Twelve years ago, Lyse and her brother Richard bought this property from Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s father, not knowing it would one day become their home year-round. The magnificent property located in Sainte-Adèle in the very private Domaine Deauville was initially an investment for Lyse and Richard. It has now become a shared dwelling for her, her brother and his wife, as well as their dog. The home has served as an anchor for the family and helped its inhabitants nurture close ties.

“My father would often remind me of how taking on projects with my brother would be the only way to maintain our bond,” Lyse recalls. When her parents passed away, days apart from one another, she decided with her brother Richard to purchase the property, along with the hundred- acre virgin forest surrounding the home, bordering a private lake. “Richard loves nature and the great outdoors. He was looking to set up bicycle paths and cross-country ski trails, which he would share with anyone living nearby.” As time passed, what was originally planned as an investment ended up turning into a home base for both owners. Since they often travelled abroad, they decided a shared residence would be the way to go. “We built our lives around our respective trips and even adopted a dog in joint custody,” says Lyse, laughing.

A HARMONIOUS SHARED SPACE

For business purposes, the clothing designer then moved to Asia for a few years. Later on, two years ago, she returned to Quebec to settle down. The home in Sainte-Adèle proved to be the best option. Its two storeys were designed as separate apartments, making it perfect for the two siblings to both move in under the same roof while maintaining their private lives. “My brother and his spouse live in the loft on the second floor, and my apartment is on the first. We always end up together in the living room or kitchen, even on Valentine’s Day!” Lyse and her brother, both interior décor aficionados, enlarged all the windows in the house. They built a veranda alongside the master bedroom and kitchen so they could enjoy the fresh air up until fall while being protected from the elements. The floors were also painted white, which gave the space a distinguished look and enhanced its luminosity.

A WORKSHOP AND APARTMENT IN ONE

On the four-acre lot, there is a small century-old house adjoining the main residence that had been abandoned by its former owners. Lyse and her brother, who both have a soft spot for old homes, decided to renovate it while preserving its charm. “We converted it into a workshop. Since I work with colour, I need light. So, we opened up the walls and redid all the windows. However, we left the floors and fireplace intact,” says Lyse. She goes on to say, “Ironically, the place used to be a smoking room for businessmen, barred to women. Yet today, it belongs to me, and I use it to sew clothing for women!” During weekends, the cleverly designed space turns into an apartment for hosting friends. Although Lyse and her brother have struck a perfect balance with this home located in Sainte-Adèle, they are currently looking for new owners who, like them, have an unconditional love for beautiful homes. The siblings still have many more dreams to turn into realities…together, of course!

To visit the home or for further information, please contact:
Nathalie Mercille, Realtor
RE/MAX LAURENTIDES INC. Residential
514 867-8104

Text: Diane Stehle

Very little compares with the French village of Megève in the Southern Alps. Nature, architecture and high-end services are all gathered to create the most unforgettable experience. Megève is unique, and the Chalet des Sens is a treasure hidden on the flank of its mountains.

A UNIQUE CHALET ON A UNIQUE DOMAIN

Lauren Berger, with her impeccable instinct for elegance, has selected this residence as one of her most desirable properties. The Chalet des Sens is on par with the highest end resorts. The Chalet des Sens is located on the Mont d’Arbois, one of the four parts of the Mont Blanc Domain. The Domain offers 450 km of slopes: a plurality of choices and many exciting experiences.

IN VOGUE SINCE THE 1920’S

Megève has been trending since the 1920’s as the spot to be seen skiing. Eternally fashionable, it is to France what St. Moritz is to Switzerland. It has always attracted the “crème de la crème” thanks to its elegance and aristocratic flair. The options in Megève are endless: winter sports, bars and restaurants, amazing trails for hiking and observing nature. The purity of the atmosphere rejuvenates the senses and the sublime view feeds the soul.

THE ULTIMATE IN RUSTIC CHIC

The Chalet des Sens is designed to allow for a sensual experience before and after the slopes. The most talented designers of luxury spaces have studied every inch of its interior to create a sumptuous venue. Their work has paid off: the chalet has sophisticated looks and an intimate atmosphere. It represents the ultimate in rustic chic. The beautiful color palette of the living room recalls the glittering palette of the outdoors and the warmth of the architecture‘s wooden structure and fireplace.

A MODERNIST CHALET

The chalet stands out with its extraordinary glass and wood architecture. The façade is divided into three structures: three glass facades crowned with a chalet roof. The chalet offers stunning views, perfect light, temperature control and outdoor spaces for added pleasures. A modernist chalet, the Chalet des Sens exudes luxury. Indoors, there is a balance between private and communal spaces. In such a wonderful environment, you can spend quiet peaceful time in your suite, enjoy the library/office or join in the exuberance of a festive celebration.

AN EXCLUSIVE RETREAT

What the Rothschilds had come to look for in Megève is exactly what the Chalet des Sens offers: an exclusive retreat. The well-named Sens Ô Riel team is composed of a full staff, with a private chef in charge of the kitchen. Exceptionally well versed in French and Asian cuisine, he also masters gourmet cooking and healthy eating, and can adapt to any of your needs. A butler and a cleaning person keep the house impeccable at all times, so your stay is worry-free. The eight-car garage is under the supervision of a professional driver. He will be your chauffeur and will make all errands, trips and pickups easy.

AN ENTERTAINMENT CENTER AT HOME

If you chose not to go out, the house offers many options. A large suite is equipped with a top of the line entertainment center. The musically inclined will find a majestic piano and a high-tech stereo system. For movie adepts there are a TV lounge and a private screening room. Players will be happy to find a billiard room and dancers a night club on the premises. Having a fun time in the most private setting has never been made so easy.

A UNIQUE SPA EXPERIENCE

For relaxation, the Chalet des Sens offers an in-house luxury spa experience. A masseuse on staff with the Sens Ô Riel team will welcome you to the massage room. Complimentary Nuxe products are available at the Chalet’s wellness center. You will be able to enjoy the Jacuzzi or the hamam at any time in the day. A fully equipped gym and a beautiful swimming pool with a view of the garden perfectly round out the in-house wellness center options. Megève’s best kept secret is the Chalet des Sens, an exclusive residence on the Mont d’Arbois, ready for you to enjoy. The Chalet des Sens opens the door to a magical space where you will have a unique experience. Be ready to fully indulge yourself with the fun of the outdoors and the sensual experiences of the indoors.

• 5 BEDROOMS WITH BATHROOM (2 ARE MASTERS)
• RECEPTION LOUNGE WITH GRANITE FIREPLACE
• TV LOUNGE•OFFICE/LIBRARY•BULTHAUP FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN
• DINING ROOM
• PIANO
• INDOOR SWIMMING POOL, LOOKING OUT ON THE GARDEN
• TEAROOM•GYM•SPA (JACUZZI, HAMMAM, MASSAGE ROOM)
• PLAYROOM WITH BILLIARDS, SOCCER TABLE, TV LOUNGE
• CINEMA
• SKI ROOM
• GARAGE (8 PARKING SPOTS) NEW YORK

Text: Barbara Stehle

Art Basel, the big international contemporary art fair, is held on a different continent each year. The first show took place in Hong Kong at the end of March, followed by a second one that will occur in Basel in June, and the third and final show of the year under the hot sun of Miami Beach in December.

The Asian market opened the season with pomp and circumstance as fashionable artists, celebrities and millionaires contribute to the fair’s festive, intense reputation. And Art Basel HK is also ahead when it comes to sales!

Now in its fifth year, the Hong Kong fair is the latest addition to the Art Basel circuit. The fair allows for a critical overview on creative activity, art collecting and art investment growth on the Asian market. Art Basel Hong Kong is the region’s largest economic event, stealing all the attention from Beijing and Shanghai, the neighbouring art capitals. From March 21 to 25, Art Basel featured 242 galleries from 34 countries, including the usual leading players such as Gagosian and Pace Gallery, as well as over 10% new participants. Art came in all forms, from painting to photography, installation to video works.

Most of the galleries represented are already part of Art Basel’s European and Miami Beach circuits. The Hong Kong event is crucial for winning over Asian collectors. The first two days of the fair are reserved for VIP previews. The wealthiest Chinese patrons scout the fair and its satellite manifestations, purchasing works before the event opens to the public. Exclusivity pays: most sales take place during that time. Rumour has it that Art Basel Hong Kong’s 2017 private sales revenue exceeded the public sales figure for Asia in 2016. Sotheby’s and Christie’s Hong Kong spring auction sales are scheduled for April… Something to keep an eye on!

Text: Barbabra Stehle

The West Island is a residential region that offers a slice of the good life. The area, encompassing the boroughs of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève and the towns of Baie-D’Urfé, Beaconsfield, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Kirkland, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Senneville, includes numerous green spaces and nature parks—a true heaven on earth for nature lovers. Here are some West Island activities you won’t want to miss.

WALKING

The West Island offers numerous options for walking, biking and, in winter, downhill skiing.

The Morgan Arboretum

This 245-hectare forest reserve includes most plant species native to Quebec, as well as trees from around the world and cultivated and overgrown fields. From its 20-kilometre network of trails, including two downhill ski hills and a snowshoeing trail, you can observe stunning birds such as the Indigo Bunting. The arboretum offers a number of activities such as guided tours, birdwatching walks and astronomy workshops.

www.arboretummorgan.org

Heritage bike tour

This extraordinary 70-kilometre bike trail offers a unique way to discover the West Island’s architectural, historical and natural heritage. Cyclists can soak in the tranquil setting of the nature parks and panoramic views of Lac Saint-Louis and Lac des Deux Montagnes and stop along the route to read the information plaques, which offer details on more than a hundred heritage buildings. The route starts at Millennium Park in Dorval, leading off from Lachine’s Pôle des Rapides bike path.

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park

This peninsula surrounded by natural shoreline offers a number of vantage points over Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes. Families are sure to enjoy the stunning natural sand beach, an ecological farm and the Havre aux Tortues Bay. In winter, an array of marked cross-country skiing trails wind their way through the park.

www.parcs-nature.com/public/cap-saint-jacques

Anse-à-l’Orme Nature Park

This park, which opens onto the banks of Lac des Deux Montagnes, is known for the prevailing westerly winds that make it the perfect spot for windsurfers, boaters and kitesurfers.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Boardwalk

Running between the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal and Sainte-Anne Street, the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Boardwalk features a wide variety of restaurants, boutiques and attractions. Visitors can enjoy the riverside setting while admiring the boats, picnicking and watching the lock operators at work. In summer, the area hosts a range of concerts, exhibits and family activities.

www.ville.sainte-anne-de-bellevue.qc.ca

A TRIP BACK THROUGH HISTORY

The old farmhouses, windmills and military buildings along the banks of the St. Lawrence and Rivière des Prairies stand as a historic reminder of the West Island’s occupation in the 18^th century. The Pointe-Claire Windmill, Thomas Brunet House in Cap-Saint-Jacques and Château Pierrefonds are especially worth a visit. Heritage highlights in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue include the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue convent and the Simon Fraser House.

GET OUT AND PLAY

Golf clubs

The West Island has two golf clubs, a short distance from downtown Montréal:
• Golf Dorval, a public, 18-hole course
www.golfdorval.com

• The Club de Golf Saint-Raphaël, a semi-private golf club offering two world-class 18-hole courses in a beautiful setting
www.golfstraphael.ca

The Ecomuseum Zoo

Only 25 minutes from downtown, the Ecomuseum Zoo offers visitors of all ages the chance to discover Quebec’s wildlife, including black bears, caribou and Canada lynxes. The Ecomuseum Zoo is a permanent refuge for animals that cannot be rehabilitated for reasons such as injury or having been orphaned.

www.zooecomuseum.ca

Vortex Racing

Vortex Racing, North America’s first racing simulation centre, is home to eight professional race simulators (the same ones used for training Formula 1 racing teams!) so you can live the experience of an F1 driver. Get ready for a ride in the fast lane!

www.vortexracing.ca

Text: Diane Stehle
Photos: © Yves Kérouac – © City of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue 

For getting the most out of the winter season with family or friends, there’s nothing better than racing down the slopes. These four ski resorts offer unforgettable moments by day and night for ski enthusiasts, no matter their level.

MONT-TREMBLANT LAURENTIDES

Mont-Tremblant awaits you with its magical landscapes, sports and cultural events, gourmet delights and luxury accommodations. Downhill skiers, snowboarders, hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers will all have a blast on this huge playground.

Standing 875 metres high with a magnificent view of the Laurentians, the mountain is without a doubt the most impressive place to ski in the Laurentides region, with a 645-metre vertical drop. The 269-hectare ski area includes 96 ski runs, ideal for skiers of any level, from beginner to expert. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant and the Domaine Saint-Bernard ecotourism park, whose protected areas offer breathtaking scenery.

Mont-Tremblant is also known for its tourist area located directly at the bottom of the slopes. There, you will find excellent restaurants as well as cute boutiques.

MONT SAINT-SAUVEUR LAURENTIDES

Located 45 minutes away from Montréal, Mont Saint- Sauveur offers a wide range of activities. With nearly forty snow-covered and groomed slopes, its T-Bar 70 restaurant located at the bottom of its well-lit slopes and its snow school recognized for its professionalism, this ski resort is warm and welcoming. Its night skiing also has a good reputation. The whole family will have a ball on the mountain thanks to its double zip line, The Dragon, and alpine roller coaster, The Viking, both open year-round.

To end your day nicely, you should also swing by the village, only a few minutes’ walk from the ski area.

LE MASSIF CHARLEVOIX

An hour away from Québec City, Le Massif has the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies: 770m. In addition to its sizeable ski area and stunning ski runs that descend straight to the river, the mountain is known for its abundant snowfall, with over 669 centimetres of snow per year.

With its view of the St. Lawrence and Appalachian Mountain peaks, Le Massif de Charlevoix offers 52 regular and glade ski runs for all levels, with long intermediate trails and several mogul fields. It’s also a must for thrill seekers: we suggest they try the Olympic-calibre run number 42 and the 2,200 metre-long double diamond.

Le Massif de Charlevoix also has a snowpark and about 100 acres of backcountry ski slopes on the side of Mont à Liguori.

The ski area can be accessed both at the bottom and top of the mountain, which will allow you to save a lot of time if you arrive directly from Québec City.

WHISTLER BRITISH COLUMBIA

Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Coast Mountains, only two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is a dream destination for winter sport enthusiasts in Canada. This resort offers some of the best alpine ski trails in British Columbia. It boasts two majestic mountains and a village at the foot of the slopes. Visitors can also go wilderness skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, heli-skiing and sleigh riding. Whistler is regularly ranked as a top world-class resort and recently won awards for its hotels and restaurants.

Whistler’s lovely village was built around a pedestrian walkway. It offers stores, activities, hotels, restaurants and high-quality accommodations in the vicinity of ski lifts. In short, it offers all the services one would expect from a world-famous resort, but remains small enough to allow visitors to enjoy a family-friendly environment.

Text : Diane Stehle

Cover : © Courtesy of Tremblant