Designed as a cantilever and partially crossed by a swimming lane, Réjean Bégin’s house plunges us into an extraordinary universe where California is invited to the Eastern Townships.
“I started this project after selling my business when I retired. I found this land by chance while walking around and thought to myself that as long as you have more than nine acres of land, it was worth putting something on it. I’m still in good shape at 75, but I was even better when I started building eight years ago, ”says owner Réjean Bégin.
Cradled by the song of birds, his residence is located in the heart of a wood located five kilometers from downtown Magog. Mr. Bégin designed the plans and took part in all the trades to build this house… which he has never actually lived in! “I had made a small house on the ground to have a pied-à-terre during the works and to use it as a place for the guests later, but in the end, I did not leave it and these are the friends who live in the big house, ”he confides.
Modular spaces
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The swimming pools and the terraces occupy a preponderant place in this villa seen from the sky.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The owner is very proud of his front door, which is at the same time opulent, minimalist and of high quality. He made it with his cabinetmaker, like all those inside the house.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
A natural rock wall serves as the main wall of the wine cellar. It keeps the room cool and humid. The other partitions and the floor are made with slate found in the field.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The recess adjacent to the staircase could accommodate an elevator, if needed.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The water and electricity connections are installed to make a summer kitchen. The small white sand beach gives an exotic seaside air to the pool area on the garden level.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The swimming lane has a counter-current swimming system.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The effect is striking as soon as you reach the upper floor.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The dining area literally seems to be caught up in the vegetation.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The dinette area opens directly onto one of the three terraces.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The hyper-equipped kitchen, mainly dressed in stainless steel and wood, includes several types of ovens and hotplates as well as a plate warmer.
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PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
From the end of the dining room, you can see the recessed living room and you can see the master bedroom at the back. The owner has installed a rail above the kitchen island, in order to put sliding wooden panels in order to close off the space if necessary.
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The building offers all kinds of possibilities, in particular because it has a flat roof. “I have the permits in case the buyer wants to add a floor,” explains this former industry manager, who has considered everything to ensure that the place adapts to everyone’s needs. Thus, the interior has four bedrooms, two on the garden level and the others on the first level, but it is possible to easily add two by closing one of the three terraces.
In addition, all the ceramics were installed before creating the divisions, which allows the walls to be knocked down without having to redo the floors, not to mention that the spaces are designed to accommodate a person with reduced mobility. “I planned a place in front of the stairs to install an elevator,” continues Mr. Bégin.
The organization of rooms, generous storage and cutting-edge technological equipment simplify everyday life. For example, the downstairs bathroom has direct access to the backyard and its infinity pool while on the upper level, a powder room and a dressing room adjoin the sauna, spa and swimming lane. .
Another bathroom area includes a customizable water temperature recognition system. The owner informs that there are still things to be finalized, such as the number of benches to be installed in the sauna or the arrangement of the summer kitchen, but that he will do them according to the wishes of the future buyer: “J ‘ I have some ideas, but I would like to do several things like that to the client’s taste so that he feels at home, that it allows him to identify himself. ”
Invitation to contemplation
A disconcerting feeling of freedom invades the visitor when he arrives at the upper level, because the vegetation of the wood seems to be an integral part of the open space space.
We live outside being inside here because we are in the trees. Whether it’s a rainy day, whether there is a big snowstorm, a beautiful sun, we are in the heart of nature while being protected. This is exceptional.
Réjean Bégin, owner
Inhabited by a spectacular swimming lane built between interior and exterior, the space also gives the feeling of being on vacation in a resort. This pool is surrounded by two terraces: the one on the left is perfect for happy hour and the one on the right, for relaxing in the spa. The third terrace adjoining the kitchen is used for summer meals.
The private areas are grouped together in the right wing, and the master bedroom enjoys both sunrise and sunset.
Enjoy your retirement
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
The guest house, which ultimately remained the owner’s main residence, measures just over 80 m2.
Mr. Bégin owns another house in the area and he now wishes to relinquish it in order to fully live his retirement.
According to him, this dream house for athletes would delight a large family and could include the grandparents by creating a two-generation home or by offering them the guest house (included in the price), which is completely independent. .
Consult the property sheet
The property in brief
Asking price: $ 2,395,000
Municipal assessment: $ 1,356,200
Year Built: 2013
Plot size: 37,083.2 m2
House size: about 335 m2
Property tax: $ 11,230
School Tax: $ 1,027
Real estate broker: Daniel Leblanc, Century 21 Estrie real estate broker