As you meander down the winding driveway, each gentle curve reveals fleeting glimpses of the breathtaking expanse of Okanagan Lake below. Sunlight dances on the water’s surface, casting a mesmerizing array of sparkling reflections that beckon you further into this hidden oasis. Tucked away yet tantalizingly close to downtown Kelowna, the approach to this property feels like a sanctuary – a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.
Curiosity peaks as the sight unfolds: a house that seamlessly marries the timeless elegance of European castles with the quaint allure of English/Irish countryside cobblestones. These elements blend effortlessly, unveiling a truly enchanting residence.
Here, in the area known as McKinley in Kelowna, a hidden paradise awaits. On one side of the house, a majestic rock formation embraces the property, while below, a tram stands poised to transport you down to a private 100-foot dock. Within this two-acre sanctuary, a characterful yet humble home resides.
It’s impossible not to admire just how well the property integrates into its surroundings – a true testament to its impeccable design and material selection.
“The designer, Chandra Payer from Absolute Interior Design, collaborated closely with both the client and us to select earthy tones that exude a natural aesthetic with timber, stone and stucco, which creates an almost timeless European charm,” explains Bruce Young, president at Bercum Builders, a company renowned for its expertise in crafting unique high-end homes.
Walking along the pathway to the right of the house presents sweeping views of Bear Creek Provincial Park across the waters. A little further and you encounter an indoor/outdoor living space that is quintessentially Okanagan – a space that could easily be considered the heart of the home.
A dipping pool and a hot tub beckon, while an outdoor kitchen stands ready for culinary adventures. It’s equipped with every amenity imaginable, including retractable drop-down screens to keep pesky bugs at bay while preserving the warmth within. Nearby, an outdoor lounge area awaits with a gas fireplace and wood ceilings, offering an inviting retreat to watch the stars come out.
“The beauty of this lot is that it offers complete privacy – you can’t see the house from the road,” Bruce says.
To blend indoor and outdoor living, eight-foot sliding glass doors lead into the indoor kitchen and lounge area, ensuring that the beauty of nature is never far from reach. This home is a testament to the art of outdoor living at its finest.
Ascending a slope around the left side of the house, a sports court is adjacent to an upstairs gym. Returning to the front of the house, a grand 10-foot pivot door stands as a bold invitation into the interior, where the rock theme continues, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout. Immediately to the right is an “Irish pub” decorated with a traditional brick wall, as well as the iconic green and black hues associated with the stout Guinness. With its spacious layout, large-screen TV and expansive windows, it serves as the ideal setting for both leisurely gatherings and professional engagements.
Continuing up the corridor on the left is a chilled wine room built out with reclaimed fir, offering ample space to store hundreds of wines from across the region.
Throughout the home, the striking theme of black and wood persists, with sleek black doors, cupboards and handles complementing the warmth of the wooden floors and natural wood touches, such as the ceiling beams. These elements harmonize with its crisp white surroundings, resulting in a sleek and contemporary ambience that flows effortlessly from room to room.
Venturing further into the house, you’ll find an inviting sitting room, where, once again, panoramic views unfold before you.
“We tried to make the most of the view from every room,” Bruce explains.
Here, a majestic gas fireplace becomes the focal point, its flames dancing against the backdrop of soaring 12-foot ceilings adorned with wood beams, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the space.
Adjacent to the sitting room is an open-plan kitchen. Though modest in size, it’s equipped for culinary endeavours, and includes a beautiful eight-burner Wolf oven, perfect for the home chef. Concealed behind this is a discreet hideaway kitchen. With oak cupboards and granite countertops, there’s ample space for meal preparation.
To head upstairs, you can take the stairs or the elevator (a foresight for aging in place). On the second floor and on the right is where you find the master bedroom, seemingly suspended above the lake, with sunlight streaming in to illuminate the space. A master balcony extends an invitation to the outdoors, where tranquility in this private sanctuary once again awaits.
“You can imagine having your morning coffee out here on the deck and watching the sun come up,” remarks Bruce, and rightly so.
The master suite boasts two walk-in closets and an en suite featuring a luxurious soaker bath and a spacious glass walk-in shower. Beams again adorn the ceiling, infusing the space with charm and character.
This allure of the home continues to unfold, revealing three guest bedrooms, each a haven of comfort and style. Offering ample en suites, walk-in closets and unique vistas, every guest is treated to a personalized retreat.
“You get a great view from each room. We tried to capture the view of the lake as much as we could with the siting of the home,” Bruce notes.
Eight-foot sliding barn doors along the corridor usher you into a versatile entertainment space, perfect for unwinding with family and friends. A movie room? A games room? The options are endless. The upper level is also a sanctuary of fitness and relaxation, beginning with the spacious gym adorned with sunlight and echoing with the promise of rejuvenation, and a sauna to warm those aching limbs.
Heading out of the gym and back outside, the journey continues within the confines of the double-car garage, where a sports room – equipped with ventilation to cater to the active pursuits of its inhabitants – awaits. Yet, concealed behind what seems like an ordinary door lies a hidden gem – a golf simulator room! This adaptable space could easily double as a haven for quiet reflection or spirited competition; it could even be adapted to serve as boat storage – a testament to the home’s versatility and thoughtful design.
Somehow, despite its 5,044 square footage, this home doesn’t impose its size upon you. Clever design ties it all together, creating a true homely feel for year-round living. And again, despite its size, the home is equipped with carefully planned irrigation and secure access, facilitating worry-free travel.
“The journey from start to finish has been a two-year process, but I have to admit, the result is one myself and everyone who worked on it takes immense pride in. It’s tough to pinpoint my favourite parts. The master bedroom? The outdoor living space, perhaps?” muses Bruce.
And I would agree. There isn’t a single part of this property that I feel could be improved upon.
SUPPLIERS LIST
Builder: Bercum Builders
Architect: Baxter Design
Design: Absolute Interior Design
Structural Engineer: ROV Engineering Consultants
This story appeared in the summer edition of Boulevard Okanagan.
