Château Chic

Transforming a magnificent 19th-century Westmount house

Located on a unique stretch of Grosvenor Avenue, just south of Sherbrooke Street, this residence forms part of a dense row of two-storey brick homes dating back to the late nineteenth century. Designed in 1898 by the celebrated architectural firm Saxe & Archibald, the home stands out for its eclectic composition that blends Queen Anne exuberance with Neo-Renaissance references, set within a richly ornamented but almost pastoral atmosphere. Drawn in by the remarkably well-preserved original woodwork and plaster mouldings, the homeowners nonetheless encountered the constraints of a dark, outdated kitchen, aging bathrooms, and, above all, tightly proportioned bedrooms on the upper floor. The question quickly emerged: how could this historic gem be adapted to contemporary life without diminishing its character?

The design strategy was guided by restraint, focusing on interventions that were truly necessary. The most substantial changes were made to the kitchen, which was entirely reconfigured around a central island opened to the outdoors through new French doors. The former service staircase, once reserved for staff, makes way for a bar and cabinetry that structures the scullery on the ground floor, and a guest bathroom upstairs. Above the entrance hall, a masterful skylight was introduced, washing the exceptional craftsmanship of the main staircase in natural light. On the upper level, the primary suite was completely reorganized—now opening onto the rear balcony—to integrate a luxurious bathroom connected to a walk-in dressing room. Inspired by the pointed arches of the original openings, the details of the new doors and custom millwork echo this motif through delicate, lancet curves.

The home’s renewed identity celebrates craftsmanship through a rich palette of textures and colours. Walls alternate between playful patterned wallpapers and vibrant limewash finishes. In several rooms, intense, saturated tones immerse the visitor in a cozy cocoon of colour. Marble mosaics and deeply hued stone tiles extend across floors and walls, offering a striking counterpoint to the carefully restored woodwork. In the living room, the original heritage fireplace surround was meticulously preserved to frame a new low-emission insert, crowned by a sculpted marble mantel. Behind this respectful restoration, comprehensive upgrades to the building envelope and HVAC systems significantly enhance the home’s energy performance. The result is a discreet, contemporary comfort, achieved with full respect for this architectural masterpiece of the past century.

Welcome to Château Chic !