“Integral to the seamless manner in which the Predator Ridge Golf Resort blends into the natural environment is the enduring commitment to ensure that the architectural style of the homes and infrastructure meet stringent design, materials and construction criteria."
WHERE HOMES RELAX INTO THE HILLSIDE
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is marked by verdant orchards, shimmering lakes, wildflower-covered meadows and the wonderfully rich aroma of Ponderosa pines wafting on the breeze. Located 10 minutes south of Vernon, B.C., Predator Ridge Golf Resort incorporates all of these wonderful natural attributes and adds the prestige of three (soon to be four) world-renowned golf courses and world-class amenities to offer a golf resort community that is a model of elegance and harmony.
Integral to the seamless manner in which the resort blends into the natural environment is the enduring commitment to ensure that the architectural style of the homes and infrastructure meet stringent design, materials and construction criteria. Wesbild Holdings Limited, which acquired Predator Ridge in 2007, is dedicated to ensuring that the respect for the natural environment that Predator Ridge is renowned for continues to remain as a core value in future construction programs, and as the resort moves forward with its master plan. For 2008, five new neighbourhoods are being offered.
Longspoon Ridge, for example, features Predator’s signature single-family walk-out homes, ranchers and new twostorey homes. Larger two-level homes in the Villas at Birdie Lake will have a spectacular view of the Peregrine course, while the Osprey Green Townhomes offer “lock-up and leave,” the ideal solution for homeowners looking for a combination of luxury and convenience. Executive and estate homesites are available at Vista Crest and The Summit at Falcon Point, respectively.
What all of these neighbourhoods will have in common is a commitment to consistent architecture and home design that respects the existing homes, yet also takes advantage of innovative building technology that discerning home buyers are looking for.
Architectural designer Sue McLean has been involved in Predator Ridge community projects since 1997. She says, “One aspect of the development that I really appreciate is that many of the existing trees were retained. Most new developments remove all native trees and re-landscape once buildings are finished, a process that can take 10 years to mature.”
From the beginning, classic North American residential architecture was utilized to blend in seamlessly with the rolling fairways and immaculately manicured greens, sand traps and tee boxes of the three golf courses. McLean says, “I don't know that there was ever a conscious decision to build in a modified craftsman-style, since it wasn’t that popular when we started with the original cottages. We were looking for a design that blended in well with the existing trees and that looked like it had been there forever. Now craftsmanstyle bungalows are very popular throughout developments in the Okanagan.”
In the Villas at Birdie Lake, McLean took advantage of a larger 50-foot-wide lot to design an adaptation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s timeless Prairie Home. “The majority of building sites are sloped and therefore have wonderful views of the golf course and valleys, but it is a challenge to build a twolevel dwelling on a site like this,” says McLean.
She says the Villas at Birdie Lake look sleeker and have more refined lines than the craftsman houses, with flatterpitched roofs, larger overhangs and finer detailing throughout.
“All of these homes have large, covered decks that feature grand stone support columns and glass railings,” she says, adding that stone planters on the streetscape, in natural textures and colours, are in keeping with the surrounding hills.
“The interiors feature great rooms with 11-foot ceilings and large expanses of glass to highlight the many wonderful views. The lower level includes a terrace room that opens out onto a large covered patio area, extending the outdoor living area,” adds McLean, noting, “Ample storage can be found throughout the homes, and double garages are standard.”
From a sales perspective, it’s definitely working, says Predator Ridge sales director Ross McGaw. “Many people comment on the understated style of the homes and the way that they blend into both the natural scenery and the golf course. They appreciate the emphasis on cedar, stone and other natural building materials.
There’s a consistency to the community that you don’t find in many other golf course developments.”
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