Plush robes, Egyptian linens and elegant antiques adorn my room at the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch, whilst the scent of aromatherapy oils and fresh flowers swell my senses. The 6,000 square foot log ranch house in British Columbia (Canada) is truly alluring, its high-beamed ceilings, glorious furniture and vintage fabrics extolling all the virtues of a country estate.

The lavish surroundings contrast sharply with my idea of traditional frontier living in the West, but a microcosm of ranches are moving with the times and offering unadulterated indulgence, as opposed to hairshirt campfire camaraderie and a rolled up mattress. Of course, you can ride across the wilderness on some sure-footed horses like the cowgirls of yesteryear, but you’ll be retiring to chic country style accommodations and delighting in gourmet cuisine and fine dining.

An upscale property in Ranch Rider’s portfolio, the Siwash Lake has a steady stream of loyal clients opting to hide away in its private wilderness at 70 Mile House. According to the specialist operator, it is a hybrid born out of the authentic working ranch. One of many exclusive stays, the company is now courting travellers who are unwilling to forego their creature comforts, with opulent stays for the more “de rigueur” of riders.

Combining the virtues of the West and a lifestyle led ambience, Siwash Lake’s hedonistic flavour is readily in demand by city slickers. A chance to leave the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle of the rat race behind – it’s not hard to see why such a pristine country setting is so inviting. In fact, many visitors choose to bring friends and family and hire the boutique ranch as a private sanctuary for special celebrations.

The sense of space at Siwash Lake is invigorating, but this isn’t due to the small number of guests, numbering only 12. Its true appeal stems from the sense of solitude afforded by more than 80,000 acres of unspoilt natural grasslands, forests, lakes and rivers. Quite clearly, John Wayne would have approved.

Even more appealing is Siwash Lake’s commitment to the planet, the solar powered estate recently winning an award from the Hotel Association of Canada for its eco ethos. The owners are also committed to conservation and working in partnership with Duck’s Unlimited Canada so as to enhance the already thriving ecological system. Avid bird watchers can twitch to their hearts content in the lodge’s grounds – a regular haunt for hummingbirds and chickadees. Alternatively, guests can head off on guided nature walks to explore the equally abundant ecosystems, and view biodiversity in wetlands, riparian zones, grasslands and forests.

You don’t have to be a skilled equine enthusiast to enjoy the pursuit of riding, and there are a variety of horses to saddle up with including Arabs, Appaloosas, Morgans, Paints, Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds. The opportunities to explore are limitless with hundreds of trails extending into British Columbia’s Cariboo country – special guided trips unveiling the Bonaparte River, or the breath-taking scenery of Crater Lake and its accompanying waterfalls, accessed via a deep canyon.

The perfect place for those who want to lose themselves in the wilderness, riders are also encouraged to tie up their horse at any point on the trail; perhaps kicking back on a sunny knoll, and breathing in the honeyed scent of clover – the call of a loon, or the gentle hum of gossamer-winged dragon fly carried on the wind.

Ranch Rider is a specialist ranch operator offering over 50 ranch stays covering the US and Canada. The operator’s portfolio includes the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch and several other upscale resort properties.

For further information on the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch, please visit www.ranchrider.com/bcolumbia.asp or call +44 01509 618 811

Text © Siobhan McGeady. Images courtesy of Tion London.