A village described as a “time capsule of yesteryear” that offers a step back in time has gone on sale for $2.3m CAD (£1.3 million).
Edelweiss Village, located in British Columbia, Canada, was once home to Swiss guides who helped tourists find their way around the peaks of the iconic Rocky Mountains.
As a way to make the mountaineers feel at home, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to construct a Swiss-style village that featured cosy chalets with unbeatable views.
Built between 1910 and 1912, the village was named after the mountain flower, Edelweiss, which is a plant that is seen as the symbol of the Alps.
Across 50 acres of land are six spacious homes nestled within the busy woodlands and rocky hills, which overlook the town of Golden and Columbia Valley.
Each home is named after the guides that once lived there, as well as 15 peaks in the Rocky Mountains, such as Hasler Peak named after mountaineer Christian Hasler.
Although remoteness may appeal to people looking to live a life of peace and quiet, this caused some issues for the guides and their families.
Sadly, as it became increasingly difficult to access amenities, the guides slowly moved to the town of Golden, which left the village void of residents.
Preserved original signage still decorates the exteriors of some homes and offers a reminder of the town’s origins, as well as the notable aesthetics that each home has to offer.
One chalet features an intricately carved wooden trim, textured exterior and two happy sunflowers just below the roof.
Another house, which is one of the largest in the village, wasn’t built until 1978 and offers a modern take on the typical chalet found in the area.
Across 3,400 sq ft, the home is situated on a flat piece of land surrounded by woodland and offers a step back in time.
Since its construction, it appears that no work has been carried out on the interior and despite a few modern kitchen appliances, the two-story property features floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, retro shag-pile carpets and antique furnishings.
However, one of the best-kept chalets in the village has been around since the beginning and was owned by Walter Feuz until 1984, after that family descendants remained on the property.
Feuz’s family have preserved the home beautifully, to the point where it remains in the same condition as it was all those years ago.
Inside, the kitchen has been left in perfect condition and features 1970s style brown and mustard flooring, white cabinets and heavily patterned wallpaper.
In the bedroom, floral bedding and vintage deep-wood cabinets accent the brown and blue flooring and appear completely untouched – as if he’s just stepped out of the room.
Featuring nostalgic memorabilia, such as family photos, trinkets and furnishings, the home offers a snapshot into the life of a talented adventurer.
From stunning woodwork, to carved staircases, as well as wood and coal fireplaces and striking wallpapers, the interiors of these homes are something to admire.
Although these homes offer up a time capsule into the lives once lived, some of the homes will need some work to bring them back to life, with restoration being essential.
However, each home has received updated plumbing, heating and electrics over the years, which should help take the pressure off renovation works.
Brittany Newman, the director of the Golden Museum, hopes that the prospective buyer of this charming village will preserve the chalets and perhaps open the area as a local tourism attraction.
Just a stone’s throw away from some of Canada’s top ski slopes and hiking routes, this investment is a must for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
For $2.3m CAD (£1.3 million), the charming properties and surrounding area are being sold off as a package and are currently listed with RE/MAX of Golden.
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