Innsights

Le Spa at Manoir Hovey: A seamless blend of heritage and innovation

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN PROFILE: Feature from the WINTER 2025 ISSUE of STAY Magazine

February 23rd, 2025

LAMAS Architecture's revitalization of a historic retreat in Quebec

Photography by Félix Michaud

Perched on the shores of Lake Massawippi in Quebec, Manoir Hovey stands as a testament to timeless elegance and historical charm. Originally built in 1900 as the summer mansion of Henry Atkinson, owner of Atlanta Power, the property’s design drew inspiration from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Its expansive verandah and stately colonnades evoke a bygone era, while its latest addition, Le Spa, marries that heritage with contemporary luxury.

Designed by Toronto-based LAMAS Architecture, Le Spa at Manoir Hovey represents a thoughtful renovation and expansion, enhancing the retreat’s amenities while preserving its historical significance. Completed in 2023, the project exemplifies the balance between aesthetic reverence and modern functionality.

A harmonious expansion

The spa was part of a larger renovation effort initiated just before the pandemic, which included updating the property’s swimming pool. According to LAMAS co-founder James Macgillivray, the goal was to integrate the spa into the natural hillside landscape while maintaining the architectural integrity of the original structures. “From the outset, we aimed to highlight the historical allusions of the exterior while using the interiors as a blank canvas for new guest experiences,” Macgillivray explains.

Approaching the spa from the lake, visitors are greeted by colonnades that echo the manor’s iconic features. The single-story portico, however, offers a contrast in its height and asymmetry, creating a dynamic interplay of forms. Inside, the vaulted ceilings and carefully framed views of the lake invite a sense of discovery, with guests descending to a lower level where the pool, hot tub, and spa facilities await.

Innovative design for a challenging site

Settled into a steeply graded site, the spa posed significant logistical challenges. Soil retention, drainage management, and the integration of mechanical systems demanded innovative engineering solutions. The steep terrain also influenced the design of the interior spaces, with windowless locker rooms offset by a skylight in the women’s change room that channels natural light through a lucarne on the roof.

On the lower level, floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception area, relaxation rooms, and sauna provide striking views of the lake and surrounding trees, further enhancing the connection to the natural setting. The design also incorporates a private outdoor terrace, adding to the spa’s luxurious offerings.

Balancing tradition with modernity

Maintaining the site’s historical elements was a key priority. This included temporarily removing two columns from the original building, along with a century-old Dutchman’s pipe vine, during construction. Both were carefully restored, and the vine has since regrown, ensuring the continuity of the manor’s iconic appearance.

Inside, LAMAS embraced a more contemporary aesthetic. The spa’s interiors incorporate abstract design elements inspired by the natural surroundings. The stone finishes of the hammam reflect the granite cliffs around the lake, while tree trunk motifs in the massage rooms and vibrant accent tiles in the locker rooms evoke the region’s autumnal foliage.

“The interiors gave us an opportunity to introduce clean, serene elements that contrast with the historical exterior,” Macgillivray says.

Elevating the guest experience

The project also included the addition of new luxury suites, designed to maximize comfort and natural light. Each suite features a king bed oriented toward sweeping views, as well as spacious bathrooms with double vanities and private terraces.

By weaving historical details into a modern framework, LAMAS has created a cohesive experience that respects Manoir Hovey’s legacy while elevating it for today’s discerning guests. From the manor-inspired colonnades to the nature-infused interiors, Le Spa at Manoir Hovey encapsulates the property’s enduring appeal.