A NEW RECREATIONAL COMMUNITY is in the works in Invermere and once it's developed, it'll boast one of the most environmentally friendly attributes in the area. Pine Ridge Mountain Resort, a planned 152-acre community which will overlook Lake Windermere, will be about as "green" as a recreational mountain community can be. "Our idea is to blend the development into the natural environment," explains Vice-President of Pine Ridge Mountain Resort Jon Dick adding this type of initiative is very unique in North America. Jon and Pine Ridge developer Statesman describe the future community as a "home away from home" that will feature a unique combination of residential and resort properties that will range in size, unit features and floor design.
Nestled in the trees, this luxurious mountain development will blend a stunning mix of one level villas with three car parking and mountain views, two and three bedroom duplex-style homes and townhomes that will also feature substantial parking, plus 300 alpine cottage lots. "This will be an open subdivision in that purchasers can acquire their alpine cottage lots and then hold them as long as they want to before they build," explains Jon, adding this option is perfect for people wanting to get into the recreational property market now while the prices are still relatively affordable.
The open development concept also allows a buyer to choose their builder. Each cottage, however, must still follow architectural controls and other development restrictions that are set out. Pine Ridge Mountain Resort residents will not only`have the resort home of their dreams, but they'll have lots of services and amenities to go with it.`"We plan to build a recreational centre clubhouse with a first class gym," says Jon, adding a boat storage, swimming pool, beach volleyball and tennis courts will be included. In keeping with the green theme, developers plan to build a myriad of pathways that will connect to each other yet still blend right into the natural environment.
The unique location is being developed in the playground of Invermere and it will offer residents and guests a rental pool. Statesman already has other recreational properties in Arizona and Seattle, and is looking at a new development in Mexico. "Using the rental pool concept, we're hoping to be able to have buyers trade weeks with some of our other recreational properties but this is not to be confused with fractional ownership. These are full-ownership fee-simple units," explains Jon, adding this would be offered as an optional feature for buyers. "It's a great time to buy into the Invermere market," says Jon, "as property is still reasonably affordable when you compare it to communities like Canmore or Whistler. And the best part about Invermere, Pine Ridge and the entire Columbia Valley is that it's a four season resort. We have over a dozen world-class golf courses within a 15 minute drive, as well as skiing and watersports and plenty for the nature lover. The lion's share of our market are people in their late 40s or 50s. People who want to secure a place not just for their family but for their future," says Jon, ranking the Columbia Valley likely the second most popular destination after Canmore for resort property owners looking to purchase recreational property.
