Paradise Found – The Lake House at Quails’ Gate

Looking for the perfect luxury getaway? I have a suggestion! The Lake House at Quails’ Gate will satisfy your every desire be it the fabulous gourmet kitchen, the decadent ensuite bath with its soaker tub and separate steam shower, the cozy robes or the air conditioned comfort.

We spent the best days away having a mini vacation at The Lake House and came away relaxed and refreshed. Everything you could want is included in this well appointed four bedroom lakefront home. Amenties are five star hotel quality. We loved the toiletries supplied by the Lavender Farm and the rainshower with plush towels, and robes in every bedroom.

A trip to the local Kelowna farmers market (every Wednesday and Saturday) where we loaded up on the freshest fruits and vegetables, a stop at nearby fish market and butcher shops and we were set. There is so much room in the enormous kitchen that we could easily navigate with two or more cooks at one time. A top of the line six burner gas range with double ovens, commercial size refrigerator/freezer and quiet Bosch dishwasher, espresso machine, kettle, toaster and enough pots and pans for the biggest crowd made creating innovative meals a breeze. We loved to spend time hanging around the island bar enjoying conversation over a morning coffee. The outdoor patio space with it’s lush landscaping beckoned us to sit down, share a meal and savour the moment.

Ours was a three generation family visit and the house was just perfect for a group. Plush beds with quality down bedding were so comfortable we slept like a dream under high vaulted ceilings with swirling fans keeping us cool during the warm summer nights. Mornings started early with the sun streaming through the windows offering cascading views of the gardens and lake just steps away. Not an early riser? No worries that’s covered too, the windows had blackout drapes for those of us that didn’t greet the day with quite as much gusto as others.

The children took full advantage of the lake right at our doorstep as they clambered down the wharf and dove or jumped into the cool water. The wharf is equipped with a boat lift and has plenty of room to dock a boat if cruising the lake is on your agenda.

When we managed to get the kids out of the lake they spent hours playing croquet and bocce on the lawn just steps from the lower patio with outdoor seating under a large umbrella where the adults could supervise the activities. The kids also appreciated the “treasure chest” of toys which included, among other toys, squirt guns and slip ‘n slides.

The days were long and relaxing and we often retired to the living room with its floor to ceiling stone fireplace anchoring the comfortably elegant space. With the cozy leather sofa and chairs we snuggled in for a glass of wine. How convenient that the living room features a wine bar with wine fridge, an assortment of Reidel wine glasses and even a wineglass dishwasher for our convenience. The best part? The wine fridge and wine bar were stocked with an assortment of Quails’ Gate wines. There was a wine list and all of the wines were set at winery prices.

We loved having our own private “happy hour” after an active day. We found the wine bar to be a great advantage. It’s possible to prepay prior to your visit and have the wine bar stocked with a guest’s favourite Quails’ Gate wines in advance of their stay. Wines in the wine bar are for sale whether you’ve customized or enjoying the selection provided. There is a wine list with prices so you know what you’re paying.

Dinner was al fresco and prepared nightly on the huge bbq just steps away from the kitchen. Those of us whose services were not needed in the kitchen relaxed in the outdoor living space under the portico that turned magical later in the evening with the addition of low lighting and the starry sky.

Relaxing in the hot tub was another popular pastime and was in demand post lake swimming and after the kiddies had gone off to bed.

Every day was heavenly and we truly hated to leave. Everyone agreed we have to go back again next year, our time spent at the Lake House was that wonderful.

The practical side: the main house has four spacious bedrooms, three of which have views out to the grounds and lake, the fourth bedroom is on the side that does not get the morning sun so is great for those that like to sleep in. The fourth bedroom is also semi-ensuite sharing the main bathroom. The “Master” bedroom has a king size bed, a private terrace with view onto the lake and gardens. There is a two piece powder room off the foyer and living room. The house is air conditioned so always comfortable. If the mornings or evening are cool the living room has a gas fireplace to take off the chill. Although we ate outside for every meal there is a round dining table that expands to gargantuan proportions. There are two huge glass sliding doors that open the kitchen to the outdoors.

I can’t think of another thing we needed, it was all there including a fully equipped laundry room with washer and dryer, iron and ironing board. Towels for the lake and hot tub are provided and stored in the laundry room for easy access. Cool tile floors in the kitchen and hallways felt so good when we came inside. The hallway had low lighting with an automated sensor – no scrambling for a light switch in the dark.

Our group included four adults and two children plus two additional adults who joined us for one night so the four bedrooms in the main house were ideal for us. If you have a larger group (the Lake House sleeps up to 12) there is an adjoing suite with one bedroom, living room with sofa bed, bathroom and kitchenette. The suite would make the ideal spot for older children, teens or young adults who want their own space. Lots of off street parking space too.

The homes are both available for bookings year-round and I think it would be great to spend holidays and to spend time during ski season. All of the onsite experiences at the Winery operate year-round  so guests can enjoy the full winery experience at any time of year and in the off-season the tasting experience in particular is much more intimate with more one-on-one time with their sommeliers and tasting room staff. Guests can check availability online via the website, but starting in October there is lots of availability for both properties.

The Lake House can be booked for small private events with catering options available from Old Vines Restaurant. This summer the Lake House hosted an impromptu wedding we the venue that was originally booked became unavailable at the last minute. Quails’ Gate stepped up and saved the day. Here are the links to the impromptu wedding they hosted this summer: Kelowna Now Article |  CBC Article Although weddings are no longer hosted on the Quails’ Gate main property, they can accommodate smaller ceremonies such as this 50-person wedding at the Lake House.

If you wish you can arrange dinner at the Lake House catered by Old Vines Restaurant be it a family affair or an intimate dinner on the patio. Concierge services are available  and can be pre-arranged for you. Restaurant reservations, private tours and tastings, water toys, shuttle services, you name it they can make it happen.

The main portion of the Lake House is 4-bedrooms and a loft and can sleep up to 10 guests. The suite can house an extra 4 people.

The Nest can sleep up to 7 with 3 bedrooms and a pull-out couch. The 3^rd bedroom is really suitable for children with two single beds.

The best way to get information on availability and submit date inquiries is via the website in the Stay section at https://www.quailsgate.com/stay/.