On the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounded by three mountain ranges lies Sandpoint, an emerging luxury real estate market that has been developing since 2020.
Home to Schweitzer, Idaho’s largest ski resort, the picturesque area is known for its natural beauty, charm, and thriving creative and culinary scene.
We talked to Paul Reizen, a broker and the owner of PureWest, about the up-and-coming destination and several upscale properties for sale there. Reizen’s Sandpoint-based agency is part of Christie’s International Real Estate network.
“The properties we have in the luxury arena are spectacular, from waterfront mansions and ski chalets to ranches. I love having the ability to showcase these magnificent estates,” says Reizen.
Paul ReizenBroker / Owner of PureWest Christie’sYou don’t come to Sandpoint to be seen but to be forgotten and pampered in nature’s raw beauty. The town’s premium services are expanding year by year, yet at the moment, most wealthy buyers are more interested in the private nature of the community. Some buyers invest in the future of Sandpoint: with more affluent tourists visiting the town, we expect development in amenities like hotels, restaurants, and exclusive recreational activities.
paul@purewestid.com 
+1 (208) 610-1486 Discover Sandpoint: Idaho’s Hidden Gem
Sandpoint truly is a four-season destination, with the largest and arguably most scenic lake in Idaho, plus world-class skiing on Schweitzer Mountain. Unlike other resorts, there’s still a small-town feel, uncrowded ski slopes, and affordable deluxe estates.
“Despite our amenities, Sandpoint is typically more affordable than Coeur d’Alene, Sun Valley, and the Seattle-area recreational towns.”
Unique Properties & Year-Round Activities
Most of PureWest’s clients are drawn to the raw beauty and activities Sandpoint offers. The town may be small, but it boasts all manner of things to do, including golfing, boating, sledding, hunting, fishing, biking, and more. In winter, take off in the backcountry on a private ski excursion, and come summertime, hit the water and cruise the expansive Lake Pend Oreille.
After a long search, Reizen and his team secured a 100-acre plus ranch on the river – “the ideal choice for a buyer seeking something unique and private”.
Sandpoint’s Rising Appeal
Like many emerging high-end markets, Reizen saw a strong surge in buyers during the Covid years. “Many of those purchasers bought raw land and have now built big homes on the water or by the mountains,” he says. The result? “An increase in the number of upmarket residences in the area.”
In terms of buying or investing, it depends on where in Sandpoint and the amount of land you’re looking for. Waterfront properties go for anything from $2 million to $10 million plus. That being said, Schweitzer Mountain still has some great deals under $1 million, but most luxury condos and houses are over $2 million. Large, good acreage can still be found for under $2 million, but also goes for much higher, depending on the location.
Alongside that, Sandpoint awaits a few upcoming high-end developments that could impact the luxury real estate market. For example, the Averill Hospitality Group, which developed Whitefish Lodge in Montana, is starting construction on an upscale waterfront hotel Downtown.
Top Picks from PureWest
Now, let’s tour a trio of superb Sandpoint properties marketed by PureWest, from a waterfront mansion and a duplex apartment to a pair of lots with potential galore.
816 Ponderesa Ranch, Sagle
Price: $8,950,000
Sub area: Sagle, West
This Caribou Creek waterfront log home has six bedrooms and five bathrooms, spans 7,748 square feet, and sits on a plot of 5.1 acres of prime Pend Oreille River land. A rare find indeed, the striking home showcases outstanding craftsmanship and is surrounded by natural beauty.
Inside, take in the centerpiece: A capacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. Noteworthy features range from custom hickory cabinets, a master with vaulted ceilings, two walk-in closets and a hydro tub, and a loft that could be turned into a gym or house extra guests.
Outside, it’s equally impressive, with full landscaping, a Passion swim spa, a beach with imported Olympic volleyball sand, two outdoor showers, and a pavilion.
Gardening fans will appreciate the state-of-the-art greenhouse, children will adore the custom-built play structures, and boat lovers will enjoy the large dock. Security and privacy are kept in mind, with over 30 commercial-grade cameras.
124 Village Lane #418, Schweitzer Mountain
Price: $2,300,000
Sub area: Schweitzer
Covering 1,313 square feet and with three bedrooms and bathrooms, this top-floor two-story condo boasts ski-in/out access. Enviably positioned in Schweitzer in the area’s newest luxury complex – 5 Needles at White Pine Lodge – the impressive unit has never been lived in.
With two levels of windows, there are exceptional outlooks from every room, plus a patio outside to admire Lake Pend Oreille, the Cabinet Mountains, and Sandpoint from. Back inside, the kitchen has premium appliances, including a Fisher & Paykel induction range and a bespoke cabinet-faced refrigerator and dishwasher.
Make your way to the living room and take in the emission-free vapor fireplace, before wandering through the full-amenity bedrooms. Residents enjoy access to communal spa pools, a fitness facility, private underground parking, lockers, and an owner’s lounge. What’s more, you’re just moments from Schweitzer’s restaurants, bars, shops, and ski lifts. Indeed, 5 Needles at White Pine Lodge is a fabulous mountain retreat and a sound investment opportunity.
33/39 Taku Trail, Hope
Price: $3,299,000
Sub area: Hope
Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,633 square feet of space, three words describe this lakeside log retreat in Ellisport Bay: magical, whimsical, and timeless. Built from the ground up in 1989, the tastefully decorated and fully furnished home comes complete with a versatile studio above the two-car garage, a plumbed outdoor space that could be anything from a tea pavilion to a yoga studio, a hidden guest house, and a glamping tent.
Inside, it’s wooden beams and high ceilings all the way, with statement royal blue kitchen units, open-plan living, and floor-to-ceiling windows. On cold days, light up the wood burner. In the garden, check out the built-in BBQ, water-facing deck, and fire pit for cooler evenings.
The plot comes with a pair of docks and 200 feet of waterfront spread across two lots, offering the potential to build another home, if that’s of interest. If not, simply enjoy the expansive woodland grounds and make the most of the scenery, including views of mature cedar groves and the Cabinet Mountains.
Keen to Find out More About Sandpoint?
