Manoir Hovey

This five-star Relais & Châteaux property is nestled on 35 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and birch forest along the shores of Lake Massawippi near North Hatley, Québec, only a 75-minute drive along the Routes des Vins from Montréal. Manoir Hovey combines old-world charm and service with contemporary luxury. This destination appeals to visitors who yearn for simpler times when a vacation called for a charming country house on a lake with lots of fresh air and fabulous world-renowned food. Enjoy 37 elegantly appointed lakeside rooms and suites, plus panoramic vistas of gardens and lake in this land of the maple leaf.null

Experiences

• Golf, Seclusion, Wellness

• Number of Rooms 37

Welcome to Manoir Hovey! Located only 75 minutes from Montreal, Manoir Hovey is a 5 star Relais & Chateaux property on the shores of Lake Massawippi just outside of North Hatley, one of Quebec';s most picturesque villages.Manoir Hovey is truly one of Canada’s most charming and romantic inns.We offer thirty-seven beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, year-round activities, and host conferences, weddings and special events. Our award-winning four diamond restaurant, Le Hatley, showcases fine regional cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list.Overlooking the lake and surrounded by English gardens, the dining room has a tranquil setting with breathtaking views.

An unforgettable experience to enjoy with your partner or your family!

History of Manoir Hovey

The beginning

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, Colonel 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 servants, 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.

The beginnings of the Manoir as an inn

The Atkinson family stopped coming to North Hatley in the 1940';s and The Birches then changed hands a few times, before being converted into a prestigious inn in 1950 by Robert F. Brown, a Montrealer who had just graduated from Cornell Hotel School. Your hosts, Kathryn and Stephen Stafford, purchased the Manor from Robert Brown in 1979 and have been on site ever since. Continuous improvements have been made over the years, but always with the attempt to remember the origins and ambiance of this very special place. Today the 40 bedrooms at Manoir Hovey are installed not only in the main house, but also ingeniously fitted into the former servants'; quarters, ice house, pump house, electric house and caretaker';s residence. Many contain antiques that were purchased by Henry Atkinson himself. Many of the books in the library date from the Atkinson';s residency.The Tap Room, once the coach house sheltering Atkinson';s collection of coaches, boasts a vast 10,000 brick fireplace which is one of 26 of varying sizes scattered throughout the inn. Sitting atop an antique shelf in the reception area is the Inn';s celebrated haunted clock, which has been featured in Ripley';s Believe It or Not. This Gothic style 80-day chimer is not in working order, but has been known to chime inexplicably when someone mentions Plumley Le Baron, an early North Hatleyite known for having worn a raccoon coat in the summertime.

Rooms & Suites

Manoir Hovey has37 rooms and suites. Our individually decorated rooms are comfortable and gracious and offer a rare combination of picturesque charm and modern services. All are different but all share the same refined taste.
Most of our rooms have a view of the lake, fireplaces, private balconies & whirlpools.Our private and semi-private houses, a short walk from the Manor House, offer privacy, calm and serenity.Our Vista Suites (Heron and Oriole) with their contemporary decor have brought a new standard to deluxe accommodation in Québec’s hotels.

Dining

Le Hatley Restaurant- Manoir Hovey’s restaurant, “Le Hatley,” with its panoramic lake view, is renowned for its friendly, personalized service and its innovative Quebec cuisine, which uses the finest local and regional products.
Tap Room Pub- The Tap Room is an historic antique-filled pub with a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Meetings & Weddings-Celebrations

For business meetings, private dinners, banquets and receptions, rooms and facilities are available.Our main conference room, the Abenaki, is equipped with luxurious pivoting leather chairs, DVD-player, LCD projector, remotely-controlled projection screen and more. The other reception rooms welcome small groups in a professional and stylish environment.

Manoir Hovey, situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Massawippi, in North Hatley, has always been a coveted destination for weddings and celebrations. The romantic lakeside seclusion of this historic property with five star Relais & Chateaux service and award winning cuisine combine to create a stand-out venue for a memorable wedding. Weddings and other celebrations can be hosted in a selection of beautifully appointed rooms for up to 120.
Some of our suites have private gardens that can be used for your service or reception. The Tap Room and Abenaki spaces can accommodate cocktail receptions for up to 120 and seated dinners for up to 120. Le Hatley restaurant is ideal for lunch time weddings or for weddings that can exclusively reserve the whole property. The Tap Room balcony overlooking the gardens and lake is ideal for afternoon weddings for up to 45.

Activities

At Manoir Hovey, there are numerous on-site year-round activities amid our setting on the lakeshore of magnificent Lake Massawippi.Our private beaches and 35 acres of gardens and forests are serene refuges of peace and tranquility.

In summer months, enjoy a competitive match of tennis on our clay tennis court, one of the oldest in Canada, enjoy a tour of the lake by canoe or simply relax on a hammock! In winter, set off on a snowshoe adventure directly from our door, enjoy any of the numerous cross country ski trails in the area, or skate on our very own skating rink.Few inns provide such a wealth of activities, most of which are included in your rate.

For culinary tourism, the Eastern Townships has many producers of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, wine, cider etc...Many open their doors to guests and are thrilled to share their passion.Our knowledgeable staff is always pleased to point you in the right direction for a tour that promises scenic country roads and memorable tastings and encounters.

Hotel Features

Standard

Our standard rooms are appointed in a country style and feature Queen-size beds with views either directly on the lake or the woods.  

**Next applicable upgrade category - Superior

Superior

Every room at Manoir Hovey is unique.  Our charming superior rooms all have Queen size beds.  Most have lake views and offer combinations of fireplaces and/or single whirlpool baths and/or balconies.

**Next applicable upgrade category - Deluxe

Deluxe

Our spacious and beautifully appointed Deluxe rooms feature:

• Queen or King-size beds
• Private balconies or patios
• Panoramic views of the lake and gardens
• Single or double whirlpool baths
• Fireplaces
• A country or contemporary style
• Work area

**Next applicable upgrade category - Luxury

Luxury

 Luxury rooms provide gracious and refined space and feature:

• King bed
• Private balcony
• Panoramic view of the lake and gardens
• Oversize bathroom with single or double whirlpool tub and separate shower
• Fireplace
• A country or contemporary style
• Work area

**Next applicable upgrade category - Suites

Cartier Suite

Romantic cottage right on the water!  This secluded fairy-tale cottage directly on the lakeshore features:

• Queen four poster bed
• Large private deck
• Panoramic lakeview
• Luxury bathroom with double therapeutic tub and separate shower
• Fireplace
• Private dock with your own canoe and kayak

**Next applicable upgrade category - Oriole Suite

Massawippi Suite

Massawippi Suite ››Our newest suite, completed in May 2011, features 500 ft. of contemporary luxury. The suite is in the Manor House and features:

• King size bed
• An oversized private balcony with stunning views directly over the English gardens and the lake
• An oversized white marble bathroom with heated floor, a stand alone oval therapeutic tub and large, separate glass shower
• Fireplace
• Large work area

Montcalm Suite

The Montcalm Suite exudes refinement, peace and serenity. The colour palette of the suite presents shades of green, white and grey which complement the surrounding natural colours. The suite features:

• King-size bed
• Screened-in porch opening on a spacious private deck
• Magnificent view of Lake Massawippi
• Luxurious bathroom accessible through a large walk-in closet
• Bathroom with heated floors, large glass shower and air-jetted oval soaking tub beautifully placed into the alcove of a bay window which also looks down the lake
• Fireplace
• Work area
• Sofa bed

Treetops Suite

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 the these suites. The Treetops Suites can be rented separately or as adjoining units.

•  They feature:
• King-size canopy beds
• Spacious lakeview porches and decks
• Luxurious bathrooms with double jacuzzis and separate shower
• Wood-burning fireplaces
• Cathedral ceilings
• Kitchenette
• Work area
• Private parking
• Lighted staircase which leads down through the woods to the porte cochere of the Manor.

**Next applicable upgrade category - Oriole Suite

Oriole Suite

The Vista Suites (Oriole and Héron) set a new standard for country inn accommodation in Quebec. Respectively 1200 sq and 1400 sq feet, they have been designed in a contemporary style and are flooded with light. They can accommodate families or friends with their communicating door.

The Oriole Suite boasts:

• Spacious sunny bedroom with a king-size bed
• Large walk-in closet
• Balcony with an impressive view of the lake and woods
• Bathroom with double whirlpool bath and steam shower
• Living room with a convertible sofa bed, easy chairs, flat screen TV, desk and gas fireplace
• Custom fitted kitchen
• Hot tub
• Ample private parking
• Private in-ground, heated pool (shared with Heron)
• Fleet of touring bikes
• Private lighted stairway down the bluff to the Manor's porte cochère

**Next applicable upgrade category - Heron Suite

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