Ask around. You won't find many people who regret their decision to purchase a home in Canmore, whether they made the move within the last five years or the last five days. This is one of the most compelling recreational markets in North America and it hasn't come close to reaching its peak.
Now, Three Sisters Mountain Village has upped the ante by introducing Renaissance, the most distinctive and luxurious resort development ever presented in the Canadian Rockies.
A development featuring 62 condo and townhouse-style units, Renaissance is poised to break new ground in terms of design and sheer livability. Mountain contemporary architecture combines the still-fresh vision of Frank Lloyd Wright with the sparkling clean lines of today's West Coast style: Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, reverse pitch roofs, sleek natural stone and wood finishes blending seamlessly with nature for an unmatched sense of drama and space.
It all unfolds within a dream landscape - untamed wilderness, bracing mountain air and an unbroken series of breath-taking mountain vistas. At Renaissance, you'll elevate your spirit while delighting your eye.
"We're on a glorious escarpment looking over the entire Bow River Valley. Majestic views are an important part of this package. Virtually every unit is able to take advantage of that," explains sales professional Eric Watson, managing director of Ultimate Properties International Realty.
"Three Sisters Mountain Village is creating something entirely new with Renaissance," adds Watson, in charge of sales and promotion for this project.
"We're not only raising the standard of luxury within the context of individual units, we're creating a whole new standard of design and elegance."
And such a marvellous location. Still a youthful market with plenty of legs, Canmore real estate represents an amazing bargain when compared with the recreational property markets of Vail, Aspen, Mont Tremblant or Whistler. As anyone knows who has experienced the beauty of this Rocky Mountain jewel, Canmore takes a back seat to none of them.
Certainly, prices have accelerated in recent years.
But they continue to compare favourably with those in similar resort locales. Peruse continental markets via the Web and draw your own conclusions.
Then of course, there's something else to consider. Available property in the Bow Valley corridor is at a premium.
"That's the fact of the matter. There isn't a lot of land left," Watson says. "The holdings of Three Sisters Mountain Village represent 80 per cent of the developable property within the district."
But there are many more good reasons for embracing Renaissance. For starters, the new ownership group has generated a buzz that has drawn the attention of buyers across North America.
Well known for superior developments in Vail, Aspen and Lake Tahoe, East West Partners purchased the property last October, backed by Morgan Stanley Real Estate, the world's largest real estate fund.
Morgan Stanley's faith in East West Partners has been more than justified by the ownership group's exemplary track record.
Value of property within existing East West developments ranges between $1,000 to $2,500 per square foot. (You might want to contrast that with estimated entry-level pricing of $650 to $800 for the initial release of Renaissance.)
"This is an outstanding ownership group with a record of performance that's second to none," says Watson. "This was the company's only acquisition last year. East West Partners sees enormous potential in TSMV and is deeply committed to the region."
Situated in Stewart Creek Phase II, Renaissance will rise in one of the most desirable sites in the Rockies, close to the fabulous 18-hole Stewart Creek Golf Course, as well as the proposed Village Centre and Catholic School.
As always, ownership has its privileges. Each purchaser of these multi-level townhouse and condo units will be welcomed to the exclusive Renaissance Club. Residents are entitled to take advantage of complete concierge service, as well as the indoor/outdoor mineral hot pool, private spa treatment room and fitness room.
But let's pause a while to consider Renaissance's list of amenities. These include:
* Various floor plans ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 sq. ft;
* Private rooftop or sunken ground-floor hot tubs;
* 100 per cent subsurface parking;
* Gourmet kitchens, including built-in espresso machines, wine coolers and stainless steel appliances;
* Luxurious en-suite bathrooms include steam showers and large soaker tubs; and
* Indoor/outdoor fireplaces, built-in barbecues and broad decks.
For the price of a fully refundable reservation deposit of $5,000, you're being offered a rare chance to stake your own personal claim to paradise. Please contact Eric Watson through his Calgary office (403.678.0583) or his cell (403.701.5110). You may also reach him via email at info@renaissance canmore.com.
