An Alpine Retreat in Quebec’s Charlevoix Region

  August 5, 2024
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Perched atop the picturesque ski slopes of Le Massif de Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Chalet Bertha is a noble project designed by the renowned studio Perron. The private chalet-hotel embodies a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and nature, offering an unparalleled retreat for a large, nature-loving family seeking relaxation and quality time together. The client envisioned a true turnkey experience, a rarity in such bespoke projects. Perron’s team embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, crafting a chalet that not only serves as a familial gathering spot but also rivals the amenities and atmosphere of a high-end boutique hotel, right down to the rolling luggage cart. Every detail, from custom European furniture to personalized bathroom products, was meticulously planned to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

The design of Chalet Bertha is heavily influenced by Nordic aesthetics, reflecting the surrounding mountains’ natural beauty. The interiors are minimalist yet warm, featuring an exposed fir wood frame and abundant natural light. The chalet’s spacious layout and large windows establish a constant connection with the outdoors, providing breathtaking views of the river and landscape.

A modern staircase with bright red steps and railing, leading up to a higher level with wood and white walls in a minimalistic designed building interior.

The chalet is designed to cater to every family member’s needs. A terrace complete with a spa and fireplace offers a serene spot for relaxation, while children can enjoy a dedicated playroom featuring a climbing wall and custom-made red slide that runs adjacent to perforated metal stairs.

Modern interior space with light wood paneling, built-in seating with cushions, a swing hanging from the ceiling, and various potted plants. A partial view of an adjacent room is visible through an archway.

A modern interior space with sunlight streaming through large windows. Wooden steps lead to a door. Green potted plants and a wooden stool are placed on a brick floor beside wooden wall panels.

A modern, well-lit living space with large windows, a central fireplace, a wooden staircase, potted plants, red wicker chair, wooden stools, and brick-patterned flooring.

The ground floor’s centerpiece is a room with a suspended fireplace, ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. The space is practical too, with brick flooring that negates the need to remove wet boots, and there’s even a hidden boot warmer.

Modern living space with a mezzanine. The interior features large windows, a wall-mounted shelving unit with plants and decor, a cozy seating area, and minimalist wooden furniture. Snowy view outside.

A modern living room with large windows offering a scenic view of a snowy landscape. The room features a sectional sofa, an armchair, and a rug on a wooden floor.

Perron’s design extends to the smallest details, ensuring a luxurious and functional experience. Unique furniture pieces from prestigious European manufacturers like Sancal, Dooor, Moooi, and Bonaldo are complemented by handcrafted items from local artisans in L’Isle-aux-Coudres. The combination of natural materials, soft colors, and clean lines are paired with eclectic touches – such as a bright yellow piano and vibrant dining area – which add to the interior’s playful energy. “We punctuated the ensemble, very neutral and minimalist, with textured, colorful, and unusual elements for Quebec,” Perron design team member Sarah Ève Hébert says. “We wanted to infuse it with a sense of Nordicity, pleasure, and eclecticism.”

A modern living room featuring a large window with a scenic mountain view, a cozy fireplace, a gray sectional sofa with a fluffy throw, and a minimalist dining area with wooden chairs and round table.

Modern dining area with a colorful arrangement of pendant lights, a wooden table with red cushioned benches, a chair, and light green wall paneling.

A modern kitchen with a large island, bar stools, built-in appliances, and shelves filled with kitchenware. The space features light wood finishes and multiple plants for decor.

The upper floor is designed for socializing and culinary experiences. A massive 500-square-foot lounge, inspired by the opulent lobbies of luxury hotels, provides ample space for reading, meetings, and contemplation. The state-of-the-art kitchen, discreetly hidden behind large panels, allows for professional chef services, ensuring gourmet dining experiences. A well-stocked bar and wine cellar further enhance the hospitality, making every gathering memorable.

A modern kitchen featuring an island with a black countertop and a grey and white color scheme. Shelves in the background display glassware, ceramics, books, and potted plants.

A modern kitchen and dining area with wooden chairs, a large central island, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of trees and the horizon outside.

A spacious dining area with large windows, a long wooden table, mixed seating, hanging lamps, and outdoor views of trees and sky on a sunny day.

A sunlit living room features large windows with snowy landscape views, a hanging wicker chair, a fur-covered sofa, a large plant, and modern wooden furniture.

A modern living space with large windows, a yellow piano, colorful furniture, plants, a wall-mounted shelving unit, and wood beam ceilings. Snowy landscape visible outside.

A modern indoor space featuring a tall glass wine cabinet filled with wine bottles, adjacent to a cozy seating area with potted plants in the foreground.

Modern office space with wooden desk, blue shelving unit, plants, and colorful abstract wall art.

A narrow hallway with textured walls features a colorful carpet and a red, arched cart holding a spherical lamp.

A cozy reading nook with a large window, cushioned seating, and colorful throw pillows. The area is framed by vertical wall panels and features a vibrant patterned carpet.

A cozy room with two wooden bunk beds, each with blue curtains and orange bedding, arranged against a wood-paneled wall, and blue carpeted floor. Hooks are mounted on the side walls.

Each of the five suites in Chalet Bertha carries a unique charm, with names inspired by the word ‘snow’ in various languages – Sno, Nev, Ho, Lumi, and Sne. These suites, while individually styled with different color palettes, share a common thread of luxury and comfort, each equipped with a full bathroom adorned with exclusive Bertha-labeled products.

A bright bedroom with a bed, patterned blanket, two pillows, a desk, wooden chair, and two mirrors. The room also features pendant lights and a window with sheer curtains.

A modern bathroom features a circular mirror, two wall-mounted lights, a white countertop with a brown bowl sink, and wooden drawers. The walls and floor are tiled with small square tiles.

A modern bedroom with a large bed covered in mustard yellow bedding, light green and striped pillows, and neutral decor. Sunlight streams through large, sheer curtained windows.

A room with a white sofa, multicolored throw pillows, abstract wall art, and yellow sheer curtains letting in natural light.

Modern bathroom with two white round sinks, oval mirrors, a white countertop, and a gold cabinet with matching light fixture. Walls are covered in a grid of small white tiles.

Minimalist bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, glass-enclosed shower, wall-mounted artwork, and a potted plant on a shelf. Floor and shower walls have a small square tile pattern.

A modern storage room with ski equipment on a rack, shelves with helmets and gear, and stacks of firewood. The room has bright overhead lighting and a large garage door.

Outdoor patio with a hot tub, seating area, and glass railing overlooking a scenic view of trees and ocean.

Bertha is a chalet-hotel characterized by its holiday spirit, flavored by Nordic inspirations. Its design honors both European prestige and Quebec charm.

-Sarah Ève Hébert

A modern house with a large glass balcony, surrounded by snow-covered trees, overlooks a mountainous landscape and a distant coastline under a partly cloudy sky.

If you want to experience Chalet Bertha firsthand (take us with you!), it’s available for rent here. To see more projects by Perron, head to perrondesign.ca.

Photography by Ulysse Lemerise, courtesy of v2com.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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