A New Beginning in the Sutton Countryside

Nadine and Jean returned from a period of living abroad, sharing a clear intention to root themselves and build their life in Sutton, a small mountain village in the Eastern Townships.

Their property carries a quiet richness. A sheep farm sits just next door, and a large agricultural building on their land once housed a market gardening project. It is also bordered by a mature sugar maple forest, provided a stunning and grounding backdrop throughout. Their home, fully renovated in the 2010s, reflects a contemporary style, creating an opportunity to bring greater fluidity and connection between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

A landscape plan had already been initiated, and part of the work was in place when the clients reached out to us. There was an opportunity to develop a more cohesive vision that reflected how they wanted to live on the land. We were able to step in fluidly, building on what existed while expanding the design.

From the beginning, Nadine and Jean shared a simple yet meaningful vision: to fully enjoy the pleasures of country life and to create a welcoming, peaceful space connected to the surrounding landscape where they could host their adult children when they visit.

Taking over a project already underway required both sensitivity and adaptability. The site presented several challenges. Tall ornamental rhizomatous grasses—reaching nearly two meters—had taken over large portions of the land, making it difficult to use. The house itself sits high above the front of the property, while the back is uneven and largely unusable, with a steep slope descending toward the forest. They also hoped to include a greenhouse, despite the constraints of a north-facing home surrounded by trees. The process began, in part, with the intensive clearing of invasive grasses to reclaim the space.

What made this project especially inspiring was the openness and artistic sensitivity Nadine and Jean brought to the process. They expressed a deep love for nature and a desire to be surrounded by beauty and diversity. The site offered many possible planting areas, and they welcomed bold, forward-thinking ideas. Together, we developed a custom, turnkey bioclimatic greenhouse, integrating passive systems we are particularly passionate about.

As the project unfolded, a few unexpected moments shaped its evolution. Some plant selections required a degree of trust early on, but as the landscape matured, they came to feel fully aligned with the overall vision. A wildflower meadow sown in the fall was later replaced by a spring lawn, creating a clean and simple foreground that beautifully highlights the surrounding forest and garden beds. Toward the end of the project, they joyfully announced the arrival of a dog, which led to the addition of a temporary fence around the home.

What emerged is more than a landscape—it is a place of balance and expression. A meeting point between modern architecture and pastoral calm, where nature is both respected and gently shaped, and where family life can unfold with ease.

Thank you, Nadine and Jean, for your trust. May you continue to enjoy your artistic and pastoral sanctuary with family and friends.