Recently, Dean Jones of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, George Liu and Kevin Corbett of Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty toured the Greater Victoria area in British Columbia. Just moments from departing aboard their Kenmore Air seaplane flight, the trio caught a glimpse of VAVA II – a 315-foot super yacht moored in South Lake Union, which may be a harbinger to the global wealth that is descending upon the Pacific Northwest of late.
PICTURED ABOVE: The 315-foot VAVA II dwarfs the other boats in Lake Union while an inspiring view of downtown Seattle is afforded from the Kenmore Air floatplane.
First stop was James Island, BC, a matchless 780-acre private island in the Gulf Islands and just a quick tender ride across from the Port of Sydney north of Victoria. Listed by James LeBlanc and Scott Piercy of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, the $75 million resort-like enclave has too many lifestyle features to list, but is known globally as the only Jack Nicklaus “Signature” golf course in the world.
PICTURED ABOVE: James Island is a 780-acre private island located in the British Columbia island chain known as the Gulf Islands just north of the San Juan Islands in Washington.
PICTURED ABOVE AND BELOW: A “signature” golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus is the only one in the world that exists on a private island – the cost of a round could be $75 million unless you’re an invited guest.
PICTURED ABOVE AND BELOW: The many vistas offered by James Island are enveloped by natural beauty, yet modern amenities are available just 15 minutes across the channel to Vancouver Island.
PICTURED ABOVE: Dean Jones and George Liu stand on the 1st hole fairway of James Island – in the distance is the pool house, just one of the many out buildings on the 780-acre estate.
“There’s simply no other offering like this in the world and it’s just a quick 45-minute seaplane ride from downtown Seattle,” said Jones. “Whether it’s acquired as a family heirloom or a corporate retreat, James Island is a listing that symbolizes what our brand was founded upon – representing world-class properties that are in a category of one.”
PICTURED ABOVE: Bear Mountain is comprised of two Jack Nicklaus golf courses, a Westin Hotel and a myriad of multifamily and single-family residences just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria in the municipality of Langford.
Next, the delegation met with Dan Matthews, President & CEO of Ecoasis Developments LLC – the owner and operator of Bear Mountain in Victoria, BC, Kadenwood in Whistler, BC and Hualalai in Hawaii – each community singular in its market segment and like no other in the world.
PICTURED ABOVE AND BELOW: A tour of Bear Mountain revealed the potential for a thousand or more residential units, a commercial center and other lifestyle attributes, which brokers believe will attract both local and increasingly, international consumers.
After reviewing development plans and discussing global marketing, the group was treated to an early round of golf with a brief intermission to enjoy the wine cellar.
ABOVE AND BELOW: Host Dan Matthews treated his guests to a round of golf, a grand tour of the property and a wine tasting showcasing the many lifestyle facets that are offered at Bear Mountain.
Before returning home to Seattle, Scott Piercy – a top-selling broker in the Victoria marketplace – toured his guests through his new office located in the famous Empress Hotel and visited a record-setting penthouse sale overlooking the beautiful Victoria Harbor. The team learned about exciting plans for redeveloping a nearby tract of land, which is being redefined by Bosa Properties as they sell their Promontory at Bayview Place.
PICTURED ABOVE: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada recently opened a flagship branch location in the Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria.
The delegation discussed ways to showcase the broader Pacific Northwest marketplace including offerings in Victoria, Vancouver and throughout the Seattle/Bellevue metro area as the Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty office ramps up.
PICTURED ABOVE AND BELOW: Victoria Harbor (above) and South Lake Union (below) offer similar lifestyle attributes and brokers believe the Capital City of British Columbia could soon experience a development boom of its own.
Upon returning home to Seattle, no less than eight tower cranes were immediately seen illustrating that tremendous growth and prosperity of the area.
“How fortunate are we to be living in this thriving economy with such immediate access to so many lifestyle destinations that surround us,” ponders Jones. “It’s not surprising our marketplace is registering on the radar of so many major corporations, relocating professionals and international buyers alike.”