 |
| Giant's Head Mountain, Summerland! |
We boil at different degrees. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)
He had arranged for us to see a number of properties in Penticton that morning and so we made for Burns Avenue, 611 being first stop. My spirits literally soared soon after we walked in the door. In fact, this property, was even more attractive, to me, than one on Scott Avenue, for a number of very key reasons. First and foremost, the physical plant, (rancher, all on one level), was in extremely, extremely good nick, with respect to roof, siding, R40 insulation, etc.
Zero landscaping in both front and back yards, (Quite easy to "green" both spaces with potted plants or other "desert" varietals.), and within easy walking distance, (10 minutes to Main St, downtown, or 20 minutes to lake shore.) Inside was just as much to our liking, with open floor plan and very tasteful, pretty high-end renovations from top to bottom, from new kitchen cabinets, to granite counter tops to stainless appliances to heated tile floors, which Mme Coriandre was simply wild about!
Living room has an electric fireplace but that can easily be changed back into a wood-burning one as chimney/flue. etc., is all in place. Could go on and on and on but long and the short of all this is that we could move in and not have to do a thing to be more than comfortable once we'd unpacked. Of course, there are a number of minor things we'd probably like to change, (One small example: washer and dryer, in service hallway, are exposed and we'd probably want to have a sliding door or bi-fold to cover them but not really a big deal.), but I knew, in my property heart-of-hearts, that this was the place for us.
Next we made a stop at the only townhouse on the list. A six unit strata called the Arizona. As the name implies it was built in the style of the American southwest so we felt as if we were on the set of Breaking Bad. Must say that we were both quite taken with the building itself, floor plans, (We visited two units.), and the high end quality of the construction, finishing, doors, fixtures, etc. Loads and loads of space and patios were enormous with gas already plumbed in for bbq. Unfortunately, because of the style, (staircase railings and posts were logs, many of the exposed support beams were huge logs, wall sconces were attractive, but all the same, Mexican clay with a typical design, dancing piper reminiscent of large sculptures at resort in Playa), cumulative, overall effect was a bit much. Similar to log cabin we'd seen the day before. Okay if living in Nelson, latter, or Sante Fe, former, but not really what we wanted. Too, too bad as price was very attractive and well within our budget.
Since Cora Lee still had her mind set on Solly, we drove to Summerland for another look. Second inspection only confirmed my feelings although Coramandel was still wedded to view and possibility of wonderful entertaining space. However, even she had to admit that location which provided view, meant driving everywhere. Back to Penticton to take a look at a number of other homes but not to our taste at all so a few minutes past noon we were back at Gils' office. Thanked him profusely and said goodbye as we had an appointment in Osoyoos to see more properties, all condos.
Cora Lee had set up viewings with agent Gil had recommended and Mary Ihme turned out to be a lovely woman. Had little trouble finding her office on Main Street and were soon making for a series of medium to low rise complexes on both the south and north shore of the lake. Although all of the places we visited had common pools and hot tubs, I was not taken, at all, with any of the layouts, finishings, etc., or the strata fees. A couple were in a gated community and that is certainly not for me. Ones on south shore were very dated although they boasted a spectacular view of lake and hills. Although Mary had not made appointments for any homes in the relatively new sub-division built around the Osoyoos Golf Club she drove us around to give us an idea of some of the "ranchers" that we had always expressed an interest in. Too, too far out of town, for a start, and living in such a situation has no appeal at all, for me. I do enjoy riding through such sub-divisions, (Simi Valley, South Lake Tahoe, per esempio), but I would only live there under threat of death, perhaps not even then!
Back to Osoyoos, to collect our car and thank Mary for her graciousness. Stopped to fill up tank, ($1.14 l), before we made for Kermeos, about 3:45 pm. We had a picnic lunch as we drove, carrots/radishes and pieces of sausage I'd fried the night before, for this purpose. I wanted Cora Lee to phone Gil right away but she hemmed and hawed, moaning about abandoning Chloë and such. By the time I'd convinced her we were almost out of cell coverage but did manage to leave a message on his voice mail. Drive back was lovely as there was virtually no traffic and we were almost out of Manning Park before light really started to fade. Traffic picked up once we were close to Hope, (stopped for gas, $1.19 l), and from Chilliwack to Vancouver everything flowed well. Home by 8:35 pm so about 4.5 hours each way. Pleased to calibrate time and I think one could shrink it by half an hour, depending on when one leaves Vancouver and/or the Okanagan. Of course, time of year/road conditions will affect this.
After we unloaded car we popped in to say hello to Clarisse and Dusty and relate what we had seen and prospects for purchase. They offered us a bite to eat but we were not hungry so after we'd chatted we said goodnight and went back to our place to unpack and then watch latest episode of The Blacklist. Cora Lee suggested we watch an episode of Elementary next but I was a bit sleepy by then and wanted to read a few chapters before turning off light. Had been a long day of viewing and then drive over Hope-Princeton so I was pleased to hit the sack, especially with time change to look forward to next morning! [[Cora Lee had already sent Gil the offer on Burns property we had agreed upon, ($20,000 below asking price), before going to bed.] As it was it was after midnight, (clock set ahead), by the time I'd read but two chapters and my eyelids were heavy!
Good afternoon one and all: Confirming bridge night for Monday night at 6:00PM at Chateau McCleery’s ; please let me know if you are able to attend. Regards: David I'm in. Me too! C Sorry Dave, I am down south. 30 degrees this afternoon and getting hotter this week. My bridge has gone to ratshit. Cheers, Roger fortunately I won"t be able to attend this one. Still in Arizona. Should be back for the last Monday in March. Les Dave I will be there Cheers Byron Roger
I am very pleased to hear that your bridge has improved since last we played
2 over 1 Byron
Hi Pat and Corinne, Wow, just back from California and your off again like gypsies. Life must be good as is the food and wine you seem to enjoy along the way. I see a bike in the picture so its good to know that your last accident didn't put you off for too long. Are you still looking for places to buy South of Penticton and has your place sold yet? I've heard that the market is crazy good for sellers these days. Hope all goes well on travels and hopefully we'll get a chance to see you in April or May. Au revoir, Ruth
No comments:
Post a Comment