Posted at 12:00 p.m.
Hazardous research sometimes leads to extraordinary projects, as evidenced by Louis Lespérance, who acquired this exceptional residence with his family at the beginning of 2021. “We came across this unique place while looking at ads on Centris and we said there was something to do. Honestly, I was still a little reluctant before really seeing it, but once there, it was clear that I had to buy it,” recalls the young lawyer, who saw a great opportunity to develop a prestigious project of “corporate retreat” and family festivities, while enhancing the heritage.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Louis Lespérance, co-owner of Manoir Davis
Bringing neglected heritage properties back to life by renovating them in order to bring pages of history to life with the public has also become a business model for Louis Lespérance, who a few months later acquired the Maplewood Manor in Waterloo.
Secondary residence of Sir Mortimer Barnett Davis, the castle of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts was built around 1910. “He was an extremely influential Jewish businessman, president of Imperial Tobacco, who was nicknamed Tobacco King. He bequeathed a major part of his fortune to build the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, where I was born,” says Mr. Lespérance.
The history of the Manor after the death of Sir Davis in 1928 remains unclear.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The elegant staircase leads to the eight bedrooms spread over two levels. Each space is furnished with care, like in a family home. In the entrance, the armchairs invite you to take a break.
Promoters tried to do something in the 1990s and then at the turn of the new millennium, but it didn’t really work. When I bought it, the lady who lived there had done colossal work on the envelope, but there was still a lot to do inside.
Louis Lespérance, one of the owners of the manor
“We wanted the renovations to highlight the splendor of the rooms, while creating an environment with modern comfort,” explains Louis Lespérance. For example, the kitchen displays a current design, but the anthracite color of its cabinets recalls the color of the exterior stone.
A “family house” spirit
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The moldings, the ornaments as well as the arched shape of the windows and doors characterize the old spirit of the property.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
This large room is made up of a relaxed living room-TV area and a more formal lounge conducive to relaxing by the fireplace. The fireplace mantel is clad in stone identical to that of the façade.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Meals can be taken in the huge dining room or in the adjoining solarium.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
A cupboard and an old wall candlestick coexist without false note with the contemporary kitchen. Available in gray, the latter is warmed up by discreet golden handles, stools with colored seats and a wooden floor.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Small rugs, refined wall lights and carved wooden consoles enliven the corridor on the second floor which leads to six bedrooms.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The Davis, or master bedroom, has a fireplace, a large walk-in closet and a private terrace.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
An alcove brings a lot of charm to the Sereine room.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The adjoining bathroom to the Sereine room has a clawfoot tub and a shower. Its floor is distinguished by a pattern of cabochons.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The Family Suite with two bedrooms is on the top floor. The exposed beams give it a specific cachet.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
This bathroom is reserved for occupants of the Family Suite.
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PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Unearthed by Louise Poissant, the mother of Louis Lespérance, these molds made for the filing of a cigar patent are a good illustration of the past of the original owner, nicknamed “Tobacco King”. Mrs. Poissant and her sister-in-law Lucie Major are currently looking for historical documents to complete this exhibition wall.
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Several family members actively participated in the entire project, from the business plan to the architectural planning, including the long-term vision and the decoration. ” My father [François Lespérance] got up at night to draw plans! My uncle [Bernard Lespérance] and my aunt [Lucie Major] were very involved as well as my cousin Jean-Philippe, which brought us even closer. My mother [Louise Poissant] took care of the furniture and the decoration,” he explains.
The decorative choices reflect their heterogeneous tastes well. The time spent at antique shops, at estate sales and at flea markets is countless. “We started these purchases before taking possession of the Manor, because it takes a long time to furnish 10,000 sq.2, especially since it was essential for us to take special care of it. We wanted to find elements that fit well into the place while respecting the budget. »
Each element is printed on a neutral backdrop dominated by noble materials, such as wood and marble. Arched architectural ornaments respond to the classical spirit of the building. Louis Lespérance says he is particularly proud of the eight bathrooms, which are all different, but in perfect harmony with the overall decor. “The bathtubs are positioned to give a view of the lake; it is also the panorama that we have in several rooms. »
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
With its black accents and antique mirror, the large bathroom in the Davis room combines modernity and classicism.
For good times
From now on, the manor has regained all its luster and it is available for rent to organize events. “We have a list of trusted suppliers, including caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, makeup artists that we highly recommend to our clients to organize their wedding, for example, but they can call on whoever they want. Above all, we rent the space and what we want is for people to have a good time there with each other, ”explains the lawyer.
The next step will be devoted to outdoor facilities, since a large terrace built on the mountainside will be able to accommodate beautiful receptions. Between the lake and the forest, the environment seems idyllic for a vacation or a great occasion. Mr. Lespérance and his family, who deeply believe in their business model, continue to explore Quebec in search of other heritage gems and are even considering investing beyond the borders.