Step inside Pinôt Boutique Hotel, a modern countryside gîte for travellers of the Eastern Townships

Pinôt Boutique Hotel brings a contemporary vibe to the rambling turn-of-the-century, Queen Anne-style Maison Tartre on Sutton’s main road.

'Eclectic' and 'exuberant' are how late 19th and early 20th-century revival style of stately homes like this usually get described, but those words are equally apt to describe the very modern gîte (a French word dating back to the Middle Ages to describe humble lodgings where a traveller or pilgrim can rest).

Enter from the large veranda into Pinôt’s gracious interior, and the enormity of the renovation and transformation of the space into a calm oasis is apparent. The high-ceilinged space has been opened up with a long farmhouse table for shared breakfasts in a creamy, pale yellow dining room. There’s a view through a sunny kitchen to the expansive two-level garden, by way of a large living room with a spacious inviting couch and lots of comfy seating.

"It’s for anyone who loves beautiful things."

Owners Véronique Lacoursière and Florence Pelland-Goyer took inspiration from small boutique hotels they stayed at during a post-lockdown trip to Portugal.

“We loved the idea of personalized service that came with that kind of space,” says Lacoursière, who had moved from Montreal to the Townships during the pandemic and opened the well-loved Bolt Café in Knowlton.

Lacoursière sold Bolt last year to Simon-Pierre and Xavier-Bernard Caron. She and Pelland-Goyer (a sommelier and restaurateur with experience at Montréal Plaza and a former co-owner of Mile End’s La Buvette Chez Simone and Bar à Flot) fell in love with the Maison Tartre and were ready for the challenge of opening the hotel.

"Pinôt is a concept that people from the hospitality industry appreciate, but it’s also ideal for those who love fresh air, skiing, and cycling."

With a love for what's intimate & welcoming

It's not the first time the mansion hosted visitors. Built in 1905 by Charles-Ulrich Tartre, a mayor of Sutton in the 1930's and whose initials are still inscribed in the glass window of the front door, the building was formerly known as the bed and breakfast Les Caprices de Victoria.

There are five guest rooms now: two Classic, one Deluxe, one Superior, and a Grande Suite under the eaves at the top of the building, featuring a soaking tub and pull-out couch. All rooms feature king-sized beds with monogrammed high thread count linens, plump microfibre quilts, spa showers, great bedside lighting, and plenty of pillows.

Having just a few rooms is perfect for Lacoursière and Pelland-Goyer. “The notion of quality over quantity really appealed to us,” says Lacoursière. “We always love hosting people, so this was natural.”

Lacoursière, responsible for publicity and branding for the hotel, still has a day job as Director of Clients and Operations at Wedge Studio, while Pelland-Goyer draws on her expertise in hospitality to inform day-to-day operations and all things food and beverage, including the wine cellar.

The pair had help from others with a similar vision, all keen to create a peaceful, sophisticated space for visitors to the region. Working with architects Microclimat, general contractors from Chalec, and some decorating inspiration from Perron Design—most of the décor was done by Lacoursière, with advice about soft furnishings and bedding from the folks at the swish Manoir Hovey nearby—renovations were swift.

A first offer was made in January 2023, September saw a soft opening for industry friends and family, and the hotel welcomed its first official guests over the October Thanksgiving weekend.

True to its word

Officially classified as a gîte, Pinôt is more than a bed and breakfast. True to the French interpretation of the word, it’s a gathering place where travellers can relax in the quiet of spacious rooms, on the large deck behind the common living room, or under the trees on the extensive grounds. The two rooms overlooking the back garden have balconies for a sunset view through Pinôt’s huge maple trees.

For guests who want to really get away from it all, Pinôt can arrange for massage and facials in a dedicated space on the second floor with a trusted local masseuse.

Aside from meeting fellow travellers over Pinôt’s generous continental breakfast, the Muskoka chairs surrounding the back garden’s fire pit (and the sunset) are perfect for an afternoon apéro and snack of warmed olives with almonds and a glass of Pinôt Noir, Pelland-Goyer’s favourite wine of all time—and the origin of the name of the hotel.

For those who need some pet therapy, there’s Arthur, the couple’s four-year old Golden Retriever, whose image is found on the Do Not Disturb door signs and whose wagging tail welcomes visitors upon arrival.

“Arthur adds life to the space,” says Pelland-Goyer, noting that they’re a dog-friendly hotel. Guests who have allergies or might not be comfortable with dogs should just say the word, though, as Arthur has another home nearby.

Prospects for Pinôt

The couple have lots of plans, too.

If everything goes their way, they aim to transform part of the lush green space behind the building into a station balnéaire with a swimming pool, outdoor sauna, and access to the river behind the property. Further down the line, there’s a barn which could be transformed into a restaurant, café, event space, and/or wine-tasting venue… the sky’s the limit, but they know it’s one step at a time.

For now, Pinôt is ready for holiday parties, overnight group stays, and chef takeovers. With deep connections to the local and Montreal restaurant and wine scene, the owners have a few surprises up their sleeves.

The Sutton location, 90 minutes from Montreal, makes Pinôt an ideal weekend (or weekday) getaway. It’s a ten-minute drive to the hills at Mont Sutton or to visit alpacas, or a ten-minute walk from the hotel into town to check out homemade goodies at La Rumeur Affamée, have lunch at Mollie’s, grab a coffee at Yamabiko, enjoy a drink at La Réserve Naturelle, or have dinner at Pixel Nano Resto.

“Pinôt is a concept that people from the hospitality industry appreciate, but it’s also ideal for those who love fresh air, skiing, and cycling,” says Lacoursière.

“But really? It’s for anyone who loves beautiful things.”

Pinôt Boutique Hôtel is located at 63 Principale Nord Street in Sutton, Quebec.