The deal was signed earlier this month between Acorn Communities Ltd., the developer, and Sunset Ranch Golf Developments Ltd., owner of the 18-hole championship golf course located in the Ellison area, 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Ue started negotiations on this property development last November and consumated the deal on July 6, said Greg Bird, president of Acorn Communities Ltd.

„tô a $30-million deal for the real estate and to add the housing multiple value to that, you can triple it.

The townhouses will start at $200,000 and the detached single family houses at $250,000.

Bird said holes six, seven and eight are being revised in order to accommodate the first phase of the 36-home project and to maximize the golf course lot frontage. They hope to have buyers moving into their new homes by next fall.

Bird said there are 30 investors already on a waiting list who have expressed an interest in the development. The community is designed along the same lines as the golf course housing community built around the Gallagherô Canyon golf courses.

Ue anticipate it having a subtle, southwestern theme fitting our climate and proper landscaping so it will look nice in the winter, he said.

The major selling point, appealing to golfers and non-golfers alike, will be the unimpeded panoramic view over the Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Lake, Duck Lake and the Kelowna city lights at night.

„tô on a hillside so everyone gets a view.ÿ/p>

Bird said it will take a number of years to develop the entire site, but Acorn felt the fundamentals were right to start a project like this in Kelowna.

He added that itô a popular misconception that housing developments built around golf courses only interest buyers who are golfers.