After several years of looking at all manner of properties, Sandi and I chose to purchase at Kootenay Lake Village because it fit all of our expectations for a retreat setting — close to Nelson, easy access, beautiful and tranquil environment. More than this, however: In the community-minded concept of its developers and the master-planed amenities envisioned for the Village, the development expanded our own sense of the dynamic potential and possibilities that our “retreat” could offer to our expanding circle of family, friends and others.

It is rare to find a planned development where intentional emphasis has been placed on the balanced integration of housing, environment, social interaction and personal well being. By limiting building footprints, mandating architectural standards that work with the natural surroundings, committing to the best environmental practices and systems, and being willing to dedicate a greater portion of the overall land base to public amenities, such as the park spaces, community gardens, the marina and the vast network of walking and biking trails, we believe Kootenay Lake Village is assuring tangible long-term values that are much greater than houses and lots alone.

We are now well into construction of our retreat buildings, and have found the developer, Oliver Berkeley and his staff, to be wonderfully supportive and effective members of our “team,” both in consultation with our architect and contractor, and in providing timely site services and resources. Although it will be some time before our project is completed, we are already enjoying the amenities — for picnics and hiking in the summer and snow-shoeing in the winter — and looking forward to cultivating new friendships with our growing community of Kootenay Lake Village neighbors.

For sailboat, powerboat, and kayak adventures, Kootenay Lake, to me, is peerless among lakes in Canada. This is because of the generous size of the lake, the absolute cleanliness of its water, the pristine undeveloped shoreline of 95% of its main body, and the inspiring beauty seen in every direction. Because there are very few boats for the size of the lake, one never feels crowded or disturbed by other boats. This is a tremendous plus compared to most other lakes at which I considered property. Kootenay Lake Village itself is positioned in the ideal location from which to launch such adventures, being as it is on the main body of the lake at the midpoint of its length. For the 60 kilometers stretching south from our community to the south end of the lake, there is not one single dwelling. The scenery and shoreline are unspoiled by humankind, with an abundance of great places to swim, wakeboard, fish, view eagles, or picnic.

What is more, Kootenay Lake Village’s acreage is as special as the lake itself. What I like best, apart from the beauty of the property, is that I can hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski right from my door through the forest and uplands on trails that carry me as far as I have stamina to venture. I always pause at the yoga platform in the woods (best experienced at sunrise) and Lookouts 4 and 5, as the views inspire me. As the community matures, there will be more and more trails and I am looking forward especially to the one to the acreage’s far beach.

This is my home, and I am glad

BN, a waterfront owner