The Province

Wildwood Lakefront Cottages: easily accessible, resort living at an affordable price

>> ON-SITE AMENITIES INCLUDE SWIMMING POOL, HOT TUB, TENNIS COURT AND CLUBHOUSE WITH FIRESIDE LOUNGE

- BY JODIE WARREN SPECIAL TO THE PROVINCE

Just an hour-and-a-half drive south of Vancouver and north of Seattle lies a new lakefront cottage community on 13 acres of prime property that is finding appeal on both sides of the border.

Wildwood Lakefront Cottages is situated on 1,700 linear feet of prime waterfront on Lake Whatcom, surrounded by mature trees and home to the perfect summer amenities.

The inspiratio­n for Wildwood Lakefront Cottages came from an Abbotsford B.C. family, which purchased the historic Wildwood campground with the idea of building a lakefront cottage community they could share with others. “They decided to create not only their own family vacation home in a place they were familiar with and loved, but to expand that opportunit­y to others by converting the campground to a resort property with individual cottages,” explains Mark West of Epic Real Estate Solutions.

There are 90 lots in total with either lakefront or easy lake access, and approximat­ely 50 remain for sale. Lots range from $159,900 to $375,000, and financing is available in the U.S. There are no restrictio­ns in terms of when to build and owners can also design their own homes, provided they align with the community’s architectu­ral guidelines. West notes that most interest has historical­ly come from Canadians, although he has seen more interest from Washington State, particular­ly Seattle, in recent months.

“The buyer group has typically been primarily younger, mostly profession­als who are aged 35 to 50, with younger kids,” says West. “They like the smaller footprint because it really does enhance family exchange. The other driver is that it is a gated community with 24-hour on-site management so kids can run around freely and safely.”

The lots are zoned for park model “trailer” specificat­ions with 400-square-foot footprints, meaning that “we have had be very efficient in building the homes,” notes West. Creative planning and design has resulted in unique and efficient cottage plans that seamlessly blend indoor living with outdoor enjoyment by featuring expansive windows and a natural flow from the indoors to a choice of outdoor living spaces, including rooftop decks equipped with fireplaces. Tastefully designed interiors inspire both comfort and luxury. “You can also customize extensivel­y through our website,” adds West.

On-site amenities are impressive, including a lakeside pool and hot tub with spectacula­r views of the lake and surroundin­g hillside, a championsh­ip-sized tennis court, and a clubhouse with indoor/outdoor fireside lounge, TV and kitchenett­e. There is also a children’s playground and a covered recreation centre next to a creek with a wood-burning fireplace, barbecues, picnic tables and large-screen TV. In addition to the boardwalk and pier, residents have access to a 34-slip marina, where a boat-sharing concept has recently been introduced.

 ??  ?? Efficient cottage plans blend indoor and outdoor living.
Efficient cottage plans blend indoor and outdoor living.
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