If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, James Askew would never have believed it.

On a bright, warm September day last year, buyers from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and points east swarmed a presentation centre in B.C.'s glorious Okanagan. They purchased more than $50 million worth of premium beachfront property within a little more than six hours.

"We got off to an incredible start," understates Askew, the Vancouver-based president of rareEarth Project Marketing.

"It was the largest one-day sales event in Okanagan history."

Savvy real estate buyers are advised to consider taking the plunge at The Cove Beach Resort.

Then again, perhaps Askew shouldn't have been surprised, because the object of buyers' affection was The Cove Beach Resort on Okanagan Lake. In case you haven't heard, it's one of the most desirable pieces of shorefront recreational property to be found anywhere in the B.C. Interior.

That amazing day in September, 150 luxury suites of The Cove Beach Resort went on sale. Less than 10 months later, only 18 flawlessly appointed resort homes remain on the market.

Now you understand why Askew isn't kidding when he urges prospective purchasers to act fast. Because he expects all 18 to be snapped up before the summer's end.

"That's right, there are still some very, very good opportunities to buy," he confirms. "But they won't be available for long."

Originally, suites within this carefully planned new development were placed on the market via a reservations-only sales campaign. But with so few units remaining, sales are now being expedited on a first-come, first-served basis.

By the way, nobody should doubt the fact that elite beachfront property remains extremely hard to come by on Lake Okanagan.

In fact, The Cove Beach Resort was the sole new waterfront recreational development to be listed within the extremely tight Kelowna Real Estate market in 2004.

This multi-faceted resort is situated on the shores of the Okanagan Valley's most... sought-after destination, a.k.a. Westbank. It's the quiet and pleasant Kelowna suburb that sits just across the bridge from the busy city centre. And yes, The Cove Beach Resort is an absolute jewel.

It features sublime exteriors that have been architecturally designed in the Southern California coast architecture style.

It's a clean, contemporary look that combines the congenial appeal of a comfortable lakeside community with the comforts and "extras" of an exclusive four-star resort.

We'll expand on these details a bit later. In the meantime, Askew wishes to underscore an extremely important reason why buyers have responded so enthusiastically to these family-oriented lakefront recreational properties.

"We're offering whole ownership, with the option to enter our rental management pool," he elaborates.

"By doing so, you can offset the cost of your investment by generating income when you're back in your home town," Askew adds. "That said, it's a very flexible program. If you don't want to join the rental management pool, you're free to opt out, no problem."

He would like to add that the rental program is to be administered by Boutique Hotels of B.C., a highly respected management company with a small stable of exquisite resorts in the most highly sought-after resort areas of BC. The resorts they manage also include Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, The Outback in Vernon and Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, among others. Their expertise in operating luxury resorts only adds to the panache of the The Cove.

Now, let's check out a few of those amenities: Most available suites feature two bedrooms and two baths, with luxurious fixtures throughout and an average size of about 1,100 sq. ft. (although some suites are as large as 2,400 sq. ft.) Prices start in the mid $300,000s and climb to over $900,000.

This is truly a dream recreational destination. Naturally, it includes a full restaurant and a sophisticated resort destination spa, equipped with the finest treatment facilities in the region.

Nor will your kids be able to resist the all'-season Cove Beach Resort water park, including lakefront water slides, sprinklers and pool.

And here's a special surprise for youngsters: a shallow, circular "lazy river" pool, built near the lake, invites kids to climb into their inner tubes and sail safely along under the power of built-in jets.

In addition, The Cove Beach Resort welcomes adults to a fully loaded luxury spa - full-sized pool, hot tubs, reflecting pools, beach volleyball court, full-service health and fitness amenities.

And as we speak, applications have been filed for regulatory approval of a private Cove Beach Resort Marina, to offer 75 slips for resident boat owners.

Needless to add, boating and swimming on the lake are beyond compare. Meanwhile, the west's finest golf courses are waiting right down the road. But sun-loving residents will also find themselves visiting the resort during the winter, spring and fall.

After all, the resort is an easy drive from two world-class ski hills, plus toboggan runs and cross-country skiing areas.

If you'd like to hear more, the sales team is standing by to answer your questions. Call toll-free to chat up a sales associate at 1.877.762.2683.

In the meantime, please visit the resort website: www.OwnTheCove.com.