B.C. VALLEY BECKONS
Escape to Radium Springs
We think regardless of economic conditions, there’s always an appetite for well-built product and exclusive locations that present good value to our customers. The livability in that 1,200-square-foot footprint is exceptional. Randy Trapp
For 15 years now, Bighorn Meadows Resort has been catering to the desire of people looking for that perfect escape destination, and that desire keeps the Columbia Valley’s only full-service resort residential community growing.
Just a few short months ago, construction started on the 10th phase of the Radium Springs, B.C. resort, with a brand new product being not only offered to, but snapped up by, vacationers.
“Phase 10 is already 75 per cent sold out, and the next phases will have 40 townhouse duplex units (1,150 to 1,200 square feet) when we’re done,” says Randy Trapp, president of Luxury Resorts West, the parent company of Bighorn Meadows Resort.
Pre-selling has already started on the 11th phase, which will offer four more units. And yes, there are more coming.
Trapp says the idea behind the creation of townhomes was to “maximize” the value of the surrounding natural amenities, and to provide yet another housing option for buyers.
“We are extremely pleased with the amount of interest in our presale program,” Trapp says.
It’s also about getting the bang for the buck.
“We think regardless of economic conditions, there’s always an appetite for well-built product and exclusive locations that present good value to our customers,” Trapp says.
“The livability in that 1,200-square-foot footprint is exceptional. They seem considerably larger,” he adds. Smart use of space is a key consideration, says Trapp, calling the kitchen and great room in the floor plan “very open.”
The development of townhomes is not the end of the road for Bighorn Meadows. Before buildout is achieved in three more years, six additional phases of full- and fractional-ownership residences will have been built.
Currently, the resort is also in the process of doing a major construction effort, upgrading and adding to its amenities. Included will be a new, larger pool deck area, a second outdoor hot tub, fitness centre, facilities for private functions like family dinners, and meeting and multi-purpose rooms, and a concierge service.
“All of this is being done to ensure our residents and guests have the best of everything the resort lifestyle is all about,” says Trapp.
The first nine phases, built along the ninth and 10 fairways of The Springs — 18 holes of challenging but enjoyable golf right at the resort — hold 123 condominium units.
Last year, and after nearly a decade of mulling over buying a recreation property, Jordan and Jennifer Davidson, both 33, put their names to a sales contract and became the owners of a smaller condo in Bighorn. Since then, they have upgraded.
“Once we saw the new townhouses that was it, we traded up to a twobedroom, two-bath home and took possession in June,” says Jordan, who works in Calgary’s oilpatch. Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom for Vanessa, 31/2, and nine-month-old Brian.
The Davidsons’ plan is to spend six to 10 weeks a year at Bighorn, then have the opportunity to put the home into a rental pools operated by the resort’s on-site rental management company, True Key Hotels & Resorts, when they aren’t using it.
“We like the location ( 2 1/2 hours west of Calgary), and the price. Those were two key factors for us when we decided to buy. And, I think, the townhouse is perfect for us even with the kids growing up,” says Jordan.
While the Davidsons selected full ownership, Bighorn Meadows also offers a lengthy menu of fractional ownership options.
Full ownership starts in the low $300,000 range, while fractionals start at under $60,000, according to Trapp.
Demand continues to run strong, he adds, as a result of healthy consumer response to what Bighorn Meadows has to offer and the health of the region’s real estate market.
“For us, business is good,” says Trapp.
“Industry figures show the Kootenay is running hot. Sales are up 19 per cent year over year and listings are down about 10 per cent, and we’re seeing some of that right here at Bighorn Meadows.”
Another key selling point for the resort is its location and the proximity of the Purcell Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, the village of Radium Springs, access to various outdoor activities from golf and hiking to horseback riding and cycling venues located up and down the valley.
“We’ve got it all,” says Trapp.
Development: Bighorn Meadows Resort. Developer: Luxury Resorts West.
Location: In the village of Radium Springs , B.C., about 2 1/2 hours west of Calgary.
Prices: Full ownership begins at $300,000 and fractional ownership from $60,000. Information: Visit bighornmeadows.ca