There are houses that can be visited… and others that can be felt.
In Westmount, on the peaceful heights overlooking Montreal, this heritage home seems to observe the city with the serenity of a place outside of time.
Below, Montreal pulsates, bright and vibrant, a blend of historic facades and bold contemporary designs. Here, however, the pace slows. The air is calmer. The light softer. As if the house, perched above the hustle and bustle, offers a precious respite.
Built around 1810, it has stood the test of time with rare elegance. In a young country like Canada, a residence from this era is an exception, almost a privilege. Carefully preserved, it still bears the marks of its history in its noble volumes, harmonious proportions, and original architectural details. Entering it is like stepping into a place steeped in memory, where every wall seems to tell a fragment of the past.
The renovation, orchestrated by designer Luke Havekes, never sought to erase this soul. On the contrary, it enhanced it. Here, modernity blends in delicately, without disrupting the existing structure, like a contemporary breath resting on an untouched heritage. The moldings, the high ceilings, the classic lines remain, but the atmosphere becomes more enveloping, more intimate, more vibrant.
From the moment you step inside, the marble sets the tone. Solemn and luminous, it commands an almost ceremonial presence. But very quickly, other materials warm the stone: deep velvet, supple leather, patinated wood. A palette of amber browns, burgundy tones, and mineral hues creates a hushed, reassuring atmosphere, designed to gently face the harshness of a Montreal winter.
Marble, omnipresent throughout, becomes the unifying thread of the house. In the wet areas, it unfolds in broad slabs of subtle tones: misty gray, stone beige, barely perceptible green reflections. Its delicate veining creates almost organic patterns, like an abstract work of art created by nature. The countless varieties of marble chosen give rise to astonishing geometric compositions, transforming the floor into a painting, a mineral landscape. Every step becomes an experience, as if walking on a piece of art.
In the living room, light reflects off a neo-Japanese screen of silver leaf, both precious and serene. Beneath this poetic backdrop, a custom-made serpentine sofa in amber chenille elegantly embraces the space. Opposite it, Art Deco-inspired brown leather club chairs stand out as focal points, adding depth and character. Here, everything is in balance: the softness of the fabric complements the texture of the leather, and the coolness of the marble is tempered by the warmth of the materials.
The light-filled dining room extends this feeling of harmony. A spectacular chandelier hangs above the table like a suspended constellation, ready to accompany long evenings spent entertaining, sharing, and taking one's time. Beyond, the kitchen, luxurious yet perfectly designed, reveals itself as a true beating heart. Integrated storage blends seamlessly into the architecture, the elegant surfaces are built to last, and every detail seems conceived to prepare refined meals with precision, in an atmosphere that is as functional as it is sophisticated.
Outside, the landscaped garden shields the house from view and reinforces the impression of a secret refuge. Despite its proximity to Montreal's vibrant center, one feels transported to another world. Like a discreet retreat, enveloped in greenery, where silence becomes a luxury. The strict heritage constraints—preserved wooden windows, a maintained slate roof, regulated materials—have never been limitations, but rather guiding principles, a profound respect for the history of the place.
Today, this Westmount home embodies a rare balance: heritage and modernity, elegance and comfort, architectural rigor and a relaxed lifestyle. More than a house, it's a way of life. A place where light becomes substance, where every texture tells a story, and where, even when winter envelops Montreal in a white silence, the interior remains a warm, luminous, and profoundly vibrant world.
https://www.lukehavekesdesign.com
