These oversized chairs can be found all around the valley. This one was located at the entrance to The Cottages. Getting into the chair was an adventure!

These over-sized chairs can be found all around the valley. This one was located at the entrance to The Cottages. Getting into the chair was an adventure!

 

I recently the opportunity to spend a few days at the Cottages on the Lake with my husband. Located in a quiet cove on the north end of Osoyoos Lake (said to be Canada’s warmest lake), this gated lakefront community is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the Okanogan Valley. With 1,800′ of waterfront, over 500′ of sandy beach, boat slips, walking trails and a club house with two swimming pools and hot tubs available for the homeowners’ use, the Cottages offer the best of cottage life in the heart of wine country. Located just 15 minutes from Osoyoos and Oliver and 35 minutes from Penticton, many of the homeowners live here full time, enjoying the quiet cottage life year round.

Our companions for an afternoon out on the lake.

Our companions for an afternoon out on the lake.

A view of the Cottages from the lake.

A view of the Cottages from the lake.

A view of the Cottages from the lake.

A view of the Cottages from the lake.

We spent 3 wonderful days exploring the cottages and the surrounding area. We visited a number of local restaurants and wineries (you can read our Wine & Dine review here) and we had an opportunity to tour the cottages as well (check out our Cottage Decor Inspiration Gallery from the weekend here). Overall, the main highlight of the weekend was the opportunity to meet some of the homeowners in the community. On our first day at the Cottages, they treated us to an afternoon out on the lake. We enjoyed a water-side tour of Osoyoos Lake while enjoying the sun, a little wine and a light lunch. Over the weekend, we had many more opportunities to chat with homeowners while soaking in the hot tub at the community centre, taking in a sunset bonfire on the beach and strolling along the walking paths that run through-out the community. The Cottages are home to a variety of families; from recent retirees to younger families who work in nearby communities and professionals who come here to spend their weekends away from the hustle and bustle of the city; yet the spirit of community and friendship is unmistakable. They come from many different backgrounds, from locations all across Canada, and yet they are all united by one common thread: they love this community that they call home.

The Meadows - More then 54% of the 70 acre development has been dedicated to green space with manicured eco-turf lawns along with protected areas for natural vegetation.

The Meadows – More then 54% of the 70 acre development has been dedicated to green space with manicured eco-turf lawns along with protected areas for natural vegetation.

A view from the balcony of one of the Uphill Homes - natural vegetation, manicured green spaces, a private beach and a stunning view of the lake.

A view from the balcony of one of the Uphill Homes – natural vegetation, manicured green spaces, a private beach and a stunning view of the lake.

 

Life at the Cottages offers a fantastic variety of recreational activities right on site. Start your morning with coffee on your private sun porch with a gorgeous view of the rolling hills around you. Take advantage of the community centre where you can cool down in one of the two pools, unwind in the hot tub or burn off some steam in the on-site, fully equipped fitness facility. This stunning two-story space offers a full kitchen and social space where you can often find residents gathering for a potluck, wine tasting evening or other social event. The community also offers plenty of recreational activities for younger families: relaxing on the beach, playing at one of the community play grounds, biking through the quiet community or playing catch on the vast green space that runs through-out the community. Private boat slips are also available for those who prefer to spend the day out on the water. Osoyoos Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and the north end of the lake, where the Cottages are located, is calm and quiet – perfect for a quiet afternoon soaking in the sun from a pontoon boat. When you’re in the mood for something a little livelier, the south shore is just a short boat ride away where you’ll find many people waterskiing or enjoying the resort atmosphere of Osoyoos.

The perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set over the lake.

The perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set over the lake.

A sunset bonfire on the quiet, private beach is the perfect way to end a fabulous day.

A sunset bonfire on the quiet, private beach is the perfect way to end a fabulous day.

The following two tabs change content below.
mm

Crystal Williams

As Online Editor for Canadian Home Trends Magazine, Crystal has a passion for design and decor. She enjoys browsing the web to find new, exciting decor ideas, DIY projects and unique products to share with her readers. With formal training in graphic design and a background in the event planning/design business, Crystal looks at design from all angles to give readers a fresh perspective.
mm

Latest posts by Crystal Williams (see all)