The Fairbanks Mansion, in La Malbaie, Charlevoix, is both a home and a monument. The architecture–both interior and exterior–is remarkably restrained, offering an environment perfectly suited for exploring and exchanging ideas, as well as cooling down and letting go.
Surrounded by dense red pine forests, The Fairbanks Mansion gives its guests a phenomenal point of view, as it stands proudly and steadily on the flanks of a hill, overlooking the vast expanse of the St. Lawrence River below. Its panoramic view moves and inspires.
Due partly to its location and generous size, it was a favoured venue for high society gatherings and parties during the roaring twenties. William Howard Taft, 27th president of the United States of America before and later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, owned at the time a country house nearby, and is sure to have spent many an evening in the Mansion’s halls and veranda.
Standing high and remote, at the end of a discreet and winding private road , the property is just far enough to remove yourself from the bustle of the daily hustle, without entirely losing touch with civilization. You get the best of what the region has to offer –the great outdoors, spas, a casino, fine cuisine– and still enjoy the valuable privacy of the Fairbanks Mansion.
The house is spacious, bright, airy and serene, echoing the nature it is nestled in. Tactfully subdued, the decor is refined and timeless, conserving an air of tradition while incorporating contemporary elements.
Bathed in pure and white surroundings, the fine and crisp contours of fixtures and furniture express themselves fully. The wood paneling is a quiet and constant recall of the heritage and history of a bygone era.
The tones and undertones of the carefully curated furniture are perfectly suited for the Mansion. The amber hues of the wood, copper and brass elements shine in contrast within the generous canvas offered by the white walls. Carpets, accessories and furniture tie in the Edwardian rough stone of the many fireplaces.
The winding road leads upwards to the residence, acting as a gateway to a world in itself. Inside, 10 rooms, three of which have their own fireplace, ample common areas, a first-rate kitchen and a beckoning bar are a few of the arguments for staying in.
Private grounds, fresh air, and the seemingly infinite majestic nature around it make up some of the best reasons to get out.
A sparkling new pool will be ready this coming summer (2021).
Charlevoix embraces the shores of the already wide St. Lawrence Estuary that expands and engulfs the horizon. There, the saline waters of the Atlantic Ocean entwine with the freshwater of the St. Lawrence and its affluents, like the Malbaie River.
While the St. Lawrence alone warrants a trip and the promise of inspiration and wanderlust, the mountains, hills and Northern forests equally contribute in making this land truly astonishing.
Here, the landscape is generous and imposing. The outdoors offering is well organized and wide-ranging, to satisfy hikers and enthusiasts of any level.
Charlevoix boasts two great national parks that draw people from across the world: the Grands-Jardins as well as the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, that feature some of the highest elevations this side of the Rockies.
Charlevoix caters to skiers as well, with stations like Le Massif that seems to dive right in the St. Lawrence.
Whether it’s whale watching, quiet canoe coasting or kayaking, the area’s many rivers offer exciting ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Charlevoix is as much about culture and the art of living as it is about nature. If the serene scenery will content many, some will wish to stimulate all their senses.
The people of Charlevoix proudly promote their internationally acclaimed agricultural and natural products. This is never more apparent than in the area’s finest restaurants, that focus on fresh land local ingredients.
Considered a haven of wellness and rejuvenation, Charlevoix has several outstanding spa outlets for those in need of pampering or some extra relaxation.
Activities are bountiful, from outings in the mountains or on the water to evening jaunts at the Charlevoix casino.