This getaway in Quebec’s Eastern Townships was designed as a gathering place for family, friends and neighbours. Take a peek inside this beautiful abode built on teamwork.

Since she was little, Deanne has loved the charms of Georgeville. As a child, she spent most weekends and every summer in the picturesque historic village in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, and her parents still own a cottage here. “This place defined my teenage years,” says Deanne.

“I wanted to make sure that my kids got to enjoy what I had growing up.” The challenge: Georgeville’s popularity makes breaking into its property market difficult. So when Deanne spotted land for sale in a central part of town, she jumped at the chance to buy. But before she could build her dream getaway, she first needed to build a team of experts.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | CHANDELIER, RH; TABLE & CHAIRS, leonardantiques.com; CURTAINS, C&M Textiles; TABLE RUNNER, Pottery Barn; BELL JAR WITH VINTAGE CAR AND CHRISTMAS TREE WITH BALL ORNAMENTS, Rona; WREATH, Canadian Tire.

Deanne needed plenty of space for the many visitors she hosts over Christmas and during the summer vacation. To maximize natural light, she dressed the windows with simple white curtains. Deanne loves to mix and match styles and blend old with new. She also loves a good deal. “I sourced the table and chairs for $1,750 US – and they were valued at $9,550,” she says with pride, and rightfully so. All that was left to do was paint the chairs black to bring the whole set very much into the now.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz

“The house had to be built in harmony with the surrounding environmental heritage, meaning we had to comply with certain specifications,” she says. She called upon the expertise of local architect Elizabeth Bourdon and submitted her wishlist. At the top of that list was a traditional-looking house with a modern twist. “Elizabeth understood exactly what I wanted. Then I found a general contractor,” says Deanne. “As far as the interior design goes, that’s all me.” Now the home is the gathering place Deanne wanted – perfect for celebrating not just the holidays, but every day with family and friends.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | RICHELIEU CUPBOARDS, SHELVES, COUNTERTOP, PULLS, Armoires JC Cordeau; APPLIANCES, Maison Ethier; POTTERY (ON SHELVES), Céramique Faggion; TABLE & BENCHES, Armoires JC Cordeau; clear glass PENDANT LIGHT, West Elm; SCONCES, ABOVE-ISLAND LIGHTING, Luminaire Authentik; delta essa FAUCET, PMF; TOSS CUSHIONS, Indigo Santa Claus, snowman, wooden tree FIGURINES, HomeSense.

The farmhouse-style kitchen features an island and a charming dining nook with benches nestled beside the bay window. For visual continuity, the Shaker-inspired white lacquered MDF cabinetry extends to the adjoining pantry, which features a second fridge and small appliances.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | BUILT-IN WALL STORAGE, Armoires JC Cordeau; SOFA, ARMCHAIRS, Maison Corbeil; COFFEE TABLE, Bois & cuir; STONE SURROUND AND ARCHGARD GAS FIREPLACE, Maçonnex; JERZY WERBEL PAINTING, Au P’tit Bonheur Art Gallery; RUG, BIRD TOSS CUSHIONS, wayfair.ca; LANTERN, Un dimanche à la campagne.

This place is perfect for celebrating, not just the holidays, but every day. Revamping the living room was a high priority on Deanne’s wish list. “The kids and I love the fireplace – we use it all year long.” The surrounding white lacquered bookshelves brighten up a space otherwise dominated by warm tones, including the caramel-coloured leather sofa and pine coffee table.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz

The bed’s curved head and footboards alongside the neutral-toned bedding and rug create a comfy-cozy effect that’s felt as soon as you enter the understated, streamlined room.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | THOMASVILLE BED, Hudson’s Bay; BEDDING, West Elm, HomeSense; RUG, wayfair.ca; SCONCES, Luminaire Authentik; CURTAINS, C&M Textiles; ACCESSORIES, Indigo; SNOWFLAKES, HomeSense.

Sconces sub in for bedside lamps, saving precious floor space. The ebony-hued furniture provides fabulous contrast to the pale tones in the rest of the room, while the oversized snowflakes hung at the French Doors add holiday cheer.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | VANITY AND CORIAN COUNTERTOP, Armoires JC Cordeau; AQUABRASS FAUCETS, Espace Bain Design; MIRROR, Amazon.com; SCONCE, SKULL, Luminaire Authentik.

The washroom is a natural extension of the bedroom with its light wood vanity, black light fixture and dark-framed mirror. Built into a recess, the toilet area benefits from semi-separation from the main space and is backed by a black- painted focal wall. A well-placed tree and stars on the countertop definitely make the holidays merrier, although their rustic touch would make them at home here all year long.

Photography: Drew Hadley | Styling: Carolina Auz | ARCHITECT, Elizabeth Bourdon, Bourdon Leblanc Architectes; BUILDER, Denis Legault Construction.

The exterior passes heritage home muster with flying colours, even with the gorgeous splash of lemon yellow courtesy of owner Deanne, who says this sunny shade puts a smile on her face.