City Homes
October 24, 2023
This Petite Montreal Home In A Former Embassy Is A Bright And Airy Retreat
Located in a former Cuban embassy, this 740-square-foot condo has decidedly European overtones, with 21-inch-thick limestone walls and multiple sets of French doors. These details are what spoke to owners Elisabeth Lekhtman, an equity research analyst, and Gary Berdowski, a venture capital principal. The circa-1914 building was converted to residences about 20 years ago. In 2021, the couple viewed the place, fell in love with it and made an offer the next day. “I grew up nearby and always admired the architecture,” says Elisabeth. “This smaller unit was exactly what we were looking for. We love living in the city, and we didn’t need a second bedroom — we’re not planning to have kids for a few years. Plus, the outdoor area doubles our living space in the summer.”
Designer Michael Godmer was soon hired to renovate the living room, kitchen and bathroom. “We tried to keep the original character,” he says. “We played off the natural stone on the exterior by using travertine in the bathroom and quartzite in the kitchen.” In the entry, a wall of white oak panelling and vertical reeded moulding accentuate the lofty 10 foot-high ceilings and add texture. The existing closet was bumped out to create a deeper built-in unit for seasonal storage.
In the entry, a sculptural branch set in an artisanal vessel is striking; a mirror is recessed into the white oak panelling.
Homeowners Elisabeth Lekhtman and Gary Berdowski don’t find their condo cramped nor do they have a second property. “It has lots of open space so guests can circulate when we have people over,” says Elisabeth.
In the main living space, Michael refinished the cherry floors, then layered in neutral furniture, including a curved oak coffee table. Tadelakt-plastered walls enhance the natural light that comes through the French doors. “Because there are a lot of windows, it’s all about the views and the luminosity,” he says.
“When you’re in a small space, you want rounded shapes,” says Michael of the Tulip-style dining table. Though the kitchen was too narrow for an island, there are two generous runs of Taj Mahal quartzite counters. New cabinets painted in a greige lacquer were installed, and the old uppers were removed in favor of open shelves. The French doors in the kitchen lead to a patio and are flanked by a pantry and integrated fridge.
A quartzite counter with subtle gold veining extends up to the new white oak shelving.
“Less is more. We prefer more minimalist decorating,” says Elisabeth.
The bathroom vanity’s white oak reeding hearkens back to the entry; touch-latch drawers don’t require hardware, which would pull focus from the texture.
Michael on the ipê wood deck, just outside the home’s main entrance.
“They’re pretty minimalist,” adds Michael of his clients. “They work long hours and don’t have a lot of things — and what they do have is special and often used.” A well-constructed yet spare approach, just like the building itself.
Maxime Brouillet
House & Home
Michael Godmer