Cottages
September 1, 2023
Sophisticated Style Meets Rustic Charm At This Cottage In Magog, Que.
During the dog days of summer in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, it’s all about hiking, cycling, boating, lakeside lounging and easy-breezy entertaining. Mizia Emond-Lavoie and her partner love to get away to their Magog, Que., home on Lac Memphramagog, just 120 kilometres southeast of Montreal. The couple are known for hosting fun-filled parties that no one ever seems to want to leave. But at times, there wasn’t enough space to accommodate everyone visiting. An additional guest house would be ideal, they decided. For a while, they had wanted to convert an old garage on the property and the time was finally right. It would make the perfect guest cottage. Lockdown life in 2020 gave them the final push they needed. “Things were so uncertain during that time. And if our family wanted to get out of the city, they would have their own private place to stay and still be close to us.”
Drawn to neutral palettes, the warmth of wood, and with an affinity for classic, timeless design they already enjoyed at their other homes in Montreal and Florida, the couple looked to Mélanie Cherrier (left) and Laurence Pons Lavigne of Blanc Marine Intérieurs to pull off the garage conversion.
The design brief was simple: to create a warm and inviting space that was big enough to include two bedrooms and a kitchen. Contrary to the main house (a more formal family home), this two-storey, 1,800-square-foot, two-bedroom cottage is open concept, light and airy. “I wanted it to feel like you’re outside, immersed in nature, no matter where you are in the house,” says Mizia. For the living room fireplace, Mizia chose stones from a nearby quarry that were then placed without the use of mortar.
Two floor-to-ceiling windows replaced the double garage doors, and more glazing was added throughout the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath mini abode to maximize the verdant views. The dining area juxtaposes form and casual style. A glass chandelier is a striking counterpoint to the linen-slipcovered banquette and rustic dining table. “This is my favorite spot to sit during the summer,” says Mizia.
The kitchen boasts not one, but two islands. “We integrated a second island as a bar area that has open shelving on top,” says Laurence. “It creates separation from the living room without closing off the space.” Mélanie adds: “We wanted that vintage look, so we stained the white oak counter three times with a special treatment to add a tactile, textured effect.”
The painted wood island has generous storage, plus extra seating for conversations with the cook.
The serene, lake-facing principal bedroom has a private balcony.
A vintage wood dresser pops against white panelled walls and painted wood floors.
In the principal bedroom, a vintage-look vanity continues the rustic, country feeling.
The guest bedroom twin metal bed frames and layered neutral bedding make for a calm retreat.
Traditional penny-round floor tile adds texture and interest: a floor-to-ceiling glass shower enclosure has modern style.
A reading nook in the hallway makes good use of the space and features an antique bench paired with a new linen-upholstered cushion.
Photographie Intérieur Co.
Mélanie Cherrier and Laurence Pons Lavigne, Blanc Marine Interieurs