Do you believe in fate?

We visited Penticton last winter to look for a condominium for possible relocation. We had been looking at a business opportunity and had scouted some local MLS listings so we were somewhat familiar with the area. In particular we had seen some condos with pictures of vineyards that we presumed the condos would overlook. Boy were we wrong.

Needless to say the downtown condominiums were not what we had in mind so we started touring and for some reason we ended up on the Naramata road. We followed the road out past many wineries, which caught my wife's attention, and started to see ,with some frequency, signs for Stonebrook Benchlands. We followed the winding route and ended up at the presentation site where we were welcomed by Teresa Karpowich.
My first question, after exchanging pleasantries was, "Where are the condominiums?" To which she replied, " Sorry Mr. Wood, there are no condos in this development?" Well we had come this far so why not take a look at the development. We looked at the plans and the graphics and before you knew it, we were touring the whole site. Incredible!!!!!!!!!

Before entering education and becoming a principal, I was a successful realtor in Calgary. This previous training made me curious and had me asking questions and searching for information on the net long before I arrived in Naramata.
Even at the airport,while making small talk with the car rental agency folks, I asked the kind lady if you could live anywhere in the Penticton area, where would you choose? Without hesitation she said Naramata. At a convenience store I posed the same question and again the answer was Naramata. Our dear friends in Vancouver also suggested in looking at property in Naramata. We made a note of that but still had no other information on this Naramata.

Teresa showed us the development and we gravitated to two lots, 23 and 16. Lot 16 was previously conditionally sold but had just come back on the market. Surprisingly enough our flight number was 16, our room number at the hotel was 16, our rental car was parked in space 16 and our baggage claim number was 16. Numerology, who believes in that?
We sat with Teresa an enjoyed a glass of fine wine, deliberated and headed back to Kelowna where we were staying. The next day we traveled back to Naramata and again prevailed upon Teresa for more information. She was terrific !!

There are times in life when you know that you need to act without hesitation and that without question it's the right decision to make. My wife and I have had two such significant experiences together, one was the purchase of our current home and now property in Naramata. We looked at each other and knew this was the place we wanted to live.
But before we made such a huge commitment, we took the time to meet with a local builder and tour Skaha Lake, as they suggested this is also an area to explore. We spent the afternoon in the Skaha Lake district and saw many lots and houses being constructed, but it just didn't have the same feel as Naramata. We were leaving the next day so in the morning we found ourselves, once again, heading back to Naramata.

It was that scenic and peaceful trip out to Naramata that sealed our future. It just felt right, we were at home. This time though we went into the village and explored its offerings. Its quaintness and friendliness had a calming influence and we felt comfortable at the local pub where we had a delicious lunch. We struck up a number of conversations, enjoyed a quiet lunch with a few locals who were extremely friendly.
After lunch and just before leaving I told the few to "Save my seat, I'll be back in three years", to which all replied, " You bet, we'll see you soon".

Naramata is a place where life will move at our pace and the countryside and lake views will envelop and invigorate us. This is truly a dream that will come true for my dear wife and me. kw