Out with the new, in with the old – it sounds odd but has its benefits. 

With the elimination of the HST and the return to the PST and GST, tax on newly constructed homes returns to 5% GST.

As the provincial government transitions from one system to the other, they have introduced a new tax called the BC Transition Tax, which is a 2% sales tax that applies to new homes that are 10% or more complete as of April 1, 2013.

What does this mean for the purchase of a cottage? Good things!  The 12% HST that applied to previous cottage sales is now only 5% GST and 2% Transition Tax; 7% overall and a total savings of 5%

For more information, please call or email us today. 1-877-888-4950 info@CultusLakeCottages.com

Be sure to pick up your free copy of the latest Homes & Land Metro Vancouver to Whistler magazine on news stands now.  The Cottages at Cultus Lake has been featured on the front cover and has been given honest review in the cover story titled, Live Your Legacy (Page 20 – 22).

Click here to view a copy of the online issue.

The word “cabin” has become a Western term used to describe a more impermanent holiday spot that acts more like a shelter or a temporary stop for a family on a journey.  Typically a cabin is found in remote areas of the West, isolated and quite removed from civilization and city life. Its structure is small and simple in design, with just a few rooms within a frame box and normally a pitched roof. Its amenities tend to be more rustic and accommodate things like woodstoves, iceboxes, and propane lanterns. A cabin seems to be more for nature enthusiasts who prefer to spend most of their time exploring the outdoors, and tend to view a cabin as an isolate place of tranquility for their immediate family to enjoy.

The word “cottage” is used more often by Easterners whom for generations have lived the well-established cottage lifestyle.  A cottage describes a more seasonal destination spot, typically located close enough to home but far enough out of the city. Normally found on salt water, cottages tend to be a part of their own rural community with neighbours who know each other’s names and various amenities offering a range of entertainment. Its structure and design is similar to that of a house, modern and well built however smaller in size with usually 2 small bedrooms and areas for hosting guests. It’s a place where people like to entertain friends and family, have outdoor parties, listen to music and spend the day on the water or on their back deck. Time spent at the cottage is generally about having fun and sharing that fun with extended family and friends.

Certainly, these two words have their differences; however, they do share a similarity in that both define a recreational destination full of lasting memories, new experiences and most of all a family legacy.

The Cottages at Cultus Lake maintain the traditional values of cottage living while evolving the established definition of the word “cottage”. Situated on 60 acres of pristine forested land at beautiful Cultus Lake, The Cottages is an impressive gated community that’s worthy of its natural setting and convenient location.  Although a short 90-minute commute from the city it feels like a world apart – so close to home yet beyond expectations. Unique design elements connect the past with the future whilst offering contemporary resort quality amenities alongside traditional cottage living. It’s a place designed to capture imagination, build lasting memories and inspire you to create the ultimate family legacy…just a few ways of how The Cottages at Cultus Lake have built upon the traditional definition of “cottage” whilst upholding the family ideals that have always been associated with the cottage lifestyle.

It’s that time of year again, when owners start fleeing the city and filing into The Cottages to prepare for the summer ahead.  The site of brooms on the front porch and the scent of freshly cut grass is a sign that the season for cottage living has arrived, so here are some eco-friendly tips and tricks to consider adding to your Spring cleaning routine.

Over a long winter it’s normal for the air in your cottage to lose the vivid smells of summer, especially if you haven’t visited in awhile.  Don’t worry, it’s nothing a quick trip to the grocery store can’t fix.

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your choice of citrus fruits (grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, etc.). Steam from the citrus will rejuvenate the air and fill every room with the bright and memorable smells of summer.
• Another simple and natural way to freshen up the air in your cottage is to place canisters of vanilla extract and/or cinnamon throughout your cottage. The result is a refreshing scent of baking, and possibly hunger pangs.

Get those showers, sinks, and tubs sparkling like new with this little known concoction:

• Mix Dawn dish detergent in a squirt bottle with 8-12ounces of white vinegar. Heat the white vinegar for 1 minute in the microwave and add to squirt bottle with Dawn. Slowly shake the bottle back and forth to gently mix. Spray down your bath tubs, showers, and sinks and let soak as long as necessary.

Here’s a great, all natural alternative to traditional glass cleaners:

• Pour ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup of water into a spray bottle.