While the City of Vancouver has dominated the real estate spotlight in British Columbia over the past year, there are many other areas worthy of attention. From the sandy beaches of White Rock to the snowy mountaintops of Kelowna, B.C. is home to diverse landscapes and lifestyles. This year’s Millionaire Lottery, in support of the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, invites players to dream of living in luxury in seven different areas outside of Vancouver. Here’s a preview of those homes and a glimpse into what it could be like living in a new and exciting community.
Entertainer’s paradise in High Point Estates, Langley
Development has been booming in Langley over the past few years, transforming once-rural regions into rows of townhomes. It’s rare to find new residences with the breathing room of yesteryear, but High Point Estates delivers fresh country air and so much more. This gorgeous, grand home, nestled in the equestrian-themed neighbourhood, is an entertainer’s dream. Foodies will fawn over the wine display centre and walk-in refrigerated pantry while fitness fanatics will enjoy the gym and then relax in the steam sauna or hot tub, or on the massage table (masseuse not included). Boasting five bedrooms, including two master suites, and a three-car garage, there’s plenty of room for visitors at this 8,200-square-foot residence. Just beyond the half-acre property, you’ll find protected wetlands, a spring-fed lake and trails that connect to Campbell Valley Regional Park.
Artsy beachfront hangout in White Rock
People travel from all over the world to experience the charm of White Rock Beach. From the fish ’n’ chips shops and ice cream parlors to the summer art displays on the promenade and entertainment at the band shell, White Rock offers a quintessential beach town experience. And it’s all at the doorstep of this ultra-modern two-bedroom condo in the Newport at West Beach development. Featuring expansive ocean views from floor to ceiling windows, two balconies and nearly 1,400 square feet of living space, you don’t even feel like you’re in a condo, until you meet your neighbours for a coffee in the communal courtyard. While tourists come and go, locals enjoy year-round activities such as kayaking, crabbing off the pier and dog walking on the beach. Note: Newport has a doggie wash station for sandy pups.
Mountain-inspired forest perch in Lynn Valley
Tucked between Mount Fromme and Mount Seymour, Lynn Valley is a lush North Vancouver neigbourhood known for its parks and hiking trails. Close to hills for skiing and mountain biking, the area is becoming increasingly popular for those chasing a healthy lifestyle. This West Coast rustic-modern condo in the Residences at Lynn Valley reflects that lifestyle through eco-friendly materials and earthy tones. The clean, minimalist design of this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home, puts the emphasis on the towering Douglas fir trees and snowcapped mountains that fill the window frames. To be completed in 2019, this condo is part of a new development set to revitalize the area and build community.
Serene oceanfront cottage in Sooke
Sooke sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 45 kilometres west of Victoria. The scenic seaside community is known for its many beaches, backcountry recreation, and the Sooke Potholes (deep pools carved into the bedrock of the Sooke River, popular for swimming). This two-bedroom oceanfront home is part of the SookePoint development, which is built on solid rock and brings residents more than three times closer to the Salish Sea than any other home in the province. You’ll feel like you’re on a luxury cruise ship from the nautical-inspired prow-shaped deck, which hovers over the ocean and features daily live performances by a cast of marine animals. The cottage, to be completed in 2017, epitomizes West Coast comfort with a stone fireplace, a rich wood accent wall and warm, neutral tones. The master-planned community will also include a fitness club and spa, restaurant and whale research centre.
Lakefront oasis in Osoyoos
Located in the Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos is home to Canada’s only arid desert and the country’s warmest lake. Flanked by the Cascade Mountains and surrounded by orchards and vineyards, the community of about 5,000 is one of the fastest growing in the province. And this spacious two-bedroom beachfront townhome in the Watermark Beach Resort is at the heart of it all. Just outside the door, you’ll find Osoyoos Lake, a host of water activities and the marina (the home even comes with a boat slip). The Watermark also boasts a saltwater pool, a spa, a yoga studio and a lakefront localvore restaurant.
Contemporary family townhouse in Kelowna
The largest city in the Okanagan, Kelowna is burgeoning as young families move the region for its laidback, outdoorsy lifestyle. Boasting the fastest population growth in the country, according to Statistics Canada, Kelowna is best known for the “champagne powder” at nearby Big White Ski Resort and friendly, family-run wineries rivaling those of California. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse is steps away from Okanagan Lake’s Gyro Beach, and is perfect for a growing family that likes to get outside. The nearly 2,000-square-foot home features a contemporary look and feel, lots of natural light and a private rooftop patio and courtyard. Designed to fit an active lifestyle, the residence also includes multiple bike racks, a two-car garage with eight-foot doors to accommodate ski racks and a personal elevator to haul heavy sports equipment.
Eco-urban living in Burnaby
A short SkyTrain ride away from downtown Vancouver, Burnaby is an ideal commuter city and an urban centre in its own right. The city offers excellent entertainment, shopping and dining, as well as rich parkland and several waterways. This sleek three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in the new Concord Brentwood development showcases stunning views of the city and mountains from the 47th floor. Eco-conscious city-dwellers will love the electric car stations, energy-saving carwash bays and smart design storage solutions. This master-planned neighbourhood also includes a health club, a market area and a new park. Brought to you by the same developers behind much of Vancouver’s waterfront, this area promises to be “Yaletown East.”
These prize homes are featured in the Millionaire Lottery grand prize packages, some of which include two homes. If you don’t see your favourite B.C. region on this list, don’t worry; one of the prize options is $2.7 million in cash, which you can use to buy your own dream home.
Penthouse condo in Vancouver
And if you’re still thinking about Vancouver after reading about all those other communities, there’s good news: the grand prize options also include a penthouse in the city’s up-and-coming Main Street corridor, just steps away from False Creek. With two bedrooms, two levels and vast views of the city, this unit in the Omni Central building is both spacious and spectacular.
Tickets can be purchased until January 12.