From Mountain to Lakeside: 5 Homes in Quebec's Cottage Country
A vast land of lakes and rivers, quiet forests, and majestic fjords, Québec is the largest province in Canada—and one of the most geographically diverse. As such, its range of vacation properties will satisfy the most discerning buyer, no matter what particular features they may be looking for. Whether the holiday home of your dreams is a low-key lakefront oasis, a ski-friendly log cabin, a well-kept country cottage, or an architectural marvel from which to appreciate the stunning foliage of a French Canadian autumn, Québec has a luxury option for you.
Elegant Country House, Magog
Relax in refinement at this tasteful, thoughtfully-renovated property in Magog, 40 minutes southwest of Sherbrooke. Every feature of this storybook house has been carefully thought out, from the living room with its coffered ceiling and fireplace and the kitchen with its professional-grade appliances to the beautiful outdoor terraces with views of the property’s lake and stream, landscaped gardens, and in-ground pool. Privacy and comfort have been given the utmost consideration at every level: the home is tucked away on a non-through road, each upstairs bedrooms has its own en-suite, and visitors can relax in the secluded guest house.
Rustic Chic Log Cabin by Lac-aux-Sables
If summer days have you dreaming of rustic charm, take a look at this five-bedroom log home on a private lake in the Mauricie region of Québec. Outdoors, enjoy the quiet charms of the white sand beach on private Lac Brûlé, the well-kept water-view fire pit, and the fenced vegetable garden—or get active on the neighbouring snowmobile and private ATV trails, cross-country ski trails, and nearby golf course. Indoors, solid wood beams, granite countertops, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces, and claw-foot soaker tubs are just the beginning. Set on a year-round accessible road 80 minutes north of Trois-Rivières, this rustic escape promises the best of winter warmth and summer activity.
Tranquil Modernity in Bromont Heights
Roll up a quiet, tree-lined drive to this spacious, light-filled home in Bromont, Québec. Dappled sunlight cuts through the leaves to cast moving shadows on the heated tile and hardwood floors. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets from the reading nook just off the fully-updated kitchen, or marvel at the forest’s autumn hues from the large screened-in veranda. The in-ground swimming pool’s retractable dome makes it easy to keep tidy throughout the year. Despite the feeling of complete tranquility, this property is conveniently located just an hour east of downtown Montréal.
Florida-Style Waterfront, Saint-Placide
Going on style alone, you couldn’t be blamed for thinking this gorgeous home on the Lake of Two Mountains was somewhere in the south of Florida. The airy white interiors, attractively-landscaped gardens, panoramic water views, and private dock and boat slip all hint at a getaway in Palm Beach or Key Biscayne. But you can put away your passport—this home is only an hour west of Montréal. The solarium, outdoor terrace, and double-sided fireplace make this a true four-season getaway.
Grand Custom Build, Beaconsfield
For a waterfront property with every conceivable comfort, consider this custom Jean Houde build in Beaconsfield, just 30 minutes southeast of Montréal. The luxurious features are nearly endless: putting green, enormous wine cellar, stately wood-panelled library with concealed storage, soundproof movie theatre, swimming pool set on Lac St-Louis, terraced gardens, home gym, sauna, steam shower, wet bar… the list goes on. Should you somehow tire of these plentiful amenities, simply stroll next door to the “3 anchors”-rated Beaconsfield Yacht Club.
Québec is stunning at any time of year, and leisure opportunities abound no matter the weather: golf and boating dominate the summer months, giving way to snow sports in the winter. If you’re considering a vacation property, you can’t go wrong with a luxury cottage in Québec, where homes are designed to make excellent use of their natural surroundings all year long.
