Local Getaway: Mediterranean Retreat along the Okanagan Lake

Location: Okanagan Lake, British Columbia 

The details: $520 per night plus fees (three-night minimum stay); sleeps eight

The amenities: 

If you’re looking for a waterfront stay that can house a big family (or large group of friends) this summer, look no further! This home gives off the most immaculate grecian aesthetic, transporting custodians straight to the slopes of sizzling Santorini.

With its location right along the Okanagan Lake, you’ve got great views of the sparkling water all summer long. The hosts added their own spin on traditional Cycladic architecture for this home – which is symbolized by flat roofs with small doors and windows – by adding cylindrical elements. The bright white paint in the exterior, in contrast with the blues of the water and sky, simply screams summer! 

The exterior of the home is dressed with three separate sun decks, designed for you to spend your days bathing in the glorious warmth. If you’re looking to barbeque on the deck, the host has provided a new BBQ grill to satisfy your culinary needs. 

As you head inside the home, you’ll be greeted by clean, white-coloured walls, arched doorways, exposed wood beams and wood trimmed windows. The interior design of the space makes you feel as if you are on a tropical vacation. Pina Coladas, anyone? 

This home is a great stay for larger parties, as there are four bedrooms, three full and one half bathrooms. There’s plenty of room for everyone, and no need to fight for space. 

The master bedroom takes up the entire second floor of the home, offering a luxurious experience. Here, you’ll also have access to your own private deck where you can spend time on your own, either doing yoga or reading in the sun.  

If you like summer blooms or appreciate nature in a home, you’ll enjoy this home’s yard, which is fully landscaped with perennial flower beds and lavender fields. You can also opt to do your daily journaling under the two large walnut trees that provide shade for the top deck. 

Additional amenities in the home include high speed Wifi and two TV’s for the time you want to spend indoors. There is a badminton net that can be set up on the lawn, board games and plenty of outdoor parking. If you were considering the high temperatures in the Okanagan, there’s no need to worry, as this home offers air conditioning.

Activities in the area:

You can find a good balance of both athletic and leisure activities in the area. As you arrive at the home, you’ll find that it is in the vicinity of several local vineyards where you can enjoy the day trying out the different wines B.C. has to offer. Gray Monk Winery is within walking distance and several other wineries are only a 5-minute-drive away (Intrigue Wines, O’Rourke Peak Cellars, Arrowleaf, Ex Nihilo and 50th Parallel). If you’d like to do more athletic activities, The Paddle Place is a five minute walk down the road, where you can do padding and kayaking. If you have a boat, there is a boat buoy available at the home for convenient transportation. You also have the option of exploring Kelowna during your stay, as it is only a 15-20 minute drive away. Head over and enjoy their urban life or sandy beaches!