Its warm climate, sparkling lakes and wide range of activities make it an ideal place for both summer and winter getaways.

Calgary’s Pointe of View, one of the city’s largest condominium developers, was not about to pass up the chance to expand further into the Okanagan region. Its proximity to Calgary, a day’s drive or an hour’s flight, makes it an ideal choice for owners who go back and forth frequently.

“We started there years ago on the lake side,” says Clark Hogan, Pointe of View’s marketing manager, who adds that the area is becoming increasingly popular for travelers around the world. “What’s really been a driving force is it’s achieved international status as a resort destination. We’re getting purchasers coming from the United States and Europe.”

Pinnacle Pointe is ideally located right outside the city of Kelowna, famous for its mild climate and easygoing lifestyle. Perched on top of a hill, Pinnacle Pointe offers a striking view of Okanagan Lake and the valley. The area appeals to all walks of life: for golfers, the Okanagan Golf Club with its two championship courses is just steps away. Winter sports lovers have three ski hills to choose from, while wine and gourmet food aficionados can tour the Okanagan’s award-winning wineries, many of which also have restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the rest of their days exploring the area’s many hiking and biking trails. And of course there are the many water sports that Okanagan Lake  has to offer, as well as several public beaches. The development’s location just outside of town was chosen because it has all the benefits of city living, without all the downsides.

“Pinnacle Pointe is distinctively different,” says Hogan. “It’s quite quiet compared to living on the lake side” where the town of Kelowna is, perfect for stressed city dwellers who are looking for some peace and relaxation but who still want the convenience and luxuries of a nearby town.

Pinnacle Pointe was designed with both vacation-goers and permanent residents in mind. While the majority of units have been sold as vacation homes, there are some permanent residents ranging from first-time buyers to retirees. Hogan says the maintenance-free lifestyle is one of the main appeals, especially for those who are looking for a recreational home.

“A condo is much more lock and leave compared to a cabin,” Hogan says. “Basically you can lock the door and not have to worry about security or maintenance issues.” He also notes that because costs such as heat and electricity are shared, condos are often less expensive to operate than a stand-alone home.

Hogan says many buyers have purchased units as a real estate investment and plan on renting the units out. With no formal rental pool, owners are free to set their own rates and make their own rental arrangements, or hire a management company to do so on their behalf, as much or as little as they wish.

With less than two dozen units left for sale, Pinnacle Pointe is nearly sold out. Remaining units are all two bedrooms, with over 1,200 square feet of space. All units come with a large patio or balcony, five appliances, Jacuzzi tubs and access to an outdoor pool, an exercise facility and underground parking. There’s even a spa on the premises that offers services to both men and women. Prices for the remaining units range from $260,000 to $320,000.   CL