Given the downpours and thunderstorm delays, I was worried that I’d never be able to run my annual commentary on golfcourse community living, but finally it’s been possible to swing a few clubs, wet socks and all.
The nicest day was spent at Stewart Creek Golf Country Club in Canmore, but houses are adjacent to only one hole there. I also played Wintergreen Golf Country Club in Bragg Creek for the first time in many years and, although there is still a drainage problem on the course, I was impressed with the surrounding houses -and their positioning away from errant golf balls.
It’s really quite a stunning location amid the forest. If you’re prepared for the long commute into Calgary and enjoy the peacefulness of country living , then you’ll be interested in a couple of Wintergreen properties currently on the market.
For the listing price of $999,999 there’s a newly built 3,000-squarefoot-plus home in the gated community backing onto the golf course.
The spacious kitchen sounds like a dream with its six-burner gas range, as does the grand staircase that leads up to a master suite with separate dressing area, and the eight-piece spa-like ensuite with corner soaker tub and oversized steam shower.
The other property along Mountain Lion Drive is a two-acre plot with a natural creek and a small pond backing onto reserve land. Listed at $849,900, the two-storey house offers more than 3,400 square feet of spacious living.
Closer to home, I was able to play all 18 holes with only a couple of showers to remind me how good the sunshine feels at Valley Ridge Golf Club . Closest to the clubhouse are condominiums by the tee box on the 10th fairway.
Three two-bedroom units are currently available, priced at $342,500 and $353,900, while a twostorey penthouse is $420,000. All boast designated indoor parking stalls and the usual open kitchens with granite countertops and large bedrooms with walk-ins .
A couple of holes further along, a house on Valley Ridge Green presents the owner with a good view of golfers attempting to smack a long one on the tough 13th par 5. But the three-bedroom with the impressive 17-foot ceiling in its living room isn’t threatened by even the wildest drive. Besides the lush fairway, it also has a nice view of the lake . The list price is $699,900.
Further east and closer to hole 14, you’ll find a $629,000 custombuilt two-storey walkout in a landscaped, treed yard complete with stone patio, fireplace, Dutch oven and built-in gas barbecue. It would be great for those quiet summer evenings, but not close enough for passing golfers to inquire what’s for supper.
The Valley Ridge front nine that spreads out along the Bow River also has some very attractive homes in its Valley Ponds area. Still, I wonder if residents get as troubled as I do when nearby trains blast their whistles .
Many of us remember Valley Ridge when it was called Happy Valley. On the site of its former campground along a private driveway right behind the infamous 17th par 3 are two properties for sale.
One is a magnificent five-bedroom home with more than 7,000 square feet of developed space. An elevator, 27-foot rock fireplace, geothermal heating, flagstone floors and vaulted Timberline ceilings help make this an exceptional residence.
It’s listed at $4.8 million, while its neighbour on the same acreage -complete with secure, heated parking for nine or more vehicles -is priced at $1,695,000 and has existing long-term tenants.
DAVID PARKER WRITES AROUND TOWN COLUMNS TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY IN THE HERALD’S BUSINESS SECTION. HE CAN BE REACHED AT 403-830-4622 OR INFO@DAVIDPARKER.CA.