Today, thanks to the visionary leadership of the town's governing body, this pristine hamlet of just over 14,000 is carrying on the tradition by setting an example of how to respect the environment now and in the future. At the core of Sustainable Okotoks is a vision to live within the carrying capacity of the Sheep River.

The new environmentally conscious community of Drake Landing is no exception.

With its solar homes and mandate to conserve water, this community is turning heads across the country.

Although the community is still in its infancy, future plans include feature pathways, a church, soccer fields, and a pond. Established schools are within walking distance and a recreation center is just down the street. The main street of Okotoks is minutes away with its myriad of quaint stores and restaurants.

"I love it here," says Monica Sorge, Area Manager for Landmark Homes, one of the prestigious builders in Drake Landing. "There is a real sense of community, lots of fresh air and it is an easy 18 km commute to Calgary. I can be downtown in half an hour with the new Deerfoot extension."

Nestled atop a hill in the north end of town, Drake Landing is not only an environmentalist's dream, but is also an artist's haven. Imagine magnificent unobstructed views of mountain peaks rising in the distance, amidst a majestic natural setting devoid of skyscrapers and the dirty yellow haze of smog. This stunning backdrop provides the creative forum for Landmark Homes' new estate show home, The Versailles IV. The initial impression of this 2481 square foot, three-bedroom home instills a feeling of well-bred gentility. The welcoming Tudor façade leads into a dramatic 18-foot high foyer. Setting the tone for elegance and refinement, a four-foot wide staircase with curved banisters detailed in dark maple and wrought iron ascends to the upper level. It is a sculpted work of art from which the rest of the home extends. "People are just enamored with the front entrance and staircase," says Sorge.

Dark birch hardwood creates a visual thread through out the open concept main floor. The home's flow is enhanced by a warm chocolate wall palette and nutmeg stained cabinetry accented by teal feature walls.

The kitchen is a gourmand's dream with a great feel - a wonderful place for family and friends to hang out and enjoy some culinary pleasures.

Nutmeg stained maple cabinetry extends to the ceiling offering tons of storage and creating a polished look that is complemented by the stainless steel appliances, dark granite counters and full height ceramic tile backsplash. A center island broadens into an elegant eating counter.

Puck lighting abounds adding depth and atmosphere to the room.

Upstairs, adjacent to the bedroom area, an open concept bonus room boasts a vaulted cathedral style ceiling and huge windows, designed to make the most of the beautifully picturesque mountain vistas. A lovely window bench borders the full length of the wall, offering a spectacular spot to sit and contemplate or read that best seller.

In keeping with the area's environmental mandate, the home features low flow faucets, insulated water lines, water barrels outside for watering flowers, a front load washer and an energy efficient dishwasher.

What really makes this home spectacular is the details. Extras like frosted French doors, arched wall detailing, recessed feature wall shelving, and built-ins galore propel this home to another level.

Sorge says that Landmark will definitely customize any of their estate home designs.

"We have home plans from 1800 square feet and up and we have a variety of really great lots - everything from ridge lots to pie shaped and walk-out," says Sorge. Landmark offers a two-year builder's warranty as well as the ten-year Alberta New Home Warranty. "A lot of people find comfort in that," says Sorge.

Homes plus lot and GST start in the $290,000s. NHS