Leanne Forbes and her family savour that delightful, stress-free vacation feeling every time the beautiful Purcell Mountains loom beyond their windshield and they realize their vacation condo in Radium is just ahead.

“You feel rejuvenated,” says the Calgary business owner and mother.

“Once you get there, you feel you’re a world away but you’re only 21/2 hours from the city.

“And you know that when you own a vacation property in that fractional world, it’s a good, strong investment.”

Professionally managed property means plenty of lifestyle perks and no hassles or headaches for owners.

That “fractional world” now includes Bighorn Meadows Resort in the stunning, natural surroundings of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. The new five-star condo resort is available to investors on a whole to fractional basis – currently the hottest form of recreational property investment.

Anyone wanting a luxurious mountain home that close to Calgary with plans to use it only part of the year will undoubtedly find fractional ownership the ideal option.

They can buy a whole, quarter or three weeks a year in Bighorn Meadows.

This plan is not a lease.

Buyers actually own their portion, with their name on the deed and title.

“You buy the piece that you’re going to use, and only the time you’re going to use it,” says Tim Tourond, one of the developers of the project.

“But you still own it and it’s yours, with the ability to pass the ownership to future generations.”

Buyers receive a schedule with their periods of occupation clearly stated years into the future, rotated so that everyone gets favoured months on an equal basis. They can also exchange allotted time with other owners or other resorts all around the world.

Construction is well under way at the resort, situated on a nine-acre site surrounded on three sides by the Springs at Radium Golf Resort.

Condo owners will have access to the course, with special booking privileges, green-fee discounts, driving-range privileges and lessons.

Tourond says the golf resort people are excellent neighbours to have. The resort is running a first-class operation and they are professional and friendly to deal with, whether it has to do with food and beverage or tee times. The other neighbours you may encounter are bighorn sheep on this edge of the wilderness – hence the development’s name.

Phase One of Bighorn Meadows is currently sold out and construction is under way on Phases Two, Three and Four.

With Phase Two comes the Welcome Centre. This phase will include some outdoor amenities such as the swimming pool and hot tub.

It will also house the guest and owner registration desk and meeting lounge, the barbecue deck and business centre.

The other five phases will include more luxury condos, hotel rooms, indoor pool and slide, conference centre and other five-star amenities.

Albertans have been buying property in southeastern B.C. for several generations but the region’s strong real-estate market has put full ownership beyond most people’s means. And even if you can afford it, total ownership of traditional property carries its own headaches.

“You spend your week painting something or trimming grass,” Tourond says.

“And besides, the expenses keep ticking whether you are there or not. It can become a burden unless you’re above the rest of us financially.”

Compare that with fractional or full ownership in a managed resort like Bighorn Meadows.

“You pop out and the place is exactly the way you left it last time. You turn the key and go:, ‘Aaahh, I’m home.’ ”

This second home is in one of the world’s great beauty spots. Radium is just off the main highways, just minutes away from the renowned Radium Hot Springs Resort in the Columbia Valley and numerous summer and winter recreation playgrounds.

After an active day, you can relax in your condo – a charming blend of rustic design and modern luxury amenities.

Quality begins the first day of construction, with a high level of soundproofing designed into walls, floors and ceilings.

Once built, each unit is fully furnished with first-class quality furniture and fixtures.

Housekeeping services are included. Additional services are available upon arrangement with the resort manager.

“Having a managed property means it’s hassle-free,” Tourond says.

It also can become a rental property, providing important investment income.

Another great selling point is the fact the resort offers an RRSP-eligible investment with great returns.

To get in on this great investment, clients don’t have to endure any of those notorious hard-sell campaigns linked to some recreation projects in the past.

“There’s no high pressure at Bighorn Meadows. We just talk to people, explain what’s being offered and let them go away and make up their own minds.

“We have a saying – we like to make friends before we make a deal.”

For more information, phone 250.347.2323; toll-free 877.344.2323; fax 250.347.2311; E-mail: getaway@bighornmeadows.ca; or visit www.bighornmeadows.ca.