Chalets in protected nature near Montreal

In Rawdon, in Lanaudière, the chalets and estates of BESIDE Habitat form a small haven of peace in the heart of a protected plot of land from nature.

Since 2019, BESIDE Habitat aims to provide visitors with a place where humans can coexist with nature. “BESIDE’s core mission is to bring people to nature so that they realize its fragility and in turn want to protect it,” explains Eliane Cadieux, co-founder and chief creative officer. We hope that visitors will return inspired by their experience, creative and optimistic to contribute to preserving the environment in their daily lives.

Today, the brand has chalets in Lanaudière and Outaouais, where visitors are encouraged to discover the benefits of the great outdoors.

Modern and welcoming chalets

Rawdon’s 45 chalets are true architectural gems standing among the trees on 900 acres. Its spacious and warm interior reflects industrial style.

Sarah Bergeron Ouellet and Elise Viola, QMI Agency

Flooded with natural light thanks to large windows that open onto the wooded landscape, the space is an ideal place to relax and feel connected to the outdoors.

BESIDE Habitat offers different styles of chalets that can accommodate from two to eight people. Each offers a large common space with an open living room and kitchen for gathering. The kitchen is fully equipped, providing visitors with everything necessary to prepare meals to share around the counter that also serves as a table.

Everything seems designed for comfort: heated floors, a large L-shaped sofa, a small wood stove, etc.

The chalet we settled in, Le Terre-à-Terre, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. On each side of the main section, two private rooms invite tranquility and provide intimate, soundproof spaces. These two wings are separated from the main room by small glass corridors, and each has a private toilet.

Elise Viola, QMI Agency

In the gable, the mezzanine-style bedroom overlooks the kitchen and living room and creates an elegant atmosphere with minimalist decor without obstructing the cathedral ceiling.

The carefully integrated sauna area invites you to relax. Perfect for rewarding yourself after a day out exploring the surrounding trails.

Protected and revalued lands

The area surrounding the chalets is an extension of this atmosphere designed to recharge your batteries. Nature is as far as the eye can see, and winding pathways and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces such as private campfires allow visitors to reconnect with the environment.

Access to the lakes and developed trails is shared between the various chalets on the property.

Elise Viola, QMI Agency

In this field, the company also provides a rental service centuries It is heated by a wood stove for visitors who want a more intimate stay experience.

In total, the company is committed to protecting 80% of the lands acquired for BESIDE Habitat. Thus, only 20% of the area is used for real estate development and construction of chalets. The rest of the area is dotted with small outdoor facilities such as walkways or observation points, but nothing more.

These leisure tourism facilities also make it possible to “open up the experience to workshops, discovery and learning,” notes Eliane Cadieux.

Thus, BESIDE Habitat seeks to stand out from a simple holiday destination. Experience teaches us to slow down, believes the co-founder. “[C’est par des détails] – Like not having a TV on the weekend, cooking over a fire more often even if it’s slower, taking long walks to be alone at the lake – and coming home with a different perspective on our surroundings.

Next to Habitat – Lanaudière

• 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal, in Rawdon
• From $200 per night
• Dogs accepted ($)
• Stay of 7 nights or more at 25% discount
• Weekday stay at 30% discount with code RELAX30
• read more: besideshabitat.com/en