OVER FIVE YEARS AGO, THE NEW BUYER OF THIS PROPERTY, WHO WAS IN THE AREA ON BUSINESS, WAS OVERWHELMINGLY DRAWN TO THE RIVER.
It was forbidden to enlarge the surface area of this house. However, with the height, there was some leeway. Designer Stéphane Fréchette (seen here surrounded by his four dogs) headed up the renovation. He had the ceilings raised as high as possible: 14 feet for the main floor and 23 feet for the second floor. The rhythm of the decor was dictated by an abundance of paned windows and by a bull’s eye illuminating the archway.
Concept and design STÉPHANE FRÉCHETTE, designer for NORDSOUTH. Landscaping ANGEL JARDINS INC. Unistone and stonework ENTREPRISE C.S. BLONDIN. Furniture, artwork, and lamps NORDSOUTH. Carpet INDIPORT
A real gourmet, the owner decided on a fully-equipped kitchen. The marble counters sparkle under the huge chandeliers and a long sink in the centre of the island is practical when lots of people are helping with meal preparation. The silver metal scale – a real attention grabber – is accompanied by an old-fashioned set of weights.
Appliances MEUBLES JC PERREAULT.
The office is unforgetable. Two buddhas silently stand guard – their symmetry imposing order. The guest room is full of treasures picked up on exotic travels, and a bed covered in pillows has hospitality written all over it. Finally, behind the patterned bathroom door is a bathtub carved out of rock – a unique and fascinating piece. Bathtub imported from Mexico, furnishings and sculptures NORDSOUTH
The huge bathroom leads into the master bedroom. The bathtub is set in a magnificent casing of exotic wood, while in the bedroom the white silk bedding softens the walls that are adorned with mirrored tiles. Bathroom furnishings and plumbing fixtures BATIMAT.
The designer envisioned a summer kitchen with an immense dining table, sheltered by an overhanging roof. Beside the river, sofas and chaise lounges invite relaxation. Outside of the house, a garden constructed on many levels, each enclosed by a low stone wall.
Photos: Paul-André Larocque
