With both utopian ideals and a love of the past, Robert Inwood moved into BC’s Kootenays and changed them forever.

One of the pleasures of country living is heading into town, where in a few hours you can restock the shelves, meet a friend for coffee and catch up on the local gossip before returning to your private space. In British Columbia’s Kootenays, a number of charming historic towns dot the landscape, a counterpoint to the beautiful lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. Robert Inwood, who has lived near Slocan Lake for more than 35 years, can take a lot of credit for this appealing situation.

Written by Michael Kluckner.