Manoir Hovey

Manoir Hovey, is a 5-star Relais & Châteaux property which holds a story just waiting to be heard. The private estate was commissioned in 1900 by Henry Atkinson the president of Georgia Power in Atlanta.

He designed his summer home after George Washington`s residence in Mount Vernon. Inspired by the era, Manoir Hovey elegantly marries authentic architecture, contemporary luxury and unparalleled service.

THE HISTORY
Many of the first settlers around North Hatley were United Empire Loyalists, mostly farmers, who left New England in the years following the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. Several fine farmhouses of this period still exist in the village.

Manoir Hovey was named after one of the most noteworthy of these settlers, Captain Ebenezer Hovey, who was granted a large tract of land by the Crown in 1785, directly across the lake from the inn.

In large measure, however, the village owns most of its great houses and particular architecture to the first summer people – aristocrats, captains of industry and large landowners, mostly Americans from south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

For some time after the American Civil War (1861-1865) many wealthy southerners renounced New England (Yankeeland) as a summer holiday destination and continued further north into Canada, some by private railway car. Rumour has it that many drew their blinds in passing through New England.

These new arrivals brought their lifestyles with them – butlers and house staff, horses and carriages, and of course, the gentlemanly sports of golf, sailing and tennis. Around 1895 they started to build on the west side of the lake; their summer homes were large, many with over 15 rooms.

The most splendid of all, on North Hatley’s prime site, was The Birches, built as a summer home in 1900 by Henry Atkinson, owner of Georgia Power in Atlanta. The home he had built for himself, broad of verandah and white of pillar, was inspired by George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, Virginia and now lends its very considerable charm to Manoir Hovey.

As a private estate, this grand house boasted its own stables and coach house, servants quarters and grand family rooms and even a private 9-hole golf course which was designed by Bobby Jones Sr., a friend of the Atkinsons. To this day, we still find very old golf balls in the woods, and remnants of the various holes poke through the underbrush.

ACCOMMODATIONS 
Manoir Hovey presides over 30 acres of woods and English gardens along 600 meters of prime lakeshore on scenic Lake Massawippi with its 45 kilometers of shoreline. Inspiring lake views, marble bathrooms and luxury amenities await you. There can’t be a better setting to be ensconced in to drift off to sleep.

All bedrooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes, Frette towels, toiletries by L’Occitane and large flat screen TV’s. Most also feature goose down duvets and combinations of fireplaces, private balconies and therapeutic bathtubs.

Complimentary high speed wireless internet is available in all rooms and throughout the property. Manoir Hovey does not charge a resort fees and many complimentary activities are available on site.

HERON SUITE
The very spacious Vista Suites (the Heron Suite – 1400 sq. ft. and the Oriole Suite – 1200 sq. ft.) are perched atop a ridge overlooking the Manor and provide sweeping 180 degree views up and down the lake.

These romantic refuges enjoy their own landscaped grounds with swimming pool plus individual hot tubs for each suite. The Suites are appointed in a more contemporary style with over-sized bedrooms and bathrooms complete with heated floors and steam showers.

ORIOLE SUITE
This spacious 1 bedroom suite (1200 sq. ft.) shares the ridge with the Heron Suite and offers the same sweeping panoramic lakeviews and spacious landscaped grounds with swimming pool. The contemporary style bedroom and bathroom are oversized with heated floor and a steam shower. The bedroom also opens onto a private deck with hot tub.

TREETOPS SUITES
Two beautifully appointed, luxurious suites in an elegant country cottage perched on a small cliff overlooking Manoir Hovey. Summer or winter, it is easy to fall for the charm of these suites.

BELLECHASSE SUITE
Our new suite located in the main building! A rural character and an original concept make it a real favourite for a romantic getaway. Its name refers to “Manoir Bellechasse”, the inn inspired by Manoir Hovey in Louise Penny’s book “A Rule Against Murder/The Murder Stone”.

SUPERIOR ROOM
Each of our rooms is unique. The superior rooms, full of character and charm all offer a Queen size bed. They offer a combination of one or more characteristics:
fireplace (unavailable in the summer months) and/or single whirlpool bath or shower and/or private patio or balcony and view on the lake or on the woods

THE DRAGONWATCH COTTAGE
This traditional lakefront rental cottage sits on spacious private grounds on Lake Massawippi adjacent to the Manoir Hovey property. This accommodation is ideal for families, friends or those seeking more autonomy. Although the cottage is not part of the Relais & Châteaux brand, guests have access to all non motorized water sports and activities offered at the hotel.

REFINED ROOTS DRIVEN CUISINE
Le Hatley Restaurant at Manoir Hovey, reflects the Chef’s passion for the region’s history, its bounty, and its natural beauty. Drawing on his French Canadian roots, Chef Alexandre Vachon serves a refined nature inspired cuisine paying homage both to his heritage and to the land and producers around him.

”Where the produce comes from is important, we are curious, we hand pick, we grow from seed, we have a relationship with the producers and with the land. We are respectful and have patience, we bring nature to your table. The quality of the products is part of the recipe.” Chef Alexandre Vachon’s culinary philosophy celebrates the ingredients that are abundant in our region’s rivers, lakes, forest and fields.

BIRCH
The abundance of birch trees at Manoir Hovey makes it ideal for birch syrup and vinegar production. Le Hatley is quite possibly the only restaurant in Canada to engage in this practice.

LAMB
Spring is also the season for lamb, raised in the great outdoors in Quebec and a favourite of the Chef.

SHELLFISH & SEAFOOD
The nutrient rich St. Lawrence River, which flows through Quebec to the eponymous Gulf, produces a profusion of seafood, shellfish and fish.

WILD MUSHROOMS, PLANTS & HERBS
Alexandre and his team are passionate about foraging on the property grounds. In season, you are invited to follow them and learn about wild edibles.

SEA PLANTS & REGIONAL HARVEST
In addition to the abundant local production of everyday organic produce, Le Hatley’s menus are also enhanced by Quebec Sea Plants in summer months, such as Sea Asparagus, Sea Spinach and fresh Seaweed.

POULTRY & FOWL
The Chef is enthusiastic about a variety of locally raised free range poultry. Another highlight of the menu is the duck and the exceptional foie gras that the chef gets from La Canardière.

PRESERVES & MORE
Notable products from this season are house made Winter Harvested Apple Vinegar as well as other staples that come directly out of our Birch and Sumac Vinegar cellar and many in house dried products such as mushrooms, dry seaweed, sea lettuce, root vegetables, winter squash and the Chef’s own winter stored carrots.

THE TAP ROOM
Le Tap Room Restaurant with its local and seasonal flavours, welcomes you year round in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Its menu offers simple and refined dishes as well as snacks and “pub” options such as our famous Abenaki poutine. In the summer time, a terrace overlooking the English gardens and the lake invites you to enjoy an alfresco lunch.

Indoors, the bistro’s welcoming decor with its 10,000 brick fireplace inspires you to relax while contemplating the objects collected over time that adorn the walls and tell the story of the place. How about a cocktail? Please, take a seat at the bar, it will be our pleasure to serve you.

POOL AND SPA COMPLEX
Manoir Hovey is pleased to announce the development of a brand-new thermal spa, a new pool (beginning November 2021) and the addition of a new nine accommodation pavilion (beginning November 2022).

The November 2021 portion of the project will consist of the addition of a three-level pavilion near the existing main manor building, demolition of our existing pool and replacement with a new luxurious pool, Jacuzzi, relaxation area and upgraded bar.

As indicated, the spa building will have three floors. The top floor will feature three new luxury suites with panoramic lake views, while the ground and lower floors will be dedicated to spa services (treatment rooms, saunas and relaxation areas).

We expect the new pool, public jacuzzi and pool bar to be fully operational by Victoria Day weekend (May 23, 2022). We anticipate a soft opening of the wellness and spa facilities to follow shortly thereafter.

The second part of our development project which will begin November 2022, will include the addition of a pavilion containing nine rooms and a communal hot tub for the guests of this pavilion.

THE PERFECT SETTING TO MAKE LASTING MEMORIES
Manoir Hovey is naturally graced with all the elements for a magical celebration. Embraced by rolling hills, pittoresque villages and sparkling lakes, our location will add inspiration to one of the most important days of your life.

Located a stone’s throw from the village of North Hatley, listed as one of the prettiest villages in Quebec Canada, Manoir Hovey is a 5-star Relais & Châteaux property. Built in 1900, this luxury retreat is woven into the landscape surrounded by maple forests on the shores of lake Massawippi.

Inspired by the era, a sumptuous feeling of home pervades, with plush armchairs pulled up around open fires, fragrant English gardens and a generous wrap around porch. Manoir Hovey blends elegance with a sense of ease, accented by award-winning cuisine and renowned service.

We believe that your commitment deserves our own. Together, we will imagine a reception that suits you and reinvents the codes of marriage to make your celebration that unique and magical moment you have been dreaming of.

From a reception in a small group around a gourmet meal to an exclusive private venue worthy of a fairy tale, Manoir Hovey will ensure your wedding planning is seamless and your special day unforgettable.

BREATHTAKING SCENERY, UNMATCHED SERVICE
Manoir Hovey offers numerous options for tailor-made weddings. With panoramic lake views and manicured gardens in summer, or by a crackling fire amid a winter wonderland with snow falling gently over the frozen lake, your wedding at Manoir Hovey will be enchanting and unforgettable. Let our experienced and highly acclaimed wedding and culinary teams as well as magnificent grounds set the mood for your wedding celebration.

ACTIVITIES
Manoir Hovey is pleased to offer a variety of innovative, fun and effective team building activities to suit your group’s interests and time constraints. Your team will be inspired and motivated by these activities – led by the talented culinary team, including Executive Chef Roland Ménard and Sommelier Jerome Dubois, that has made Le Hatley restaurant one of the nation’s top restaurants.

Programs can be customized to suit your group’s specific needs and may be held in a variety of venues depending on your preferences and group size.

LIFE-ENRICHING EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE
Whether you choose to stay with us as a couple or a family, with friends, or on your own, Manoir Hovey and the Eastern Townships offer you the possibility to do as much – or as little – as you want. Explore the hidden spots of Lake Massawippi, hike in a National Park, taste the region’s bounty, treat your body and your soul.

YOGA
Come enjoy an outdoor yoga session that will help refuel energy and eliminate tension, all while experiencing the beauty of nature. The courses are open to everyone, no matter of your physical condition or level of experience. *Classes will be held indoors in case of bad weather.

FLY FISHING
Our local guide and expert Florent Hébert introduces you to this one-of-a-kind sport, directly from the dock of Manoir Hovey. Discover a new hobby and, who knows, a new passion?

TENNIS
Perfect your service, master your backhand… Enjoy the advice of a pro to improve your game on our clay tennis court.

MIXOLOGY
Our mixologist Warren Long shares with you some tips and tricks to create original and unique cocktails using local liquors and ingredients.

ICE FISHING
Break the ice! Every Saturday and Sunday, Florent Hébert will introduce to ice-fishing on Lake Massawippi right in front of the inn. His expertise and passion, along with homemade artisanal pizza, hot beverages and uncommon stories, will make for lasting memories. *Times may vary, please call to confirm your spot.

A VISIT TO THE ABBAYE DE SAINT-BENOIT-DU-LAC
Starting in 1912, Benedictine monks from France built a monastery overlooking Lake Memphremagog. The modern Abbey pays tribute to the harmony of natural geometric forms and makes splendid use of multicoloured bricks and granite.

Services in Gregorian chant are accessible year-round. A wide variety of homemade products are available at the store such as cheese, ciders, applesauce, jelly and apple butter. Pick-your-own apples in season and access to the hiking trails and to the store are accessible year-round. Retreats and guided tours are offered to discover an exceptional site.

THE PIONEER TRAIL
On the Voie des Pionniers, noteworthy residents come to life via profile-shaped steel structures. At the push of a button, their stories—as well as their impact on the area—are revealed. Walk, ride or drive the route to enjoy this free educational circuit.

If you’re taking little ones, the “Journey through Time on the Pioneer Trail” activity book, designed for kids 5 to 12, will make the day even more enjoyable with quizzes, games, riddles and more.

Rooms: 37

Price: from 197 EUR per night

Source: www.manoirhovey.com