Kelowna Real Estate Trends: The Outdoor Kitchen Revolution

Outdoor kitchens are one of the biggest trends in Kelowna real estate because of the convenience and quality they add to the Okanagan lifestyle.

Outdoor KitchenWhen you barbecue at home, is it a solo mission? Do the rest of your family and guests socialize elsewhere while you slave away over the grill? You’re certainly not alone in this, but there’s a culinary revolution going on in the Kelowna real estate market these days that’s about to change all that.

Outdoor kitchens are quickly becoming a must-have addition for luxury homes. And really, why wouldn’t they be? Whether you’re in the Okanagan kicking back at your summer home, or you live in the valley year-round, enjoying the outdoors is what it’s all about. If you live on the lakefront, even better.

Outdoor KitchenJust like everything else you do during summer in the Okanagan, mealtime is best enjoyed outside, and a well-positioned and sheltered outdoor kitchen will offer a cool place to relax with your guests over a flame-broiled feast.

 

Advancements in Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Outdoor Kitchen

Gone are the days when the only barbecue accessories you carried with you were tongs and a spatula. These days, there’s are countless add-ons that make the outdoor cooking experience a treat. In addition to a high-quality grill capable of searing and cooking the thickest ribeye steaks to perfection, imagine what it would be like to have these items at your disposal:

  • Icemakers
  • Cocktail bar
  • Beer keg dispensers
  • Heat lamps
  • Sinks
  • Warming drawers

Ask a Kelowna Realtor: 5 Hiking Trails Near the City

5 Easily Accessible Hiking Trails Near the City

Enjoy stunning scenery, such as this cityscape from Knox Mountain, as you venture out on nearby hiking trails highly recommended by our Kelowna realtors.

One of the advantages of living in the Interior’s largest city is the access to all the modern conveniences—dining, shopping, theatre, museums, nightlife and cultural and sporting events. Yet, when your Kelowna realtor shows you around the city’s various neighbourhoods, you might be surprised at just how many hiking and walking pathways you have at your fingertips.

While the region’s lakes, wineries and orchards get all of the fanfare from tourists, there are many trail networks dotted throughout the city just waiting to be explored.

Here are some of the more popular choices, all within a few minute’s drive from the city centre:

 

Brandt’s Creek Linear Park

Difficulty level: Easy
Distance: 5 km (one way)
Dogs: Not allowed

Featuring a crushed asphalt hiking trails. The Brandt’s Creek Linear Park takes you through residential and commercial areas, connecting six different parks as well as the Valley Glen Wetland. The trail begins at the intersection of Yates and Valley Roads, ending at Milard Glen Park.

 

Dilworth Mountain

Difficulty level: Easy
Distance: 1-3 km
Dogs: On-leash

Dilworth Mountain is worth a visit just for the unparalleled city views it offers. Tucked in behind the Kelowna Golf & Country Club, this landmark can be seen from almost any location in the city. Access to this park is off Chilcotin Court, and there is a parking lot available.

 

Knox Mountain


Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 1–5 km
Dogs: On-leash

Most hiking trails in the network feature steep inclines. Though you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views of the city. Alternatively, you can take an easier route towards an historic point of interest—Paul’s Tomb—named after an Okanagan pioneer. The park entrance on Ellis Street offers the best access to the trail network.

 

Mill Creek Regional Park

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Varies
Dogs: On-leash

Situated just east of Kelowna International Airport in the Ellison area, this 15.3-hectare park offers a cool, quiet hiking trail system along the Mill Creek corridor, culminating in a charming waterfall. The black cottonwood trees by the creek offer an ideal picnic setting.

 

Mission Creek Regional Park and Greenway

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 17 km (various)
Dogs: On-leash

With ample parking and easy access off Springfield Road, this green space is a haven for cyclists, runners and walkers alike.

There are two phases of the trail, the first phase being a wide, flat pathway for the first 7km. The trail becomes narrow as it travels along a canyon for the final 9km.

 

For other fun activities around the city, read 5 Must-Do Summer Activities in Kelowna.

6 Handy Real Estate Apps

More and more Kelowna real estate owners are discovering just how useful apps can be for life at home.

 

Apps for smart devices have found a way into every aspect of our lives. These clever inventions have become integrated with everything we do. Apps allow you to check the local weather forecast, order pizza, or find the nearest gas station. For Kelowna real estate owners who are looking for latest in homeowner innovation, here is a list of apps you might find handy.

 

Real Estate Apps1.    ColorSmart by Behr Mobile  (Apple, Android)

Whether you’re moving into a new home and want to redecorate, or it’s simply time to freshen up your existing home, this handy app will help you find the perfect colour, discover new designer-coordinated colour combinations, and preview your colour choices in room scenes and on exteriors. You can even take a picture with your smartphone then tap on the image to find the closest matching Behr colour. With more than 2,500 to choose from you’re likely to find a close match.

 

 

Real Estate Apps2.    Houzz Interior Design Ideas  (Apple, Android)

Called the “Wikipedia of interior and exterior design” by CNN, this stunning app features more than 5 million high-resolution photos that’ll get your creative design juices flowing. Search for ideas by style, room and location and store them in your personal ideabook.

 

 

Real Estate Apps3.    Dual Level  (Apple, Android)

If you have a fine art collection, this clever app will help you make sure it’s hung perfectly level. Best of all, you can easily manage it with one hand—as opposed to some of the more cumbersome construction levels—and you’ll likely have your leveling done in the time it takes you to walk to the workshop and back.

 

 

Real Estate Apps4.    BrightNest  (Apple, Android)

From home organization to cleaning schedules to maintenance tips, this useful app does it all. Whether you perform the household chores yourself or hire someone to help, this tool will help you make sure you keep your home in great shape.

 

 

Real Estate Apps5.    AroundMe  (Apple, Android, Blackberry)

Especially useful for newer Kelowna real estate owners, or established homeowners who want to break up their routine, this helpful app helps you locate the nearest bars, restaurants, coffee shops, banks, hospitals, movie theatres, pharmacies, grocery stores and gas stations.

If you’re new to the area, be sure to read the Quincy Vrecko & Associates Kelowna Relocation Guide.

 

 

Real Estate Apps6.    Sum+it Billing Buddy for Easy Estimates  (Apple)

If you’ve got a home renovation project in mind, this app will help you calculate how much it’ll cost. Simply create a project and enter the cost of labour, materials and other expenses—there’s even a feature to include taxes—to come up with a budget. Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, you can use this tool to compare quotes from contractors to see if they’re overcharging.

 

Ensuring the best quality of life at home starts with choosing the right Kelowna real estate. At Quincy Vrecko & Associates, we take the time to match your lifestyle needs and budget to find your ideal home.