize the significance of the move when people choose to downsize.

“What we try to work really hard at is to maximize the storage in the home,” she says. “From what we hear, things that (home buyers) don’t want to compromise on are storage and a double garage.”

Mosaic’s signature rowhomes – such as the Georgian-inspired Tatton in Coquitlam, or the East-Coast-shingle-style in Port Coquitlam’s Links – offer home buyers open, two- to four-bedroom homes in the 1,600 to 1,900-sq. ft. range.

Camp says Mosaic offers extra options to allow home owners to customize their homes, and notes that downsizers can often afford homes with the best views, on premium lots.

“You don’t want to feel like you’re giving up everything,” she says, and adds Mosaic also pays close attention to the outdoor space of-fered in a deck.

“Our decks always span the width of the home. They’re nice and big and appeal to people who are likely to spend time sitting out on, and enjoying, their deck.”

Former municipal councillor Judy Hig-ginbotham, who served on Surrey council for 25 years, and her husband Pat were recently looking at The Cottages at Cultus Lake, a development they say they may potentially consider for a summer getaway – or perhaps to eventually, downsize for retirement.

“We’re just looking,” Higginbotham says, on a sunny afternoon in the showhome, noting that having extra bedrooms for grandchildren and family is always nice.

An avid cook, she notices the brand-new kitchen appliances – and the counter space – that come with the home.

Pat notes the cottage is so well-built, it can easily be a year-round home, and adds that

he likes the open, yet covered design of the $5-million amenities clubhouse, which de-velopment partners John Van Geel and Dave Balsor built with The Cottages’ first phase.

But whether buyers are looking for a

smaller home, a new home, a summer home or a mixture of all of the above, there’s one fact all seem to agree upon: there is a wealth of options for home buyers right now.

“People have a lot of different choices out

there, and the buyer has transformed so much,” Steine says.

“Buyers today do their research. They have more knowledge and more access to informa-tion, and they know what they want.”

CONTINUED FROM P.2

Living a more laid-back lifestyle is what many downsizing homebuyers are looking for, and taking the time to enjoy the patio or perhaps, a peaceful picnic lunch, as Mosaic sales manager Saralyn Slarks demonstrates in the kitchen of a 1,900-sq.-ft Links home. Rob Newell photo

SMALLER CAN BE BETTER

Tasteful, Tudor-style townhomes

Location has always been a key component in real estate, if not the most important.

It is more than a place to reside. It’s the home owner’s connection to the community and

the surrounding neighbourhood. It’s the hub to transit, education, parks, shops and services.

Carrington, a new Listraor development at 45th Avenue and Oak Street in Vancou-

ver, is a classic collection of 30 Tudor-style townhomes that offers potential home buyers

a Vancouver rarity: a new home in a desirable neighbourhood.

“Buyers love that neighbourhood,” says Listraor sales manager Carla Zivot.

“It’s definitely a beautiful neighbourhood to be a part of, and you’re close to transportation, close to getting downtown, and close to Oakridge (shopping centre).”

The impressive red-brick-detailed townhomes fea-ture the decorative medieval-inspired half-timbering common in the Tudor style, giving the homes a chic, trendy flair.

“(Listraor owner Craig Rowland) built these to fit into the neighbourhood,” Zivot notes.

Listraor backs every home to the highest standards and quality, and has earned a reputation as a high-quality builder, she adds.

“Just getting that kind of quality in a neighbour-

Classic collection comes with Vancouver zip code

Buy into a neighbourhood you’ll love to come home to at Listraor’s Carrington

Listraor’s Carrington offers homeowners classic, Tudor-style townhomes in a sought-after Vancou-ver neighbourhood: Oak and 45th. Rob Newell photos

NOW SELLING

CONTINUED ON P.9

6 • New Local Home | July 30 , 2009

New Local Home | July 30, 2009 • 7

Two, three, and four bedroom rowhomes with

unobstructed mountain views overlooking

Carnoustie Golf Course in Port Coquitlam.

*For a limited time only. Pricing subject to availability; see Sales Staff for details.

www.mosaichomes.com

Two bedroom and two bedroom plus den

Georgian rowhomes in Surrey’s Clayton

Village with park and mountain views.

Three and four bedroom Georgian rowhomes bordering

Victoria Park and Leigh Elementary School. Part of an

emerging new neighbourhood plan in Coquitlam.

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A nice place to visit, a better place to call home.

ARBOURReleased in the Spring of 2008, these rowhomes

set along the Coquitlam River were the fastest

selling in Port Coquitlam.

GABLETwo, three, and four bedroom rowhomes set on a

gently sloping hillside with sunny southern exposure.

The fastest selling rowhomes in Coquitlam.

SOLD O

UT

SOLD O

UT

TURNSTONEFour bedroom waterfront duplexes and two

bedroom plus den redbrick rowhomes. The

fastest selling rowhomes in Ridge Meadows.

SOLD O

UT

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North Vancouver

West Vancouver

Burnaby

New Westminster

Squamish

Richmond

South Delta

Coquitlam

Port Moody

Port Coquitlam

Vancouver

Surrey

North Delta

LangleyCloverdale

Fort Langley

Pitt Meadows

Maple Ridge

South SurreyWhite Rock

(1) ➜

(2)

(6)

(4)

(20)

(22)

(21)

(5)

(7-8)

(3)

(37)

(36)

(35)

(38)(39)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(17)

(16)

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(45)(49)

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Squamish(1)Skye-Soleil-AquaPresentation Centre, Unit 3, 1233 Main St.,Squamish. 604-616-1215(2)Furry Creek-Ocean Crest415- Furry Creek Dr. 604-315-0172

Vancouver (3)Carrington6101 Oak Street at 45th Ave. 604-266-6500(4)Pacifi cUBC Westbrook Village. 604-221-8878(5)Aura5437 Willow Street & West 38th Ave. 604-264-6477

North Shore (6)Branches1111 E 27th Street. 604-988-8489

Burnaby(7)Jewel6130 WilsonAvenue at Beresford. 604-456-0688(8)Brentwood Gate-The Varley1960 Beta Ave. 604-205-7228

Coquitlam(9)Levo1170 Pinetree Way & Northern Ave. 604-464-5856(10)The FoothillsBurke Mountain, 3381 David Ave., Coquitlam604-944-3188(11)Tatton1240 Holtby, Coquitlam. 604-696-1502

(12)Whitetail Lane1357 Purcell Drive. 604-552-3003(13) Belmont1456 Avondale Street. 604-461-7113(14)Burke Mountain Heights3398 Don Moore Drive, Coquitlam. 778-285-6299(15)Sterling3412 Wilkie Avenue, Coquitlam. (16)Belmont Walk1442 Marguerite Street, Coquitlam. 604-464-4551(17)Larkin House1131 Pipeline Road Coquitlam. 604-552-1113

Port Coquitlam(18)Links2418 Avon Place, Port Coquitlam. 604-460-9907

Port Moody(19)Heritage Woods300 Panorama Place, Port Moody

Richmond(20)Alexandra GateCambie-Garden City. 604-279-8866(21)Centro7180 No.3 Road-Bennett. 604-270-8305(22)PradoNo.3 Road & Lansdowne. 604-276-8180

South Surrey-White Rock(23)Highland Park160th & 24th Ave. 604-542-8995(24)Glenmore at Morgan Heights161A St. & 24th Ave. 604-542-8863(25)The BrownstonesMorgan Heights. 604-538-9897(26)Wills Creek160th & 32nd Ave. 604-542-6200

(27)Kaleden2729-158th Street. 604-541-4246

(28)Nuvo15454 - 32 Avenue, South Surrey. 778-294-1201

(29)Morgan Heights26th Ave & 164th Street. 604-531-1111, 604-420-4200

(30)Cathedral Grove2738-158th Street. 604-541-7383

(31)Ocean Park2026-128th Street. 604-538-2345

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows

(32)Falcon Hill23719 Kanaka Way. 604-466-5723

(33)Crest at Silver Ridge22850 Foreman Drive. 604-466-9278

(34)Solo11749 223rd Street. 604-467-0800

New Westminster(35)Victoria HillMcBride Ave. 604-523-0733

(36)Q at Westminster QuayRenaissance Square off Quayside Drive. 604-515-9112

(37)Red BoatEwen Ave & Furness St., Queensborough. 604-520-9890

Delta(38)Trend7445 Scott Road. 604-590-5483

(39)Cardinal Pointe10605 Delsom Crescent, Delta

Langley(40)Bedford Landing23015 Billy Brown Road. 604-888-2176(41)Seasons & Prelude at Milner Heights208th St & 72nd Ave. 604-539-9484

Surrey(42)Augusta at Provinceton18199 70th Ave, 778-571-1088(43)Springfi eld Village8678 156 Street. 604-591-1121(44)Woods at Provinceton70th & 180th Street. 604-574-7820(45)The Highlands at Sullivan Ridge60A Ave & 146th Street. 778-565-1865(46)The Estates at Vistas West16327 60th Ave. 778-574-1380(47)Tate18983-72A Avenue, Surrey(48)Vista’s west6093 - 164 Street, Surrey. 778-571-1389(49)Panorama Hills15038 - 59 Avenue, Surrey. 604-543-9302

On Tour

(7) Boffo Developments’ Jewel features stunning views from many of its condo residences.

28th Ave.Ave28th Ave8t Ave

(12) Polygon’s Whitetail Lane offers townhomes in the Westwood Plateau area of Coquitlam.

Map-NEW MAP-July30.indd 1 7/28/09 10:39:46 AM

8 • New Local Home | July 30, 2009

Love your community

hood where there’s not a lot of availabil-ity is a draw,” Zivot says.

“People feel lucky they’re able to live there.”

Most Carrington homes have rooftop decks; remaining homes are two-bed-room-plus-den with a rooftop deck, or a three-bedroom-plus-loft plan.

Homes range in square footage and price, and start from $749,900.

Interiors feature gourmet kitchens with custom wood cabinets, stone slab countertops, hand-set tile backsplashes and a designer stainless steel appliance package. Bathrooms also feature custom cabinetry, marble or limestone counter-tops, soaker tubs, hand-set flooring and surrounds and Kohler fixtures.

Hardwood flooring, large windows and nine-foot ceilings on the main levels are among the other attractions at Car-rington, and home buyers can choose from two designer-co-ordinated colour schemes.

A sales centre is now open. Visit www.carringtonliving.com for more details.

Listraor’s Carrington, a Vancouver townhome project, offers new homes in a highly sought-after neighbourhood. Homes are designed with open plans, high-quality finishes, gourmet kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms. “People feel lucky they’re able to live there,” says Listraor sales manager Carla Zivot. Rob Newell photos

CONTINUED FROM P.6

‘Buyers love that neighbourhood’

New Local Home | July 30, 2009 • 9

Music Festivals

KOMASKET FESTIVAL: Vernon July 31-Aug. 2

BLUEGRASS WEEKEND: Osoyoos Aug. 6-9

OPEN AIR PERFORMANCES: Lake Country Aug. 7-22

17TH ROOTS & BLUES FEST: Salmon Arm Aug. 14-16

RARE EARTH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL: Vernon Aug. 8-9

SUMMER JAM: Lake Country August 15

ROBSON VALLEY FESTIVAL: Robson Valley/ValemountAug. 21-23

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: Princeton August 21-23

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: Sorrento Aug. 29

PENTASTIC JAZZ FESTIVAL: Penticton Sept. 11-13

8TH SIMILKAMEEN PEPPER FEST: Keremeos Sept.19

Country FairsPRINCETON FALL FAIR: August 29-30

NORTH THOMPSON FALL FAIR: Barriere Sept. 5-7

110TH INT. PROV. EXHIBITION: Armstrong Sept. 2-6

SUMMERLAND FALL FAIR: Sept. 11-13

SALMON ARM FAIR: Sept. 11-13

ASHCROFT FALL FAIR: Sept. 13

ROCK CREEK & BOUNDARY FALL FAIR: Rock CreekSeptember 19-20

Sports EventsKAYAK FESTIVAL: Clearwater/Wells GrayJuly 31-Aug. 2

ULTRAMAN CANADA TRIATHLON: PentictonJuly 31-Aug. 4

TULAMEEN FAMILY FUN DAYS & MINI TRIATHLON:Tulameen/Princeton August 1-2

27TH APPLE TRIATHLON: Kelowna Aug. 22-23

IRONMAN CANADA TRIATHLON: Penticton Aug. 30

CANOE REGATTA: Clearwater/Wells Gray Sept. 12

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: Kelowna Sept.18-20

Western HeritageHERITAGE COWBOY WEEK: O’Keefe Ranch, VernonUntil August 3

TRAPPER’S RENDEZVOUS & WILD WEST SHOW:Cache Creek August 1-2

KETTLE VALLEY TRAIN ROBBERY & BBQ:Summerland August 2, 16 + 30th

NICOLA VALLEY PRO RODEO & FALL FAIR:Merritt September 5-6

BC PRO BULL RIDER FINALS & BEERFEST:Princeton September 12-13

WORKING COWBOYS COMPETITION: KamloopsSept. 26-27

First Nations CelebrationsKAMLOOPA POW WOW: Kamloops July 31

BONAPARTE POW WOW:Hat Creek Ranch, Cache Creek Aug. 7-9

RAFT RIVER FISH CEREMONY:Clearwater/Wells Gray August 19

NESKONLITH POW WOW: Chase August 22

Arts & CultureARTWALK: Summerland Until Aug. 29

CARAVAN FARM THEATRE: Armstrong Until Aug. 29

ARTWALK: Lake Country Sept. 12-13

NatureSTARGAZING FEST: Clearwater/Wells Gray Aug. 11

MT. KOBAU STAR PARTY: Osoyoos Aug. 15-23

Wine FestivalsSUMMER WINE FESTIVAL: Silver Star, Vernon Aug. 6-8

6TH TAILGATE PARTY: Naramata Bench Sept. 12

Get all the details at:aboriginalbc.com

(Armstrong) aschamber.com barrieredistrict.com

caravanfarmtheatre.com destinationosoyoos.ca

(Ashcroft/Cache Creek) goldcountry.bc.ca lakecountrychamber.com

naramatabench.com okeeferanch.ca

(Wine Festivals) owfs.com princeton.ca

robsonvalleymusicfestivalbc.com rockcreekfallfair.ca

rootsandblues.ca salmonarmfair.org

shuswapbc.ca similkameencountry.org

sorrento-centre.bc.ca summerlandchamber.bc.ca

tourismkamloops.com tourismkelowna.com

tourismmerritt.com (Penticton) vacationshappenhere.com

vernontourism.com wellsgraycountry.com

“Hey! What’s there to do in this town?”

FESTIVALS . EVENTS

The Naramata Bench Wineries drop their Tailgates! winemakers & wine lovers get together & get down for

Cottages at Cultus LakeSummers at the cottage create some

of the best memories treasured in many peoples’ hearts, but at The Cottages at Cultus Lake, that lifestyle can be expe-rienced year-round.

Set in an exclusive enclave at the south end of Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, The Cottages will eventually comprise 221 homes on 45 acres, within a provincial park.

“The first thing we hear is proximity – it’s about 90 minutes from Vancouver,” says Cottages sales director Matthew McClenaghan. “This is your one shot to own freehold property in the middle of a provincial park.”

The first phase, 95 homes, sold out in six hours, McClenaghan says.

Many enjoy the homes as a summer getaway, while others choose to live in the natural surroundings year-round.

“It really is a four-season community,” he notes.

Imagine living just steps from Okanagan Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain and water views. After a day on the lake, relax on your own patio, or lounge by the resort-like pool and garden oasis, and perhaps, taste some wine you’ve stored in a climate-con-

trolled wine cellar.This is the lifestyle that those who own

homes in Lakeshore Three, a 15-storey con-crete tower in Penticton, experience every day.

While amenities at Lakeshore Three also include three owners’ lounges, two fitness rooms and two guests suites, every owner also gets a cedar wine locker in the wine cellar that can hold up to 100 bottles. An adjacent wine-tasting lounge features a kitchen and flatscreen TV.

“In bringing highrise condominium living to Penticton’s waterfront, Lakeshore Three is a truly unique offering in the South Okanagan,” says David MacCallum, development man-ager for 160 Lakeshore Development LP.

“With a combination of carefree waterfront living, luxurious finishes, breathtaking views and resort-style amenities, there’s simply nothing that compares.”

Lakeshore Three was developed by Okana-gan Pacific Properties, a partnership between Pacific Capital Real Estate Corporation and the Okanagan’s own Kenyon family, of Grey-back Construction Ltd.

All homes come with gourmet kitch-ens, sleek ensuite bathrooms and spacious balconies, as well as nine-foot-high ceilings, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, stainless steel kitchen appliances and polished granite countertops.

While the Okanagan offers plenty of sum-mertime activities, there is also the lure of

fresh powder at local ski resorts in the winter, rounds of golf at nearby courses, wine tours and tastings, and a wide range of dining, en-tertainment and other recreational activities, all close at hand.

Homes at Lakeshore Three are 84 per cent sold out, and MacCallum says it has been nice to see people enjoying their homes, and the project’s amenities.

“It’s been so rewarding to see the communi-ty come to life – owners socializing poolside, entertaining at wine tastings, or enjoying a summer barbecue,” he says.

The remaining units are all available for immediate possession. Prices start at $429,000 for a city view, 1,360 square foot two-bed-room-and den; lake view two-bedrooms start at $499,900 (1,160 sq. ft.).

Visit www.lakeshoreliving.ca or call 1-877-553-0100 for more information.

“Lakeshore Three is a truly unique offering in the South Okanagan.”

RESORTandRECREATIONR&R*

*R&REXTRA!

On the waterfront: Lakeshore life

CONTINUED ON P.11Live at Lakeshore Three in the Okanagan’s Penticton, and experience the lifestyle.

10 • New Local Home | July 30, 2009

L U X U R Y O C E A N S I D E L I V I N G I N P A R K S V I L L E

www.parksvillebeachclub.comtoll free 1-866-330-7274

SALES CENTRE194 Beachside Drive, Parksville, BC

Marketed by Fifth Avenue Real Estate LTD.

like waking up on vacation... everyday� e Residences at � e Beach Club is the most coveted address in Parksville. � e eight-story concrete condominium tower is a distinctive landmark and the stunning setting defi es description. Interiors are elegant, spacious and supremely comfortable. Amenities include indoor pool, hot tub, steam room and gym. � e ocean is just steps away. � ose who live here revel in that holiday feeling every day. Completion Fall 2009.GRAND OPENING AUGUST 8thfinal release of homes priced from high $300’s

Some people live for the beach.At the Residences at the Beach Club in

Parksville, homeowners can live on the beach in a year-round, resort-inspired life-style.

Following the overwhelming success of The Beach Club, Parksville’s new oceanside resort, Sandcastle Holdings Ltd. brought together the same team to bring 56 exclusive condominium residences to life.

“It’s the only full-ownership beachfront property in our area,” notes sales manager Ainsley Moore (Parksville is located about 40 minutes north of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island).

“This is the only chance to own actual,

walk-on beachfront property... the view from the penthouse is unbelievable.”

From one-bedroom homes to expansive penthouses with spectacular views, The Residences at the Beach Club offer homebuyers high-quality architecture, design and finishings, Moore says, and adds that only 19 homes remain.

Outside, an elegant West Coast exte-rior features over-sized windows and balconies made for entertaining, while kitchens have pol-ished granite coun-tertops and stainless steel appliances.

Bathrooms have marble countertops, living rooms feature cozy fireplaces, and all homes come with a

natural gas barbecue quick-connect.The Residences are zoned for year-round

living, Moore says, and adds that permanent residents have their own underground parking and amenities just for owners, includ-ing an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and fully equipped fit-ness centre.

Homeowners also have access to The Beach Club’s services, such as a fine dining restaurant with a patio on the beach, or the resort’s luxurious spa.

“It’s a great beach and the homes are amazing,” she says.

“They’re pretty skookum.”

Find out more by visiting The Residences website at www.parksvillebeachclub.com

*R&REXTRA!

…on the beach

Your beach home can be year-round

A rendering of The Residences at the Beach Club in Parksville, on Vancouver Island.

Partners Jon Van Geel (president, Adriana Pacific Development) and Dave Balsor (president, Ocean Park Developments Ltd.) built the $5-mil-lion amenities clubhouse with the first phase of The Cottages.

Former Surrey municipal councillor Judy Higginbotham and husband Pat were recently looking at The Cottages (see photo, page 8).

“I like that it fulfills all the needs of a cottage, but looks more like a finished home,” Pat says. Judy agrees, and sug-gests it could be a chance to downsize.

“I have fond memories of coming here (Cultus Lake) as a kid,” she says.

McClenaghan notes that many home buyers at The Cottages are mak-ing a legacy purchase, with the inten-tion of passing the home on to their children and grandchildren.

Homes start from $339,900. Visit www.cultuslakecottages.com.

Cultus Lake livingCONTINUED FROM P.10

New Local Home | July 30, 2009 • 11

Discovery Centre and

Fully-Furnished Display Suite

Open daily noon-5pm

9275 Glover Rd, Fort Langley

604-888-2793 | WWW.BEDFORDLANDING.COM

Extraordinary water view apartments now selling from the mid $400,000’s

Plan G2 | 2 bedroom – 1,250 sq.ft.

OVER 70% SOLD!

1, 2 bedroom + den apartments from 690 sq.ft. to 1,300 sq.ft. Exclusively for adults aged 45+

12 • New Local Home | July 30, 2009