For Kelly Wilcox and her partner, two decades of city life in Calgary had reached its peak. After ten years in a spacious single-family home in the northwest community of Evanston, the constant hustle and bustle spurred a desire for change. The couple, avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fly fishing and long walks with their Labradoodle, Artoo, yearned for a quieter, low-maintenance home with direct access to nature and mountain views.
The Search for a Nature-Filled Retreat
Their search initially focused on Calgary's southwest, but a targeted social media advertisement altered their course. An ad for the River Pointe project in Cochrane caught their eye, leading them to an open house. The visit was transformative. "We fell in love with the location, the view and the layout," says Wilcox. They discovered the River Pointe Towns, a limited release of only 14 townhomes arranged in four small blocks. This collection is part of Renova's award-winning River Pointe Villa project, a boutique riverside community of 33 homes located in Cochrane's established Riversong neighbourhood on the south side.
Melanie Law, area sales manager for Renova Homes, describes the architectural style as timeless and quietly upscale. "It's timeless and quietly upscale — clean lines, warm materials and large windows to capture light and views," Law says. The design features sweeping angled rooflines and dark earth tones that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, creating a cohesive and elevated streetscape alongside the villas.
Thoughtful Design and Unbeatable Location
What sealed the deal for Wilcox was the intelligent design. She was particularly impressed by the generous storage and clever use of space in the floor plan. "The floor plan is very thoughtful and we actually have views of the river from all three floors," she notes, adding that the value for the price point was unmatched compared to similar options in Calgary.
The couple purchased an end-unit Hillcrest model, a two-storey, three-bedroom design that is one of the 14 available townhomes. The home boasts over 1,900 square feet of living space, featuring large windows that flood the interior with light, a huge deck overlooking the river valley and Cochrane Hill, and an underdrive double-car garage. Standard luxury finishes include built-in appliances, high-end cabinetry, quartz countertops, built-in wood closet shelving, 10-foot ceilings, and gas fireplaces. An optional fourth bedroom and ensuite can be incorporated into the lower-level floor plan.
Cochrane's Small-Town Charm Proves Irresistible
Exploring the Town of Cochrane finalized their decision. Located just 20 minutes from Calgary and nestled in the foothills, Cochrane offered the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. "Cochrane was really calling to us. It has such a small-town feel. Everything that we need is here," Wilcox explains. The proximity to the Bow River pathways, which are literally at their doorstep, along with easy access to downtown Cochrane, the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, and quick routes to Canmore, presented an unparalleled lifestyle.
Melanie Law emphasizes the project's prime location. "The location is definitely unbeatable — steps to the Bow River pathways, minutes to... downtown Cochrane and an easy hop to Calgary or Canmore. It's tucked away, yet central." For Wilcox and her partner, the move represents more than a new home; it's the realization of a nature-filled retreat next to fly-fishing heaven and scenic riverside pathways, offering the peaceful, active lifestyle they had been seeking.
