Birchwild Estate

Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard QC, CAN

Tucked away in the Laurentians, the world's oldest mountain chain, is a secret place, a rare and magical sanctuary called Birchwild. This unspoiled 920-acre refuge is a haven for native wildlife, and is verdant with maple, beech, cherry, birch, pine and balsam forests. The air is fresh, fragrant, and clean. The crowning glory of the estate is the water—two extraordinary private lakes, more than a mile of river, and sparkling waterfalls. Lake Castor, constantly refreshed by the Gemont River flowing through it, is totally undeveloped. A charming house and guest cabins sit discreetly on the shores of Murray Lake, which is deep and spring-sourced with deliciously soft water.

This private paradise, a retreat for generations of an old Montreal family, is now available with all of its extraordinary potential intact. As you drive up the half-mile (.8 km) long driveway to Murray Lake, you leave the outside world behind and an exquisite and priceless feeling of tranquility takes hold.

Secluded, Yet Connected

There are few such remote estates so conveniently close to a major cosmopolitan city. From Montreal International Airport, it is just 50 minutes by car.

In winter, eastern North America's best downhill skiing is to be found at Mont Tremblant—the exhilarating world-renowned ski, golf and leisure resort—just 40 minutes away. Five other exciting ski resorts are within a 10 mile (15 km) radius. Beginning just outside the door, the estate's own cross country ski trails connect to an extensive public trail network.

Year-round shopping from necessities to luxuries, a summer international arts festival, and fine dining are but 10 minutes away in the popular vacation town of St. Sauveur. Indeed, all the facilities of Montreal, which the New York Times calls "one of the world's most livable cities," are in easy reach.

The Opportunity