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Media Coverage
The Edmonton Journal, September 23, 2007 Breathing Room Beneath the Alpines
By Alison Appelbe Please scroll down for the article.
Breathing Room Beneath the Alpines Oh what a difference a decade can make. Until the early 1990s, the town of Naramata,a 15-minute drive north of Penticton on the east side of Lake Okanagan, was best known for its long time United Church conference centre, fruit packing plant (in orcharding circles), secluded if pebblybeaches—and not much else. Today this century-old community is the hub of a wider Naramata Bench region that’s acquired, thanks to the establishment of more than 20 wineries along its hillsides, the residential and tourism equivalent of rock-star status. On benchland directly above the lakeside town, a planned community of 44 homesites called StoneBrook at the Benchlands is talking shape. Properties overlooking the lake—towards Summerland and Trout Creek Point — a reset in semi-secluded terrain of alpine trees and shrubs,wildlife reserves,vineyards and orchards. The turnoff to StoneBrook is one kilometre before the road down to Naramata, and follows curving ArawanaRoad into a network of byways and spacious properties. “It offers a sanctuary for those who appreciate raw natural beauty,” say Randy Kowalchuk of Locations West Investment Group, the longtime Okanagan consortium that is developing The Benchlands with T&M Management Services. Careand time has being taken to respect the quieta mbience of the region, Kowalchuk says. “Since day one our philosophy has been based on breathing room, and a commitment to preserve the peaceful small-town lifestyle that Naramata is famous for.” In early October, the final nine (all prime sites) of 44 lots will be released for sale. That brings the number of available properties, ranging from half an acre to two acres, to 23. Prices start at $299,900. Site services are now being installed; properties will be ready for possession by the end of 2007. Construction could begin as earlyas spring. In keeping with the Benchlands masterplan, StoneBrook provides architectural guidelines for three distinctive housestyles. They include “Okanagan modern,”which emphasizes the Frank LloydWright notion that a building should be “of the hill” rather than “on the hill”; a “Craftsman” house in which architectural features integrate the building with the landscape; and “Timeless Residential,” a solid masonry design that brings an element of tradition to the hillside setting. All three, Kowalchuk says, take advantage of the panoramic views and lengthy Okanagan summers, while maximizing the relationship between interior and outdoors. That said, the guidelines are flexible “so everyone can build the home of their dreams.” While lots suitable to all three houses tyles are still available, Kowalchuk reports that those designed for single-storey,walkout houses have proved most popular. Designers have kept in mind what can be an intense Okanagan light, to which some people are sensitive. They’ve also respected indigenous vegetation. “We want to be leading the way in landscape design,” Kowalchuk says of landscape design guidelines that encourage respect for indigenous species. Trees over a six-centimetre diameter are protected. Among measures taken to reduce the risk of fire are the removal of dry pine needles from the site, and the pruning of trees. Newly installed infrastructure—including power, phone, Internet and cable lines—is underground. Terasan will supply natural gas. And the Benchlands is taking advantage of a new district water system that provides a secure flow, unaffected by the seasons. Water use will be metered. While the developer provides a list of preferred architects (including landscape) and builders, lot purchasers can hire whomever they wish. Says Kowalchuk: “We want to ensure that you get value and quality, and the best way to do that is to get more than one or two builders to bid on a development.” As for the skilled labour situation in the B.C. Interior, Kowalchuk says a good supply of contractors is available at competitive rates. Of course, the region itself is a major draw. Founded in 1907 as an agricultural community, Naramata village has long been known for its cultural events, and from early days people arrived by paddlewheeler or boat for concerts, plays, operas and regattas. Kettle Valley Trail runs right through the Benchlands. In 1914, the Kettle Valley Railway was built along the hillside, and while the train service is long gone, the Kettle Valley Trail—nowa cycling and walking route—runs right through the Benchlands. Home owners will therefore find an ideal place to amble—even cycle northward to the famous Myra Canyon trestles near Kelowna. Then you have the proximity to all those wineries. Says Kowalchuk: “The Naramata Bench has almost become an appellation—recognized by the wine industry as one of the best areas to grow grapes, and producing some of Canada’s best wines.” Lang Vineyards, Kettle Valley Winery and Lake Breeze Vineyards are literally neighbours. For more on StoneBrook, visit www.naramatabenchlands.com. Or call 250-496-5517. A presentation centre is at the site, at 3215 Juniper Rd., Naramata.
For additional information regarding the project, click on the logo: Reprinted from The Edmonton Journal |
