Built on two overhanging lots in a peaceful neighborhood near downtown Magog, Lise Leblanc’s house transports us to the other side of the border as soon as she opens her door to us.
The charming village of Kennebunkport, located in York Township, Maine, has always inspired Lise Leblanc. There are houses typical of the Nantucket style, synonymous with freshness, nautical spirit and timeless elegance, creating an undeniably relaxing atmosphere. And this is precisely the effect felt when entering Mme Leblanc… in addition to having the impression of being on vacation. “All the people who visit me tell me that they feel so good at home that they would like to stay there”, she rejoices.
However, before arriving at this state of well-being, this designer who has also worked for prestigious lifestyle magazines has experienced many obstacles. “When my husband died, his children inherited the house; they let me live there for a few years, then they decided to sell it. She was on the shores of Lake Massawippi, in Ayer’s Cliff, and the transaction was concluded in July 2020, therefore in the midst of a pandemic, ”she says.
There were many condos by the water, but Lise Leblanc preferred a house. “My real estate agent told me that there was one in Magog that I might like. I clicked on the ad at 2am and it was exactly what I wanted. All the same, he had to plan some major changes so that she could arrange it to her liking.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The inground pool is well isolated from view and its wide beach includes a small house. “There are lots of flowers in the summer, including a garden of peonies, and the lighting is beautiful in the evening,” says the owner.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The staircase adjoining the entrance is adorned with a column in the shape of a lighthouse which sets the tone for the decor.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The living room, like the other common areas, is constantly bathed in natural light and its luminosity is enhanced by the white backdrop. The omnipresence of wood as well as the curtains and furniture made in high-end fabrics in light colors (Ralph Lauren) promote a soft atmosphere.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
An original railing, a true work of art, runs along the mezzanine.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The dining room has a glass top table to give a feeling of lightness.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
A huge island connects the kitchen to the veranda.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The kitchen, white of course, includes a porcelain sink with country accents.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The house benefits from neat architectural details, such as this bull’s eye in the kitchen (Foliole flowers).
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Irresistible, the bathroom on the ground floor is distinguished by its floor in cabochons and its poetic wallpaper inspired by the Californian seaside (Serena & Lily).
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
This bedroom is on the mezzanine.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Ultra-feminine and sophisticated, the upstairs bathroom is outfitted with Swarovski crystal faucets and marble countertops.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
One of the two bedrooms located in the basement of the house
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The veranda enjoys mountain and lake views.
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Admirable views from all sides
Once the keys in his pocket, Mme Leblanc moved into one of the two bedrooms in the basement to isolate himself from the work planned for the upper floors. And finally, it is still there, because this very comfortable level also includes a bathroom and a living room.
The renovations lasted a year in complicated conditions to find materials and respect sanitary measures. The gray gypsum of the walls has disappeared, giving way to wooden slats, and brick now dresses the fireplace mantle. Everything, including the ceiling and its beams, was painted white. “I always use Benjamin Moore’s OC-118 because it’s an enveloping warm white,” explains the hostess, who called in cabinetmakers to ensure the finishes were impeccable.
For me, a job well done and high quality noble materials are essential. My kitchen was made to measure, like the bathrooms, but also a lot of furniture, including my lounge chairs. I like fancy things.
Lise Leblanc, owner
In addition to the many exclusive elements, she selected furniture and accessories in Europe, but especially in the United States, for lack of finding in Quebec the rare pearls she wanted to give cachet and presence to her home. It is his attention to detail as well as his very selective choices that personalize his interior. She is also ready to sell her furniture and objects to buyers who would like to keep the atmosphere intact.
“I make my life here; it’s a luminous cocoon and I enjoy the view of the mountains, the lake and the extraordinary sunsets without leaving my house. I’ve lived in about 20 houses and this is the most spectacular,” she says.
A forced departure
If she could, Lise Leblanc would stay in her villa, but she has to leave it because of her increasing health problems: “It’s a house of happiness that is always bright and in which we want to stay all the time, but I have difficulty climbing stairs because I have fibromyalgia and acute polyarthritis. So I’m going to settle in a condo at the edge of the water in Ayer’s Cliff. »
According to her, the dimensions and configuration of her property would meet the needs of a family with two children or a couple wishing to accommodate their guests, while maintaining everyone’s privacy.
The property in brief
Asking price: $1,495,000
Municipal assessment: $516,600
Description: two-storey house with 12 rooms offering a view of Lake Memphremagog and the mountain, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Year built: 1988
Land area: 1723.8 m2
Property tax: $4311
School tax: $509
Real Estate Broker: Maxime Pothier, Century 21 Estrie