LL PU T OU
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • June 27, 2008
NEW HOMES Your Guide to New Housing Developments in the Columbia Valley
Copper Point Estates Business Feature by Sandra Kelly For golfers, it’s the ultimate dream: to own a beautiful home on a beautiful course. Copper Point Estates offers the chance to live and play on not one, but two immaculate courses, surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. The newest single-family residential development in the Columbia Valley has a gorgeous setting on 240 acres southeast of the crossroads of Invermere and Highway 93, on the picture-perfect Copper Point golf course, the equally stunning Ridge course, and near Copper Point Resort, a luxurious 107-unit condominium complex that is nearing completion. When fully developed, Copper Point Estates will have 102 mountain homesites ranging in size from a quarter-acre to a half-acre. Some golf course frontage lots are available. Lot prices start at $239,000. The gated community will be an address of privilege with an atmosphere second to none, says Ron Mason, a partner in the development. “Copper Point Estates will have a resort atmosphere that you just can’t get in a regular residential subdivision. And of course there is the opportunity to play 36 holes of golf on two different courses.” Since it opened in 2003, the 18-hole Copper Point course has earned rave reviews from golfers who enjoy a challenge along with the fresh air and mountain views. The recently opened 18-hole Ridge course has an innovative Par 62 masters-style layout that is perfect for family play. A tunnel running underneath Highway 93 connects the two courses. They share a full-service golf academy, a fine dining restaurant and an architecturally-stunning clubhouse.
Copper Point Estates will border the beautiful new Ridge at Copper Point golf course.
www.copperpointgolf.com
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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
N OW SELLING
MOUNTA 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 mou 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 sit 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.
June 27, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
June 27, 2008 Continued from Page 1 More than half of the 52 homesites in Phase 1 of Copper Point Estates are already sold. The 50 homesites in Phase 2 will be released for sale later this year. Buyers can bring in any builder they wish so long as the builder respects the development’s alpine theme. The building commitment is three years. The development’s architectural controls stipulate the use of building materials such as cultured rock and batten board, along with the usual minimum requirements for square footage: in this case a very reasonable 1,400 square feet for a bungalow and 1,250 square feet for a two-storey home. “We feel that this is sensible square footage,” says Mr. Mason. “The idea is to build a community of homes that are attractive but not necessarily huge.” The Copper Point “brand” has become highly recognizable, he adds. “With Copper Point Estates, we are offering buyers a stable long-term investment. Our buyers can be comfortable knowing that their property value is secure.” Did we mention those 36 holes of golf? “That’s obviously a tremendous selling point,” says Mr. Mason, “But this area offers plenty of other recreational fun, including cross country skiing in the wintertime.” To arrange a tour of Copper Point Estates, call (250) 341-1976 or send an email message to rmason@ copperpointgolf.com. See the July 4th edition of The Pioneer for information about Copper Point Resort.
Imagine 36 holes of golf at your doorstep.
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
June 27, 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 • 5
June 27, 2008
Buying a show home has advantages Business Feature by Sandra Kelly If you’re in the market for a new home, it may not occur to you to buy a show home. Most of us want to choose our own colors and make a few upgrades to the builder’s standard finishing package. But there are plenty of good reasons to choose a showpiece. The most obvious, of course, is that the home is ready for occupancy. There are no frustrating delays resulting from a shortage of labor and materials, bad weather, building site issues, changes in personnel at the building company, or any of the other glitches that affect possession dates. Depending on the length of the build-out—a year verses ten years, for example—the show home in a new residential development will usually be priced lower than the last home to get built. The show home isn’t affected by rising costs over the course of the project. And because it is essentially a “used” home, the builder may offer a further incentive. Builders stake their reputations on the quality of all the homes they build, but they take a little extra care with their show homes. With no pressure to meet a possession date, and no demands to customize the home for a client, there
is time for attention to detail and a stronger emphasis on hot design trends. The show home is the builder’s most important marketing tool. Quality must be evident. It’s well known to builders, for example, that people notice whatever is placed at eye level in a home. Hence every room in a show home will have eye catching features. Some builders go a step further by upgrading their show homes rather than building what would be the base-model home in the development. These upgrades will usually be major ticket items: hardwood flooring verses carpet, for example, and granite counters instead of laminate. There may be a few little luxuries, too: built-in speakers, or the attachments for the built-in vacuum. The fully furnished show suite at Purcell Point in Invermere has a few choice upgrades, including granite, darkly-stained maple verses clear maple cabinets, and stainless steel verses black appliances. “The decision to upgrade was based on feedback we got during construction,” says Darren Still, Vice President of Operations for Cardel Resorts. “Our buyers wanted these upscale features in their homes.” Most show homes are decorated by professional designers and stocked with stylish, high-quality furniture, art works, accessories and appliances, the cost of
which is negotiable. Buyers get the benefit of the designer’s expertise and the convenience of a turnkey purchase. This is especially beneficial to out-of-town buyers who don’t have the time to shop for furniture and await deliveries. And they can see what they’re getting. “I think the main advantage of buying a show home is that you know what you’re buying,” says Dave Gulbe, developer of Cedarwood Glen Estates in Invermere. “You know the layout of the home and you’ve seen how the furniture fits in the rooms.” There are two show homes at Cedarwood Glen, an end-unit town home furnished by Ashley Furniture (Cranbrook), and offered for sale at $369,900, and an inside unit furnished by Interior World (Invermere), available for $359,900. All show homes somehow manage to keep their lofty status. Decades after the home was built, and long after its luster has faded, the home will be advertised for resale as “a former show home.” Finally, all new homes have minor flaws that annoy the homeowner until they are addressed: interior doors that stick, garage door openers that malfunction, and so forth. In a show home, these defects will have been addressed long before the buyer comes along.
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.
6 • 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
June 27, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
June 27, 2008
Homeowners warm up to electric fireplaces Business Feature by Sandra Kelly A decade ago, the idea of using an electric fireplace was unthinkable. Nothing beat the sweet aroma of smoldering wood or the sheer convenience of gas. But the electric fireplace is fast gaining recognition as a clean, economical and attractive alternative to those more conventional choices. Consumers aren’t completely sold yet, but architects and builders love the electric fireplace. Dave Gulbe, builder of Cedarwood Glen Estates in Invermere, chose electricity over gas. “I liked the look of it and the fact that it gives you heat exactly where you want it. And there’s no need for a gas tank or underground lines.” An electric fireplace can be installed anywhere in a home, even on an interior wall. All that is required is an electrical outlet. Gas fireplaces must vent either horizontally through an exterior wall, or vertically through the roof of a two-
storey home. Wood burners must vent vertically. For that reason, wood and gas burners work well in a bungalow, but they impose design restrictions on a two-storey home. There are usually only one or two logical places to put a fireplace on the main floor of a house. On the second floor, the flue must be concealed, preferably inside a closet. The electric fireplace presents more options for finishing. With gas and wood burners, the firebox, or insert, must be surrounded by an inflammable material installed to whatever height is required by the local building code. In British Columbia it’s eight inches. High heat is not a factor with most electric fireplaces. The insert of an electric fireplace is always cool to the touch, even when the fireplace is in use. Finally, electricity is cheaper than both wood and gas. While it does use energy, it is an environmentally friendly alternative to burning wood and fossil fuels.
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.
8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer - New Homes
June 27, 2008
June 27, 2008
New Homes – The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9
OVER LAKE WINDERMERE
• Premium 1/4 Acre Lake View Lots
GARDENER’S DELIGHT – The warm, dry climate in the Columbia Valley makes it a great place for expert or beginning gardeners. This flower garden near Fairmont, complete with bench and sun hat, is a wonderful oasis of colour, scent and calm.
• 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
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
June 27, 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 • 11
June 27, 2008
Never underestimate importance of views By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher When buying or building a home, remember that one thing you can’t change later is the view. The view may change by itself – trees grow and die, neighbouring homes are built – but for the most part, you are stuck with what you have. So think carefully about the view you are seeking. The placid waters of a nearby lake or a meandering river are balm to the soul, and many consider a water view to be of prime importance. But there are other views equally as magnificent. The surrounding mountains will be here for centuries after we are gone. They provide ever-changing beauty as the seasons change. Even the rising and setting of the sun create different patterns of light and shadow on the mountain peaks that are always fascinating in their variability.
Some residents prefer certain mountains to others. Mount Nelson west of Invermere is the most visible and wellknown peak. Others prefer a north-facing view, with the mountains sweeping along both sides of the Columbia River as it flows north towards Golden. Still others prefer the forest. For a completely wooded, secluded feel, surround yourself with the beautiful evergreens. Since they don’t shed their leaves, the trees always feel fresh and alive, even in the dead of winter. Trees also offer a home for the birds and squirrels that provide live entertainment. It’s almost impossible to discover what your view will look like until your new house is built. But you can get an idea by taking a tall stepladder and climbing it at various points on your property. You’ll be surprised at the different perspectives you see from varying heights. Plan carefully for a lifetime of enjoyment.
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer – New Homes
June 27, 2008
COME TOGETHER . . . . .
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