Le Domaine Valmont

It is a real chateau – a magical stage where indelibly elegant gatherings unfold; it is a stately retreat, worthy of the world’s most illustrious guests from heads of state to cinema divas. It’s a deliciously detailed and elegant. Yet it’s also a deeply comfortable country home, endlessly delightful to own and experience. Like you, it is unique – an enduringly stylish one-of-a kind lovingly crafted recreation of a great émigré family’s historic European estate, authentic down to centuries-old details transferred from the original.

The countryside of Montebello, Quebec has long been prized as an ideal setting for recreational estates. It’s tranquil yet serviced by world class amenities like golf at the nearby Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello and skiing at Mont Tremblant, just 45 minutes away. Yet even among the luxury retreats of Montebello and Tremblant, nothing compares.

Turn into the discrete country lane entrance and subtly, the landscape changes: stone walls rise up beside the roadside, building anticipation of a place of substance.

Arriving at the estate, a circular coach fountain greets you with an elegance reminiscent of France’s wine country. The keystone of the stone portico reveals the date of this grand estate’s construction: 1947.

Built as a safe haven after World War II by a family whose European estate was savaged by war, endurance was a primary concern driving construction. The towering stone walls, cast concrete structural components and copper roofing here were designed to weather the ages.

Step through oak doorways to a world of timeless style. The central great hall runs from front to back of the estate’s main wing. Here, an elegant belle-epoque style oak stairway with wrought iron rails spirals up the central tower. Beyond, a formal rear doorway leads to the Chateau’s grounds, defined with symmetric reflecting pools. On either side substantial oak French doors invite.

Explore the drawing room -- an astounding space, scaled to fit treasures imported from the family’s European Chateau. Beneath stately ceilings the south side is arcaded by a row of tall, elegant mullioned French doors. Notice the centuries-old antique hearths, imported from Europe. One is dated 1561. With its warm world floors and luminous view, this refined space is more than equal to any social function, from awe-inspiring casual evenings to exclusive elite soirees.

Arched doorways lead to the equally stunning paneled den with its medieval hearth depicting Adam and Eve. The iron gates guarding this magnificent space came from the family’s original Chateau.

Nearby the splendid dining room is all aristocratic style. This space was meant for grand dinners, and does not fail to impress. The antique hearth astounds with centuries old Delft tiles, framed with lush carved hardwood. An adjacent butler’s pantry assures seamless catering.

In an adjoining wing, the massive kitchen is designed to accommodate every conceivable dining option. There’s a full sized dining table here for casual family meals along with a cozy sitting area for snacks beside the gas hearth. The professional kitchen is equipped with chef’s gas range, and professional freezer and refrigerator.

Climb to the second floor to review this grand home’s stellar accommodations. Hearths abound –there’s one in every major room. Located in it’s own wing the huge master suite is washed in light from a row of authentic French windows with Juliette balconies. A separate sitting room, dressing room and screen sun room assure absolute privacy.

Guest suites and children’s accommodations in the main and adjoining wings surpass expectations, with scale , light, lovely hearths and gorgeous windows. All will feel pampered.

Explore the grounds to discover remarkable assets: a superb hard court tennis court concealed in a forest glade; an epic-scaled patio is sheltered by stone walls, and lulled by burbling fountains. Massive natural stone stairs rise to an aristocratic swimming pool, with copper roofed stone pool house, designed and scaled for outdoor entertaining.

Climb the stone stairs and terraced, fountain embellished gardens to the chapel – a charming testament whose bell has sounded faithfully for over half a century. Its bronze dedication plaque asks all to remember the spirit of tranquility the creators of the estate found here.

As you descend the main grounds stairway set between two formal reflecting pools pause to appreciate the Domaine de Valmont’s authentic grandeur. It is an estate that could never be created today, a getaway where the best of aristocratic Europe has been brought within driving range of Montreal, Ottawa and New York State. And amazingly, it can be yours. But only if you act decisively. Do plan your viewing appointment very soon.