LUXURY IN THE LAURENTIANS
As far as log homes go, this one is the cream of the crop, featuring beautiful views, an elevator and three fireplaces, writes Anne Gardon.
Log homes come in many styles, shapes and sizes. Some are humble, others luxurious. This one, which measures 25 metres by 10 metres, is certainly the crème de la crème.
It is harmonious and elegant in design, sophisticated in a rustic way and equipped with amenities not often found in a country home, such as an elevator and a fireplace on each floor. And its detached garage is so big and fancy, it could easily be mistaken for a house, too.
Built in 2011 near Mont-Laurier in the Laurentians, this has become more than a secondary residence for the homeowners, who spoke to us on condition of anonymity.
“We have an apartment in town, but when I am there, I feel stifled and bored. I only have one wish, to go back up north,” the owner said.
With close to 14,000 square metres (150,000 square feet) of land bordering a river, nature and space are definitely not lacking. And in this three-storey home, comfort is at a premium.
Eastern white pine logs milled to a rectangular profile were used for the exterior and interior, with some timber framing elements. Each and every piece of wood was stained by the homeowners, who spent countless hours at this monumental task and went as far as staining inside the grooves of the floor boards for a seamless finish in anticipation of the inevitable and eventual shrinking of the wood.
It was important for the homeowners to source local products and businesses, and their choice went to Bondu Log Homes, which manufactures ready-to-assemble kits and where clients can choose from among standard models or provide their own floor plans. In this case, it was a combination of both. The central part of the house is an existing model, to which identical extensions were added on each side. On the left is the children’s corner with a home cinema and a playroom; on the right is a summer dining room.
An interesting feature of the exterior is the material used for the balconies and terrace. Panels of a special, unbreakable Plexiglas were used instead of wooden posts so the view remains unimpaired, whether one is sitting outside or inside looking out. It also gives the facade a stylish look.
All sections of the metal roof are equipped with snow guards, especially useful when ice accumulates.
Because the house fits snugly against a grassy embankment, the ground floor is laid out like a finished basement for leisure and entertainment. A cosy family room displays one of the three fireplaces, fitted with a slow-burning wood stove and set in a beautiful mantel of natural-looking imitation stones. The same stones frame a small bar, equipped with a popcorn machine for the grandchildren.
Like most of the light fixtures in the house, the four colourful glass lamps over the counter are antiques. The space to the right of the bar has been converted into a sort of locker-room, fully equipped with eight lockers, a bench and a bathroom with a shower. The ceramic floor is heated for maximum comfort.
The elevator can comfortably accommodate three people plus a wheelchair. It was installed for the parents of one of the homeowners, but it is also useful to bring groceries, firewood and other items up to the second floor.
The kitchen is not big, but wellappointed with an old world charm. The cabinets and the centre island were made by a local craftsman and stained a rich dark brown. To fit with the decor, the refrigerator is hidden by wood panelling. The counters and island top are covered with bush-hammered granite. The surface is not slippery because of small indentations in the stone, yet it remains fairly smooth and easy to clean.
The majestic dining room is worthy of a French manor, with a long table that can seat eight. The high-backed upholstered chairs and table were custom-made by a local cabinet maker. Fashioned from antlers, the chandelier above the table is unique in that no electrical wire is visible.
But the true star of this room is the tall dresser with glass doors. Like the delicate china and pottery displayed on its shelves, it is quite old. Dating from the early 20th century, it was carefully restored with the original coat of paint still intact. The pine floorboards are joined by the tongue-and-groove method, and also serve as the ceiling of the lower level.
A covered veranda occupies the right extension of the house, which has a beautiful view of the river and forest beyond. Here, the floorboards are hollow and heat-resistant. As the room is not insulated, it becomes quite hot in the humid days of summer. The windows have mosquito screens to circulate the air and to keep the bugs out. The wicker dining set has a modern yet rustic look and the chairs convert into recliners by lowering the back.
The master bedroom has an understated elegance, with the decoration kept to a minimum so that the beautiful furniture stands out. On the other hand, the guest bedroom has a whimsical charm created by the wrought-iron bedstead and the old-fashioned bedspread. The imitation antique furniture is reminiscent of the dresser in the dining room.
The ensuite combines the old and new, with two wash basins set on a marble countertop and dark wood cabinets matching the furniture in the master bedroom.
On the third floor, another family room has a definite wildlife theme. The sleeping lynx painting above the fireplace is from Amneris Fernandez, a Venezuelan artist now based in Quebec. Here, the source of energy for the fireplace is propane gas. It is worth noting that all three chimney conduits (from the three fireplaces) go through the same stone encasement, 20 metres high from the ground floor to the top.
The homeowner said that when he conceived his getaway residence, he wanted to create more than just a peaceful haven — he wanted it to be a legacy for future generations. In the meantime, he makes the most of the present: fishing, hunting, cutting firewood and shovelling snow. In short, he and his wife are thoroughly enjoying the retreat they have put their hearts into.