Long known as a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, the Inland Northwest is exactly the kind of idyllic vacation destination families have quietly been traveling to for generations. Its pristine lakes, rambling rivers, quaint towns and lush mountainsides have played host to generations of vacationing families and scores of adventurous souls.

Until recently, the Northwestern mountain-lake community of Sandpoint, Idaho, has been a well-kept secret — but the word is out.

Robb Report’s Vacation Homes edition has named Idaho “the hottest state in the West.” National Geographic Adventurer magazine called Sandpoint, Idaho, “the place to live and play, now.” And USA Today recently described Sandpoint as “a Norman Rockwell-Meets-Ansel Adams Classic, brought to life every day.”

And as news of the region’s rustic yet beautiful surroundings spreads, a world-class retreat is beginning to emerge — a luxury community called The Idaho Club.

Located less than 50 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, and only 90 minutes from Spokane, Wash., this unspoiled escape is rapidly taking shape. From Lodge Homes to mountain estates, each of the community’s homesites will offer unique views above the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course highlights an array of five-star amenity offerings for the whole family.

The perfect blend of serenity and adventure, The Idaho Club lifestyle introduces an extraordinary opportunity to live well indoors and out, while exploring the surrounding environment and celebrating family, friends, and community — all in one of the most pristine mountain-lake settings in the country.

Outdoor living

The Idaho Club, which sits tucked in the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, seems an impossible secret with its access to unprecedented four-season recreation, spectacular mountain vistas and lakefront living — all amid the surprising cultural sophistication of Sandpoint, Idaho: population 7,500.

In the winters, nearby Schweitzer Mountain provides more than 2,900 acres of snow-covered ski slopes. Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, and is one of the premier winter resorts in the Northwest, famous for its massive bowls and breathtaking views. The Pacific Maritime climate brings snowfall levels that not uncommonly exceed those in other western ski areas. And in recent years, Schweitzer has earned a number of notable accolades including Sunset magazine’s “best ski resorts in the West” and one of the “top 10 undiscovered ski spots” by MSNBC.
But the best is yet to come at this stunning and widely lauded area.

A $10 million on-mountain improvement plan is well underway, with two new ski lifts expected to be
ready and operational in time for the 2007-08 ski season. Not only will the new lifts increase total uphill capacity for the mountain, they are expected to cut ride times almost
in half.

The summer months lend themselves to equally abundant access to outdoor amenities at The Idaho Club. The community’s sandy beach and casual dining restaurant will invite hours of outdoor living on the lake. The Lake Club marina will provide a spot for members to dock their boats and spend the afternoon at the lakefront Beach Club, with its sweeping waterfront vistas set against the dramatic backdrop of several surrounding mountain ranges. A private floatplane, docked at the north end of the Lake Club, will be accessible to Idaho Club members, as will boat storage, a pool and tennis court.

Along with paved bike paths, scenic hiking trails and the kayak-friendly Pack River, outdoor enthusiasts are ensured access to year-round entertainment all just minutes away.

Club amenities

For those seeking indulgence and expecting extraordinary service, The Idaho Club will not disappoint. The Club Spa and Fitness Center is one of the amenities planned for the Town Center. The spacious Lodge, which is open for business and bustling with activity, features fresh local dishes and delightful selections from regional wineries in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
Along with private party facilities, entertaining at The Idaho Club is designed to be an extraordinary experience.

Best of all, perhaps, The Idaho Club is being designed with families in mind, and for children of all ages. Game rooms and lounge areas will entertain older kids, while Kids Camp activities will cater to younger children, offering a variety of exciting and adventurous activities — from learning to sail and cook to fly fishing and golf classes — all provided by highly qualified activity directors.

For the grown-ups, cooking classes, wine tutorials and fitness programs are sure to be popular activities.
And of course, the crowning amenity will be the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, which offers an exceptional level of play amid a stunning natural environment.

Access to all of the club’s amenities will be made all the more easy with an on-site concierge who can arrange everything from a spa day to an off-site rafting trip.

Now that Sandpoint has been discovered, it’s no wonder people can’t stop talking about it. The town has an artistic flair that creates an atmosphere that is every bit as hip as it is welcoming.
Nicklaus Magazine aptly described Sandpoint in a recent feature story, calling the town “a way more laid-back, uncrowded Tahoe.”

When coupled with the sheer variety of activities and amenities available at The Idaho Club, it’s enough to make anyone stop for a second look at this newly emerging
first-class luxury community.