When Dayton and Courtney moved to Sarilia last fall, they were eager to embrace the active, outdoor lifestyle the river valley offers. Settling into their new home—complete with stunning sunset views—they’ve made the most of every opportunity to explore the natural beauty right outside their door.
This spring, their love for the outdoors took on a new dimension with the arrival of their baby girl, Andy. Now, as they immerse themselves in Sarilia’s active lifestyle, they’ve begun a new chapter filled with riverside walks, family gatherings and long-term dreams for building a future in this place that already feels like home.
Where were you living before you moved to Sarilia, and what made you decide to move here?
Dayton: We were living in Martensville.
Courtney is from Spiritwood and moved out here for school. I’m from the Martensville area, and we lived there together for awhile. We started looking for a house in the summer of 2023, but we were having trouble finding one. We were unsure about what we were going to do, and then we found out Courtney was pregnant.
Courtney: We wanted something outside the city, because we knew we wanted to raise our kids where they could go to a small-town school. I’m from a small town and I wanted that same experience for my kids.
This house at Sarilia came up for sale and we came to look at it right away.
Dayton: We came to look at it around sunset, and we walked out on the balcony and watched the sun setting over the river—and we were sold.
That was all it took?
Courtney: I would say the view at sunset, and reading the Sarilia blog.
Once we moved in, we went on a walk by the river with friends. Being able to walk along the river trails was super nice.
Dayton: This whole environment at Sarilia was what we were looking for.
We both grew up going to the lake during the summer. My parents have a cabin, so when we came out here, it felt like we were at the cabin—but, we’re close enough to the city that we can still work in Saskatoon. It’s just the best of both worlds.
Courtney: I can work from home now, so that’s nice. (I’m on mat leave now), but next year I’ll be able to go out and work on the deck and take breaks to walk along the river, so that’ll be nice.
What do you both like to do for fun?
Dayton: I like mountain biking, Ju-jitsu, going to the gym and running.
Courtney: I love been with family. We have lots of family out here so I feel like I’m aways spending time with family—and friends. I love anything home decor. I feel like I’m always rearranging our house. I love interior design.
Do you remember how you first heard about Sarilia?
Courtney: We actually came and looked at another house here about 7 years ago.
Dayton: It was along Saskatchewan Road, where you first drive in. But we were younger and it wasn’t really right for us at the time.
Courtney: We’d look at the Sarilia blog a lot. Learning what Sarilia had to offer helped a lot with our decision to move here.
What do your friends and family say about Sarilia when they visit?
Dayton: Everybody mentions how nice it is out here.
Courtney: They all want to move out here (laughs). Dayton’s mom wants to move out here and his parents literally live down the road.
Dayton: They live by Martensville, but my mom says, “Oh, it’s like the lake…it’s like the cabin. It’s the best of both worlds because it’s close to the city.” All of our friends come out to visit us and they absolutely love it.
Courtney: We had a nurse come over in the spring and she said, “I’m going to drive around and try to find myself a house out here.”
Do you have any pets?
Dayton: We don’t but we’re hoping to get a dog once we kind of settle in with the baby.
What was your first summer at Sarilia like?
Dayton: It was a very busy summer for us, but we went for lots of evening walks and met some of our neighbours.
We also had a couple of moose wander through our yard, which was pretty cool.
Were there any learning curves that came with moving to the country?
Dayton: No, not really because I grew up on an acreage, so it was all pretty familiar for me.
Courtney: We were also excited that the bus comes here and picks up the kids so that’ll be nice to have when Andy is school-aged.
Is this a long-term home for your family?
Dayton: We would like to build here eventually. Our house is on the smaller side, so once we have more kids, we’re going to outgrow it. I was telling Courtney, “I want to stay here. I don’t ever want to move away.” When we’re ready for a bigger house, we’ll build a new house here.
Would you want to build on a similar style of lot that you currently have?
Dayton: I like this lot—especially how well treed it is. I’d probably want to stay on this road we’re on and build on a similar lot—sheltered in the trees.
Thank you Dayton and Courtney for taking the time to chat with us!
Nine lots remain on sale at Sarilia—including our only remaining riverfront lot, and one acreage property (2.19 acres). If you’d like to build your dream home in the river valley, contact Vaughn Krywicki today to arrange a tour. The lot sale ends December 15!