A Montreal family makes the idyllic setting of Quebec’s Brome Lake the backdrop for a comfortable retreat from city life.

The town of Brome Lake, in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, boasts some of the country’s most iconic scenery – think uninterrupted vistas of indigo lakes and rolling hills replete with a lyrical palette of leafy birches and Canadian maples.

It was this Instagrammable landscape that captivated a Montreal couple, and inspired them to build a welcoming escape for themselves and their two young children.

Completed in 2018, the design – 3,800 square feet of four connected pavilions each with a simple geometric shape – was the vision of Montreal-based architects Louis Thellend and Lisa-Marie Fortin. “It was inspired by European farmhouses and organized around an interior courtyard,” she says. The peak-roof pavilions comprise the living room, parents’ suite, the children’s and guest bedrooms, and garage; while the flat-roof area houses the kitchen, the dining room and circulation area.

The dimensions of the structure are in sync with the natural surroundings, feeling more like a small-scale village than an intrusive mega cottage. The decor had to be just as spot-on with a soupçon of crowd-pleasing charm thrown in as the family like to entertain guests year-round. To fashion such a compelling interior, the owners enlisted designer Sylvie Masse, of Montreal’s Zig & Zag Design, who had renovated their home in the city. “I envisioned a space that was calm, serene and spare,” says Sylvie. “One with a sense of place that created a feeling of comfort the moment you arrived. To do this, I chose elements and materials that reflected what was outside.”

Indeed, the effect is in play throughout. “The interior walls and most surfaces are all-white for an immaculate effect that showcases the surrounding landscape and makes it pop,” says Sylvie. Her attention to detail is everywhere, from the living room’s green accents that acknowledge the trees and grass to the grey upholstery that’s in step with the al fresco pavers. In the entry, plants reference the greenery outside, and black accents link to the retreat’s roof and trim. Says Sylvie: “All of these individual design elements conspire to create a strong unity between outside and in, and that is very comforting.”

Fresh & Al Fresco

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Vincent Sheppard DINING TABLE, Augustus Jones; Pedrali CHAIRS, Cab Deco; FAUX THROWS, VASES, BOWLS, DECORATIVE METAL SHAPES, Bouclair; RUNNER, BASKET, Zara Home; black PLATES, Crate and Barrel.

The outdoor eating area features a painted white brick wall just like the one in the kitchen for visual continuity. “It’s a great extension of the kitchen and blurs the line between inside and out,” says designer Sylvie Masse of Montreal’s Zig & Zag Design. The teak-topped table layers in warmth and motorized screens mean this lovely spot can be enjoyed at night.

Splashy Sophistication

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | POOL, Val-Mar; Glass PANELS, Clôtures Prestige; DECK CHAIRS, Jardin de Ville; TOWEL, HomeSense.

Glass panels and low plantings keep the view to the pool in plain sight. “Every time I’ve been here on weekends, people are coming and going,” says Sylvie. “There is a great flow of guests who gravitate to the pool area.” Sleek loungers continue the interior’s spare lines and tonal palette.

Modern Cottage

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | ARCHITECT, Lisa-Marie Fortin and Louis Thellend, Thellend Fortin Architects; DESIGNER, Sylvie Masse, Zig & Zag Design; LANDSCAPING, Mario Roy, Jardinzurbains, Grid by Gloster SOFA, CHAISE, Design Within Reach.

The retreat’s exterior materials – white wooden slats, white-stained brick and black metal roof – are inspired by the vernacular architecture of Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Ten-foot-high windows and doors ensure the space is light-filled and create a strong link between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Framing the View

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc

Even a pathway is given careful consideration. “The landscaping for this project creates the impression of a natural clearing open to the lake,” says landscape designer Mario Roy. “The grasses near the fence are reminiscent of those that grow naturally on the shores of Brome lakes. Lawn grass and low plantings in the centre of the lot are surrounded by higher ones on the borders to provide a magnificent view of the lake.”

Focus on Nature

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | BASKET, Zara Home; THROW, Bouclair; engineered white oak FLOORING, Planchers Mirage.

“As soon as you walk through the main entrance, you’re drawn to the scenery ahead of you,” says Sylvie. The long corridor provides distance to allow a full appreciation of the view, while heated engineered white oak floors ensure that comfort starts from the ground up.

Open Kitchen

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | KITCHEN CABINETRY, ISLAND, Cuisines Steam; Afteroom STOOLS, Wood Synnes; DINING CHAIRS, Menu Design Shop; Juniper Thin Suspension Island PENDANT LIGHT, LumiGroup; Spokes 2 by Foscarini Dining PENDANT LIGHTS, GR Shop; Eiffel Tower Wire CHAIRS, Modernica; ANTLERS, Bouclair; Island BOWL, TEA TOWEL, HomeSense; countertop BOTTLE, MORTAR AND PESTLE, JAR, HomeSense.

“Since this is an open-concept area, we chose black lower cabinets to strongly delineate the kitchen zone,” says Sylvie. “The white cabinetry is meant to smoothly blend in with the white walls and, to continue that seamless feel, all appliances except the oven have panels.” Look closely – the kitchen’s linear pendant light complements the shape of the island and provides subtle, yet effective, task lighting. The dining area’s pendants add some curves and the metal chairs flanking the table add texture and lightness.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Nils Grande Canape by Ligne Roset SOFAS, must Société; Noomi CHAIR, marble TABLE, Design Within Reach; Black TABLE, Jamais Assez; Fireplace MANTEL, François Beroud; Vipp SCONCES, Quasi Modo Modern Home; Custom MEDIA CABINET, Ebénisteries Senouk Dee; FAUX THROW, BASKET, Bouclair; Patrick Pépin ARTWORK, NumerArt; VASE, CANDLE HOLDER, Bouclair.

The living room fireplace remains the cozy focal point, even while flanked by an inviting built-in reading nook and media station. “I love the window in the nook,” says Sylvie. “It almost acts like a piece of artwork.” Two sofas deliver ample comfy seating and two coffee tables are easy to move around for versatility when entertaining.

Rural Roots

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Menu BENCH, Jamais Assez.

Simple black and white artwork channels a rustic vibe, while a black metal bench keeps the look clean and classic.

Accent on Black

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc

A custom-made black steel mantel and surround frame the fireplace, reinforcing it as the focal point and echoing black as an accent for continuity.

Suite Dreams

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | ARTWORK, Berit Mogensen Lopez; solid THROW, Bouclair; Striped THROW, CUSHIONS, Ramacieri Soligo.

“This is the guestroom and it has its own little private terrace so it feels very European – I wanted to capitalize on that,” says Sylvie. Black accents punctuate the airy white space and natural linen and organic cotton fabrics are tactile and inviting. Judiciously chosen green accents are another bow to nature.

Natural Textures

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Bolzan BED, Triede; BEDDING, Restoration Hardware; Custom SIDE TABLE, Ebénisteries Senouk Dee; ARTWORK, Atelier Cph.

“I wanted the master bedroom to be especially cozy with layers of grey and tactile dark blinds,” says Sylvie. “Again, I used a lot of natural linen and fibres.” The low-slung side tables have a discreet profile that keeps the bed and monochromatic artwork centre stage.

Restful Retreat

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Roman BLINDS, Store Spec; CHAIR, Elte Mkt; ARTWORK, Buk & Nola; PLANTERS, Jamais Assez.

Every master bedroom should have a place for sitting other than the bed. Sylvie enlivens this corner with sweet, yet graphic artwork and more pops of nature and greenery.

Private Escape

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Custom CABINETRY, Ebénisteries Senouk Dee; Black Fantini FIXTURES, Ino by Laufen SINK, batimat.net; Bianco gioia marble COUNTERTOP, BACKSPLASH, Ciot; TOWELS, HomeSense; Super white matte WALL TILES, Ceragres.

The master bathroom is utterly private – it has no windows – yet it is bathed in natural brightness thanks to a skylight. The roomy shower is five-feet long and its generous 24-by-24-inch white ceramic tiles are accented with dramatic black fixtures, an edgy aesthetic that, once again, echoes the black details in principal rooms for design cohesion.

Serene Shapes

Photography: Monic Richard | Stylist: Nicola Marc | Ino by Laufen TUB, Batimat; RUNNER, VASE, Bouclair.

The master bath’s yawning vessel tub is crafted from Saphirkeramik, an extremely strong ceramic that is malleable enough to be formed into minimalistic shapes. Sylvie’s skill at continuity is not only visible in the black accents but also the touches of green, from the print of a leaf to natural stems; even in this practical, all-white space, there is a connection to nature.