Where to start? Well, Marty and I had been living in an apartment in Gatineau for a few years, and were looking for a property to buy somewhere outside the city. I was interested in something that would suit the outdoor permaculture projects I had in mind (like growing our own food) and Marty wanted to be nearer to the Gatineau Park (where we found ourselves most weekends already). We decided on the quaint village of Wakefield, Quebec.

The plan was not initially to build a bed and breakfast. However, when a friend of mine (who had just gotten married at The Belvedere) found out where we had purchased the property, she suggested what a great spot it would be for one, and how well the job would suit me. I've always loved staying at bed and breakfasts (the decor, the antiques, the food...) and had always thought to myself that I would love to do that. So, after her suggestion, I couldn't unsee myself running a small bed & breakfast from our new home. Luckily, we had not drawn up the plans for the house yet. We quickly got to work researching how we would incorporate this new project into our home.

Marty had decided early on in our search, that he would build the house himself. Marty has no background in construction, but had helped his dad and brother in law with the building of their houses, and decided he would do the same. Not only would it be more economical, but it was important to us to incorporate ecological design choices in our home as well. After taking his Ecological Home Design course with SolutionEra, we settled on a hybrid solar passive / farmhouse look. With the help of his course, youtube, a few hired contractors where needed, friends and family, our home was built over one entire year. Now that we are here, we pinch ourselves constantly, reiterating aloud just how thankful we are to be apart of this incredible community.

With the house built, excitement now turns towards the property, and all of our future projects in permaculture, self sustainability, and holistic landscape design. We are at the very beginning of our journey in this area of interest, and hope you will follow along as we learn and grow (literally!). 

Natalie, Marty, Charlotte & Rosalie