The owner’s tour | Square of heart in Prévost

Owners open the doors of their exceptional residence to us, offered on the resale market.

Emmanuelle Mozayan-Verschaeve
special cooperation

Located in Prévost, at the water’s edge, this modern and bright house erected on a six-acre estate has been remodeled and enlarged to accommodate four generations.

Next to a private lake surrounded by weeping willows, with direct access to kilometers of cross-country ski trails, close to services and about ten minutes from Saint-Sauveur, Chantal Fortin’s house is ideally located. Like other properties, you will say, but the planning of this one, closely linked to its particularly touching history, makes it unique.

It is at the turn of the XXI^e century that Chantal Fortin moved with Denis, the love of her life, into this smaller house at the time. Thirteen years later, he died of a heart attack. “Denis, it was my oak tree. When he died, I redid the interior of the house and I did all the garden, I planted each flower, each seed myself; it kept me alive,” says Chantal, for whom this sudden shock marks the start of a series of ordeals. “I then lost my sister, then my mother; it was extremely difficult and I cried for a long time. My daughter Alexandra was also very shaken by it all, so she left to recharge her batteries in British Columbia,” she says.

Rebuild to build better

At one point, M.^me Fortin realizes that nothing is working for his father, left alone in an apartment after the death of his wife, while Alexandra returns to Quebec…pregnant. “I then realized that I had to support my father, my daughter and my future grandson, that it was essential that I really get up to help them. That’s when I started thinking about extending the house.

“We quietly put things in place to be able to build. It took two years to do this wonderful project, which we started in April 2017, ”continues this woman who also had to deal with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. “I had a big push that kept me from walking for six months. The construction therefore took longer than expected, especially since I made special orders: the original house had been built with very solid metal structures and high-end finishes, so I wanted the extension to be accordingly,” she continued.

It was a good solution for all the members of the family, because the financial burden was too great for Chantal.

“Instead of donating money to places that are extremely expensive, he helped me fund the project and he has home care, which is working very well. It’s much more reassuring and practical for me that he stays by my side,” she notes.

The main house has three bedrooms, the apartment of Alexandra and little Matteo, two bedrooms, then the grandpa, Mr. Honorius, has his own in his apartment. “We all have our privacy, our private entrance and our private terrace, but we can see each other easily when we want. I cherished this property, it is in my heart, but we have another project,” says Chantal Fortin.

therapy with horses

Chantal Fortin has always loved horses and they have helped her throughout her life. “They gave me purpose after my bereavement and they keep me active, which is essential with multiple sclerosis. Also, they soothe my pain, reduce my stress and make me more resilient,” she explains.

This passion encouraged her to buy a ranch in Ottawa and it is this adventure that she wants to pursue, with her family of course! “I took great care of this home. It is very pleasant, very clear and offers several possibilities of interior layout. I’m sure she can make another family happy,” she concludes.