Lakeside 1-bedroom guesthouse retreat & sanctuary

The Lakeview Retreat is a family-owned property overlooking a northern lake - only 45 minutes from Ottawa, Canada - in the heart of Quebec's Gatineau Hills. Hidden at the end of a private cottage road, our one-acre woodland getaway is perched on a private point of land with tall trees that have long grown over a white quartz crystal dome of Canadian Shield.

Nestled in this boreal forest with blue water on three sides, the loft-style guest accommodations offer relaxation, contemplation, inspiration and low stress wellness activities in nature.  The property's  two-person waterfront studio suite (with loft bedroom) is designed for the remote professional, blocked artist, burnt-out mom, hustle-weary entrepreneur or career-transitioner to take a break from everyday.  A creative environment conducive to finishing tough projects and tackling the new, the guest space is a draw for senior managers and C-suite execs craving productivity and peace.   

THE GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

With the host family home on the same property, the pine Post & Beam two-storey studio loft is accessed by private entrance off its own cottage garden patio.  The retreat's Great Room has a lakefront window wall, with an east-west exposure that brings in filtered light all day long, giving you a secluded treehouse feel.  Enjoy the suite's unique features: antiques, rustic furniture, woodworking details of local craftsmen, and radiant heat that can keep feet warm on the slate tile floor.

The high-peaked main floor has a living, dining and kitchenette area,  electric fireplace, dedicated desk (free WIFI), and a walkout private deck with seating area. The Pullman-style kitchen has a Mexican copper sink, retro fridge, microwave oven, toaster oven, 2-burner cook top, coffeemaker, kettle, blender, toaster, popcorn maker, and all the pots, pans, glassware, cutlery and dishes you'll need for a 7-night (or more) stay. There's a mini-library of good reads, and a backpack ready to be filled for a picnic hike up to the lake lookout. 

The upstairs loft bedroom looks out into the trees, and features an adjustable double bed, Satellite TV (with Netflix and Amazon Prime) an ensuite 3-piece bathroom with shower, guest amenities and safety deposit box, and luggage and clothes drying racks stored in the cedar closet. Guests enjoy 700-thread count sheets, 100% cotton premium towels and white  spa robes.   To make life easier, laundry services, grocery stocking, prepared lunches and some homemade meals can be booked ahead at an additional cost.

OUTDOOR SPACES 
The outdoor spaces are perfect for focused work, or relaxing, reading, writing, painting, sleeping or soaking up the sun. Guests enjoy their own private lakefront area:  Swimming is accessible from a floating dock (includes chaise lounges, sun umbrella, and kickboards).  Two kayaks and a canoe (with life jackets) are yours to explore our 5-mile lake. 

The forest setting features shade gardens with seating areas, and a chicken coop coffee terrace next to our heritage hens and runner ducks (organic eggs available). Lakeside, our point catches beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the Perseids meteor shower in mid-summer. You can relax under the stars in Adirondack chairs by our outdoor firepit (abiding local fire regulations). 

 WELLNESS OFFERINGS & GUEST ACTIVITIES
Your Hosts live year-round in the main house on the property and are available to assist during your stay.  Our wellness offerings feature an outdoor spa (open year-round) and a private far infrared sauna on premises. Yoga and meditation sessions are also available. Sign up for a horsemanship 101 experience or equine facilitated wellness session with our horses stabled at our nearby farm.  Unlock your business with an intuitive counseling session; or get unblocked and take the next step with an empowerment reset session. Just for laughs, join us for a goat walk with our two dwarf mini therapy goats, Gilbert & Galloway.  

While we are hidden away, there's plenty going on. The Lakeview Retreat is only 15 minutes from Wakefield, QC with artist events, coffee houses, music, restaurants and local shops. Fresh organic produce is available at local farm stores. Mountain bikers enjoy exploring the back rural roads. Enjoy hiking and biking in nearby Gatineau Park (Wakefield access). 

In winter, bring your snow shoes or cross country skis to navigate the big lake, or your downhill equipment to enjoy 5 nearby ski hills only 15-30 minutes from the retreat. Bring your skates and enjoy skating in the woods at two nearby nature parks. Keep an eye out for skating trails that may magically appear on our own lake, conditions permitting.

MORE ABOUT OUR LAKE

Founded in 1876, Lac Bernard is a long-established cottage community where properties have been handed down from generation-to-generation. As a large 5-mile lake, there are resident motor boats on most summer weekends, with boating activity settling down during the week.  In Fall, stunning autumn colours attract artists and photographers to capture these flamboyant Hills. Winter is prime time to enjoy winter sports of lakehouse living.  Spring attracts maple syrup lovers to local sugar bushes for a social and tourist highlight - the traditional French-Canadian Sugar Shack Meal. 

NOTES AND NO'S (because we have to):

The Lakeview Retreat is located at the end of a winding 1/2 km unpaved private cottage road that features hills, blind corners, jumping deer and cottagers on their daily walks. It is our home, and part of the long-established  Wilson family compound where family activities are happening year-round. We are part of an established road community of eighteen families, of which about half are year-round cottagers. Our private road is used & maintained by our cottage community. We politely ask that you honor the 10km/hr. speed limit on our road and slow down for all our residents including white tailed deer, wild turkeys, quail, porcupines and cottagers out walking their dogs. Parking for one car is located on our property. We advise guests to use AWD vehicles when visiting the retreat during winter stays. 

Please contact us before booking if you have allergies, especially to animals. We have two dogs, four cats, eleven chickens, three ducks, and two therapy goats on the premises. Upon request we offer access to our therapy animals: Do not access coop and goat pens without supervision. We can't promise an absolute fur free environment, but if you would like to have a cat stay with you at night, we can arrange.   

The property and accommodations are NOT Wheelchair Accessible: The ensuite bathroom is located upstairs in the loft area of the guest suite;  The outdoor waterfront is accessible by a 20 ft staircase;  The property's riverstone laneway and leaf soil paths may have hidden hazards - watch for uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, roots and rock outcrops.

This suite has a maximum occupancy of two overnight guests. Due to the nature of this one-of-a-kind escape, we cannot accommodate children, pets or support animals. No Parties. No Events. No outside photography or videography. No Overnight Outside Guests. No Loud Music. No Outside Motor Boats. No ATV's or motor bikes. Fire hazards are a particular concern therefore no candles, open flames or smoking allowed.  

The retreat has lakefront but there is no beach. The guest's floating dock is accessible by a metal staircase, and path with ramp down to the dock.  Signed Waivers are required for outdoor activities from the property: Kayaks (2) and a canoe are free to use with lifejackets required and available free of charge. Fishing (bring your own equipment) from the retreat dock or canoe, is permissible only with a valid Quebec Fishing License. Lake Wardens actively fine fishing and wildlife infractions.  Due to wildlife - large and small - no food or food containers can be left outside.  

Cellphone service is spotty on the premises: guests have access to free WIFI and a landline accessible in the suite.  If you need to make arrangements for outside activities and reservations, we are happy to help connect you.