Best Home Alberta Fall 2007

A synergy of exciting events has coupled with the natural beauty of Cranbrook, setting the stage for adventure and giving prospective home buyers a lot to think about.  They did it quickly.  Selling seventy-six lots in less than four hours, Wildstone lies at the heart of Rocky Mountain adventure, with golf legend Gary Player contributing his vision with thirty-six holes of championship golf that plays through a community of viewscapes and wonder.

Born of principles with close roots to Cranbrook, Havaday Developments has positioned itself as a forerunner in developing a uniquely fulfilling community with resort amenities within the city’s limits.  Built around two championship golf courses within a village of boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and a hotel with spa and conference facilities,  Wildstone rests amidst forested, mountain-crested vistas – a playground of four-season recreation.

The past three years has achieved significant advances for Cranbrook, making this beautiful British Columbia city attractive to homeowners and an emerging international destination.  The multiple expansions of the Cranbrook hospital, the College of the Rockies, and the airport, renamed the Canadian Rockies International Airport, have enabled population growth to a wide demographic.  “Cranbrook has come of age, allowing for its urban infrastructure to grow,” observes Havaday COO Jay Savage.  “Our vision for Wildstone is to achieve a comprehensive master-planned lifestyle community that due to land mass can support amenities that could not exist in smaller developments, redefining recreational living in Cranbrook.”

A haven of clean air and water and boasting the most temperate climate in BC, the site’s proximity to ski destinations such as Fernie, Kimberley, and Panorama, is balanced with long summer months of world-class fly fishing, with abundant mountain lakes inviting a wide complement of outdoor pursuits.  “We are a community with golf as opposed to a golf course community,” suggests Jay Savage.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Gary Player Real Estate Group on product development, and marketing issues.  Their world-class expertise contributes a level of established quality that has expanded Wildstone’s international profile, making it an excellent long-term investment.”

With both golf courses offering tremendous sight lines, each will measure over 7,000 yards, creating tournament and event opportunities previously unavailable in the Columbia Valley.  With the first eighteen holes already under construction amidst some of the most pristine scenery found in the world, the Gary Player Black Knight Course will challenge golfers of all abilities with its undulating fairways, encroaching natural roughs, and well-bunkered greens.

Encompassing 900 acres, Wildstone will be home to 2,800 residents including multi- and single-family homes, fully serviced golf villas, town houses, condominiums and live/work spaces surrounded by 400 acres dedicated to golf courses and park areas.  Ownership models will suit every need, from fractional to full ownership.  In some instances, rental pools will enhance owners’ investment goals.  The Gary Player cabins are exclusive retreats nestled between the Clubhouse and the Black Knight course.  Large, generous single-family estates with enhanced vistas balance the diverse variety of owners’ needs.

“We sold out the first phase of single-family home sites at prices between $147,000 and $199,000,” states Jay Savage.  “Wildstone features urban amenities at one’s doorstep but none are within sight of any of the homesites in its secluded setting.”  Five local high-quality builders will offer prestigious multi-family and single-family estate properties that redefine Rocky Mountain appeal.  Timber and stone facades and finishes with a natural palette of colour will characterize New Mountain architecture.

“It’s an interesting situation given our broad range of products and access to urban amenities.  Our recreational lifestyle community is attracting a diverse buyer group and is appealing to young families as it is to multiple home golf and skiing enthusiasts,” sites Jay Savage.  Albertans are responding to its proximity and value, with substantial interest as well from the lower mainland, the US and Europe.

The next release of detached and attached golf villas is scheduled for October with most units surrounded by fairways and abundant water features that have spectacular views of Fisher Peak and the Steeples Range.  “These early phases depict Wildstone’s commitment to the seamless integration of golf courses within the gated boundaries of one of Western Canada’s most impressive new communities,” states Savage.  “It’s a tremendous phase and the beginning of an exciting adventure.”