McKinley Beach residents have access to over 20 kilometres of nearby hiking and biking trails. (supplied)
Grant Bennet calls his full-time home in McKinley Beach in Kelowna, B.C., a “vacation location.” Last year the banker decided he’d had enough of big-city living. In looking to relocate from Vancouver to the picturesque Okanagan, Bennet wanted a home that would allow him to make each day an adventure.
“Sure there are options for waterfront properties in Kelowna, but none that are so close to the beach,” says Bennet. “That’s what I love. I can collect the dog, head outside and we are steps away from a walk along the water.”
For Bennet, moving to McKinley Beach, with the stunning backdrop of Lake Okanagan, was the start of the life he always dreamed of – without having to give up convenience or culture.
“I wanted to get away from the city but still wanted to live in a place big enough that I could access all the amenities, and Kelowna was that for me,” he says.
Lakeside living offers beautiful vistas. (supplied)
This area offers not just a place to live but also a lifestyle. McKinley Beach is bringing it to even more residents. McKinley Beach Hillside is made up of 255 single-family lots spread over 100 acres, making it the largest waterfront development in Kelowna.
The location and design of the homes work in conjunction to ensure every home has a view of Lake Okanagan, explains Sandra Matlock, sales manager for McKinley Beach.
“The topography of the hillside is a big part of the appeal,” she says. “We wanted to design homes that complement the unique location, with low or flat-pitched roofs and an abundance of windows that really showcase the spectacular surroundings.”
Matlock calls the design of the McKinley Beach Hillside homes “West Coast Contemporary.” The inspiration came directly from the natural setting. The exteriors incorporate natural stone and the colours of the hillside in an expertly executed homage to the spectacular surroundings, while keeping the clean crisp lines synonymous with modern living. The homes average 3,000 square feet (maximum just under 3,800 square feet).
Homes are deisgned in the West Coast Contemporary style, inspired by the surroundings. (supplied)
“We wanted to freshen up the idea of west coast design and modernize it, while still maintaining the earthy, neutral colours of the landscape,” explains Matlock. “There are some striking new builds in McKinley Beach Hillside, including several that have cantilevered living rooms that stand out from the rest of the house.”
For residents, McKinley Beach Hillside is the best of all worlds – its own community right at the waterfront yet a 15-minute drive to downtown Kelowna. It’s also just a 10-minute drive to the Kelowna International Airport and UBC Okanagan.
Located in the heart of the Okanagan, vibrant Kelowna appeals to wine lovers, foodies (more than a dozen award-winning restaurants), cultural connoisseurs (the city has its own opera) and adventurers (trails, skiing, rock climbing) alike.
Families will also find an abundance of activities at their fingertips all year round, from a hike up Knox Mountain, to Myra Canyon Adventure Park’s tree top course, to H2O Adventures for some indoor water activity.
The McKinley Beach development includes a beach house and marina. (supplied)
“Kelowna is the perfect size,” says Matlock. “All points of the city are 20 minutes away from everything.”
Along with the nearby activities for every taste, McKinley Beach Hillside is offering more and more of its own amenities, with a planned grocery store and a health and wellness facility.
There’s even planning for a local vineyard next spring.
“Who doesn’t want to see the beauty of a vineyard right in their neighbourhood?” says Matlock.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.