Some homes are simply built. Others are created over decades, shaped by family, lifestyle, and the land itself.
4511 Crawford Road is one of those rare properties.
Its story began in 2002 when the current owners found out they were expecting their first child. At the time they were living in a lakefront condo in Kelowna, but like many growing families, they started dreaming of something more — space, privacy, and a place to raise a family close to the water they loved.
Having lived in Kelowna for over 30 years, the owner had grown up fishing the lakes and working in the orchards that define the Okanagan landscape. The dream was simple but ambitious: find a property that combined acreage, orchard life, lake views, and direct lake access.
It seemed almost impossible — until one evening when a chance conversation with a friend revealed a property that checked every box.
4.2 acres of apple orchard
2200 sq ft home
Lake view
Lake access
1000 sq ft workshop
It was the start of something special.
Growing a Family — and a Property
Over the next two decades, this property evolved alongside the family that called it home.
Their daughter grew up here, attending Oyama Traditional School and later George Elliot Secondary, enjoying the kind of childhood that’s becoming increasingly rare — one surrounded by nature, community, and lake life.
Oyama itself is one of the Okanagan’s hidden gems. A tight‑knit lakeside community where neighbours know each other by name and the local corner store doubles as the post office and liquor store. Community hall events, beach days, and orchard harvests are all part of the rhythm of life here.
But the real magic happened as the owners began transforming the property into their ultimate vision.
Expanding the Dream
The first addition came above the workshop.
With the District of Lake Country introducing an Agri‑Tourism zoning amendment, the owners added a second‑floor carriage home. While it could easily function as a short‑term rental, they chose to use it primarily as a private guest home for family and friends — a place where visitors could enjoy the property and lake lifestyle.
Next came a second workshop building with a mezzanine behind the original two‑bay garage. With soaring ceilings designed to accommodate car hoists, it became the perfect space for automotive hobbies, while the mezzanine evolved into a games room where friends and family gather after long summer days on the lake.
But the largest transformation was still to come.
A 3,000 sq ft addition was built onto the main home, designed to accommodate both their immediate family and large extended gatherings.
Every detail reflected a commitment to quality:
- Hardwood flooring throughout
- Custom cabinetry
- Quartz countertops
- Heated ceramic tile floors
- A stunning outdoor kitchen with Dekton countertops
The result is a home that blends luxury living with relaxed Okanagan lifestyle — ideal for entertaining, family gatherings, and lakefront living.
When the Rail Trail Changed Everything
For years, the waterfront portion of the property had been leased from CN Rail, whose train passed twice daily during the workweek.
When rail operations ceased, the District of Lake Country purchased the railway corridor with a vision to transform it into a recreational trail connecting Kelowna to Vernon.
Through negotiations with the District, the owners were able to purchase the 1.5 acres of waterfront they had previously leased.
Overnight, the property expanded to:
5.6 acres of private waterfront land
Over 1000 feet of shoreline
The owners carefully developed the shoreline, creating a welcoming waterfront community by leasing summer recreational spots to close friends and neighbours — while still maintaining over 175 feet of completely private beachfront.
The property now features:
- A private boat launch
- A new dock
- Power and water at the waterfront lots
- Expansive shoreline access
The Rail Trail Lifestyle
Today, the Okanagan Rail Trail runs along the waterfront just steps from the bottom of the driveway.
This incredible trail stretches more than 50 kilometres from Kelowna to Vernon, offering some of the most scenic walking and cycling in British Columbia.
From the property you can:
- Walk about 30 minutes north to the community boat launch and dog park
- Walk about 45 minutes south to Ribbleworth Falls
- Bike for hours along lakeside paths and vineyard landscapes
Despite having one of the Okanagan’s most beloved trails at your doorstep, the property’s layout maintains remarkable privacy.
The home sits high on the acreage, hidden from the trail and shoreline, while the waterfront sits below the trail corridor — meaning you rarely see or hear anyone from either vantage point.
It’s the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility.
Two Lakes, Endless Adventure
Wood Lake is one of the Okanagan’s best lakes for:
- Fishing
- Surfing
- Wakeboarding
- Tubing
- Paddleboarding
But the adventure doesn’t stop there.
From the property you can boat directly through the Oyama canal into Kalamalka Lake, widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada thanks to its incredible turquoise water and dramatic cliffs.
From cliff diving to exploring hidden bays, Kalamalka offers a completely different lake experience — and it’s all accessible by boat in minutes.
And for a perfect Okanagan evening, cruise across the lake for dinner at Turtle Bay Pub, one of the region’s most iconic waterfront restaurants.
Few homes offer this kind of true lake‑to‑lake boating lifestyle.
Privacy, Nature, and Adventure in Every Direction
Beyond the lake, the property backs onto vast backcountry wilderness.
Within minutes you’ll find:
- Remote fishing lakes
- ATV and horseback trails
- Mountain biking terrain
- Backcountry lodges
It’s the kind of setting that makes you feel far removed from the world, yet you’re still only a short drive from both Kelowna and Vernon.
A Property That Could Never Be Recreated
Properties like this rarely come to market.
5.6 acres
Over 1000 feet of waterfront
Private dock and boat launch
Orchard acreage
Multiple workshops and guest accommodations
Direct access to the Okanagan Rail Trail
Boating access to two of the Okanagan’s most iconic lakes
4511 Crawford Road isn’t just a home.
It’s a lifestyle property decades in the making — a place where orchard living, waterfront recreation, and community come together in one of the most special corners of the Okanagan.
And now, for the first time in over twenty years, its story is ready for its next chapter.
