Who discovers the Humminghill farm for the first time – its bucolic fields, its gourmet gardens and its farm building restored to house its owners – does not immediately suspect its gleaming past. You have to take a path lined with century-old trees to discover, set back, a garden pavilion surrounded by a tennis court and an opulent swimming pool which were once popular with socialites.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
With its unique shape reminiscent of the octagonal barns of the Eastern Townships, the Bolton-Ouest domain bathing kiosk inevitably attracts attention. At its pinnacle, more than 20 feet high, a steeple evokes the dovecotes designed to shelter birds. Whatever the inspiration for the architect of the time, the result is an irresistible invitation to idleness.
When Les Ensembliers took possession of the estate, the building of the mid-century looked dilapidated. The kitsch Hawaiian décor featured a white-lacquered grand piano a la Liberace and a kitchenette with a cocktail bar that left no doubt as to its festive background. “Here, it must have been swinging! imagines the architecture and interior design duo made up of Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette. “We suspect that the place has been the pretext for many garden parties. »
The wealthy owner at the time, Madame Benson, mastered the art of hospitality. By acquiring a former Loyalist farm in the 1960s, she injected a generous dose of luxury and glamour, abandoning the agricultural vocation of the place. It is a more humble past from the beginning of the century, naturally rooted in its environment and its land, that Les Ensembliers are now seeking to revive.
“We wondered how to harmonize it with our architectural concept,” says architect Maxime Vandal. The building and its swimming pool with sinuous shapes stand out in a more refined vision of the place.
It’s not a perfect game, but that area of the pitch is set back. What is beautiful is that you guess it through the trees and that you discover it at the end of the course. Even if it doesn’t blend perfectly into the whole, it’s still a beautiful garden madness. It is a separate destination.
Maxime Vandal, architect of the Ensembliers
Les Ensembliers X Bosquet garden furniture and accessories from the La Ferme Humminghill collection give a modern and bohemian touch to the place.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The large original windows let in light and a gentle breeze on hot summer days.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The wardrobe taken from the original decor was the starting point for the new layout.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The woven rug, the “first expensive object” purchased by the couple, links the different components of the decor.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The pavilion is accessorized with handicrafts from La Ferme Humminghill, including a leather trinket tray from La compagnie Robinson, a vegetable-scented candle from Ruby Brown and recycled limestone candlesticks from Atelier Bussière.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Resulting from a collaboration between Luminaire Authentik and Les Ensembliers, a suspension made to measure for the premises hangs from the ceiling from a height of 20 ft. This object will be included in the La Ferme Humminghill collection in the fall.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The kitchenette has been updated and now houses a miniature fridge for refreshments.
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Luxury cars and cocktails under the sun
In the 1960s, a large asphalt roundabout was built around the property: chic period comfort. Between a game of tennis and a swim, guests lounge in the garden pavilion with a drink in hand. A scent of coconut tanning oil hangs in the air. One of them gets up to strum a fashionable tune. Sun and alcohol helping, we stuff ourselves with salty anecdotes. Cocktail dresses, house staff on the barbecue, champagne and luxury cars… a moment of relaxation in a select sphere.
“Ms. Benson was driving around in her Rolls-Royce. It was the local lady, says interior designer Richard Ouellette while attempting this reconstruction of the time. It must have been the talk of the town, both for people who lived here and for those who came from Montreal. The tennis courts were lit at night. It is also said that the after parties of tennis internationals took place in these places. Humminghill, sparkling with a glamorous countryside, was the meeting place of the tennis jet set and the gratin of Montreal.
After experiencing its hours of glory and celebrations, the estate was put to rest.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
From the new La Ferme Humminghill collection (scheduled for release in August): bowls by Atelier EM, a stoneware pitcher by MA Dorval and glasses by artisan Charlie Larouche
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The leisure area of the swimming pool is an incentive to relax for the couple subscribed to busy schedules.
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A discreet happiness
The times have changed. The garden pavilion today radiates peaceful happiness. The hardwood structure has been refreshed with a coat of paint that makes it brighter inside, more sober outside. The places now display a nomadic Californian style with a relaxed atmosphere.
The most beautiful piece there was in the place, it is this wooden cupboard which was not touched up because it was magnificent. It was our starting point for reinventing the decor.
Richard Ouellette, interior designer of Les Ensembliers
The kitchenette has been refreshed and has gained an authentic look. Here and there, we find the signature of the Ensembliers – patinas, pottery, linen throws, a quilt and other handicrafts from the La Ferme Humminghill collection. Woven rugs and garden furniture taken from the duo’s latest collaboration with the Quebec company Bosquet also contribute to the decor.
Other projects will eventually take this space forward: a pergola on one side, an organically shaped terrace around the pool… maybe even a climbing wall, lists the couple, laughing while emphasizing that they is project number 25 on a long to-do list.
At the back of the pavilion, out of sight, his and hers changing rooms, a fieldstone oven and an outdoor shower recall the estate’s country-chic past.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Perrin & Rowe outdoor shower
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The locker rooms are a nod to the era.
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DOUCEPHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Around the gazebo, the pace slows. The kitchen is also a moment to savour.
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In the meantime, the place pleasantly and very nicely fulfills its mission. “We like to come and spend time there when it’s too hot or when it’s raining. After a busy week with the team and customers, we come here to meet and unwind, reports Maxime Vandal. We are early risers and go to bed early. It’s a completely different rhythm of life than that of the time! »
Along with the public side of the Humminghill Estate and its activities comes a less private side. However, no one ever goes to this rest area. The places are a refuge. A destination in its own right. And it is also there that the duo will spend their next vacation.
“We turn 50 and we come to a time in our lives where we want to have more time and have fun,” observes Richard, the couple’s contemplative. “It’s the only place where I can sit my boyfriend on a deck chair and where he sometimes even ends up falling asleep. Without that, it’s impossible to stop him, he said with amusement. Here, we tie up effortlessly. Nothing is complicated! »
The duo, however, dreams of seeing people land there. When the rhythm will be slower, when the viruses will hover less strongly over the summers. Perhaps then there will again be garden parties around the pool. And who knows… “Maybe I’ll be the local Mrs. Benson!” »