When shopping for Okanagan luxury real estate, you’re free to search according to your lifestyle, whether you dream of a modern perch above downtown, a lakeside lot made for life on the water or a hillside estate perfect for building a private sanctuary.
No matter what feels just right for you, some features help your new slice of paradise stand out during the summer. Here are Jane Hoffman Realty agents’ top picks for Okanagan luxury real estate must-haves to make the most of warm weather in the valley.
1. Waterfront or Lakeshore Living with a Private Wharf
The view of the glistening water all summer long, the long days spent paddling along the shore before relaxing around the fire with your family or sharing stories with friends over a glass of wine—lakeshore living is where memories are made.
That’s why lakefront properties have dominated the Okanagan luxury real estate market for decades, and why builds such as the resort-like property at 4180 Lakeshore Road stand out from other luxury homes in the Okanagan.
2. Poolside Oasis
Ask Aidan Myhre what’s essential to luxury homes in the Okanagan, and the licensed listing manager will tell you it’s all about enjoying both the beautiful lake and your own pool.
“Not everyone wants to go swimming in the lake even if you live on the water,” says Aidan. “Having the best of both worlds with the pool and the lake ties everything together to give you the ultimate waterfront living experience.”
While not on the shoreline, Aidan says the exquisite, gated estate at 4236 Spiers Road in Kelowna is an elevated poolside oasis with a remarkable view.
3. Penthouses with Rooftop Patios
There’s nothing quite like watching the water from a rooftop patio. Found throughout downtown and across the valley, penthouse suites make the ideal Okanagan luxury real estate alternative to waterfront and acreage properties.
Nestled above the desirable Abbott Street corridor, the custom bespoke penthouse at 301-2245 Abbott Street is a testament to what is possible in higher-density designs. Complete with a private elevator, gourmet outdoor kitchen and hot tub, the rooftop sanctuary and suite are surrounded by a 2500 sq. ft. wrap-around patio.
4. Wine Caves and Wine Cellars
In a region known for its mouth-watering whites and delectable reds, a built-in wine cellar is the perfect addition to any luxury home in the Okanagan.
Tucked away in one of the Okanagan’s most desirable gated lakefront communities, the modern West Coast-inspired home at 23-180 Sheerwater Court turns up the volume on private cellars with a 1,200-bottle wine cave featuring stone floors and exceptional wooden accents.
5. Equestrian Heaven
Luxury equestrian estates are on the rise throughout the Okanagan, calling people to their own quiet slice of heaven.
With a vast 20+ acres and lush apple orchards, the estate nestled in the hills southeast of Kelowna at 4380 Wallace Hill Road is a striking home complete with stables and plenty of room to grow.
6. Downtown Luxury
Situated right on the water in the Lagoons, the stunning modern townhome at 124-1156 Sunset Drive in Kelowna blends luxury, location and lake.
This west-facing corner unit features an open-concept main floor that flows from the living space to the gourmet kitchen and through the accordion doors to the lakeview patio where you and your closest friends can enjoy a glass of wine and take in the sunset.
For luxury agent Kristy Huber, it doesn’t get much better than that.
“I love an outdoor lounging space that offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the view,” says Huber. “The waterfront or poolside experience is complete with an outdoor kitchen area, firepits or fire tables to create a peaceful ambiance perfect for entertaining family and friends.”
At Jane Hoffman Realty, we’ve spent nearly 40 years specializing in Okanagan luxury real estate. Contact us to learn more about how we can share our knowledge and expertise to help you find the right home.