Perched on a sloped, wooded site in Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec, this striking home by Grenier Richards Spensier Architecture, with interiors by Studio Findlay, immediately stands out with its bold black exterior.
Clad in black metal and wood, the house embraces a simple architectural form while taking full advantage of its elevated position above Lac Marois. The design is intentionally understated from a distance, but as you move through the spaces, a series of warm, light-filled interiors begin to unfold.
A Simple Welcome Sets the Scene
The experience begins at a modest entryway where a black front door blends seamlessly into the exterior palette. Inside, the approach remains uncomplicated, with a minimalist bench providing a practical place to pause before entering the rest of the home. This restrained introduction reflects the home’s overall design philosophy, where simplicity allows the architecture and views to take center stage.
A Living Room Framed by Nature
Upstairs, the main living area opens into a bright space wrapped in large windows. Natural light pours in throughout the day, while views of the surrounding trees become part of the interior experience. At the center of the room, a fireplace rises dramatically toward the cathedral ceiling, drawing attention upward and emphasizing the generous volume of the space.
The elevated living level was intentionally designed to capture sunlight and maximize views across the landscape, giving the home’s shared spaces an airy and inviting atmosphere.
A Quiet Corner With a View
Beside the fireplace, a dedicated sitting area provides a more intimate place to relax. Positioned to overlook the front garden and driveway, it offers a different perspective of the property while remaining connected to the larger living space.
The Dining Area Creates a Natural Transition
Located between the living room and kitchen, the dining area acts as a bridge between gathering and entertaining spaces. A substantial wood table comfortably seats eight people, introducing warmth that contrasts beautifully with the home’s monochromatic palette.
The placement helps maintain the openness of the floor plan while defining each zone through furniture and function.
A Bright Kitchen With Subtle Contrast
The kitchen continues the home’s clean aesthetic with minimalist white cabinetry and an expansive island that provides generous workspace. The light finishes help reflect natural light throughout the room, creating a bright and welcoming environment. Small black details, including hardware and stool legs, introduce contrast without overwhelming the space.
Beyond the main kitchen, a large walk-in pantry adds another layer of functionality. Complete with a sink and extensive storage, the pantry helps keep everyday items out of sight and allows the kitchen to maintain its uncluttered appearance.
A Second Living Space With Custom Details
Tucked away from the primary gathering areas, a secondary living room offers a more relaxed setting. A custom wall unit stretches across the room, combining cabinets and shelving into one cohesive feature.
Black accents and carefully placed plants break up the light palette and add visual interest, while the built-in design provides both storage and display space.
A Sunroom Designed for Every Season
A door from the secondary living room opens into a bright sunroom surrounded by large windows. Warm wood ceilings soften the space and create a connection to the home’s exterior decks and outdoor areas.
The room combines dining and lounge zones, making it an ideal place to gather throughout the year while enjoying uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
A Minimalist Main Bedroom
The main bedroom embraces simplicity with a restrained palette and minimal furnishings. Artwork above the bed introduces personality, while black wall sconces add both lighting and contrast. The uncluttered design allows the room to feel calm and spacious, echoing the simplicity found throughout the rest of the house.
A Bright and Functional Ensuite
The ensuite bathroom continues the home’s clean aesthetic. A white tiled feature wall sits behind the vanity, adding texture while maintaining the light palette.
A walk-in shower enclosed with a glass screen enhances the sense of openness, creating a bathroom that feels both practical and refined.
A Bunk Room Built for Family and Guests
One of the additional bedrooms is designed to accommodate multiple occupants with two sets of bunk beds. The arrangement allows four people to sleep comfortably while maintaining an organized layout.
Each bunk includes its own wall sconce, giving every sleeping space dedicated lighting and a sense of individuality.
Consistency in the Secondary Bathroom
The second bathroom mirrors the home’s overall design language. A double vanity provides ample space, while black-framed mirrors coordinate with the faucets, lighting fixtures, drawer pulls, and shower curtain rod. These repeated details help create a cohesive look that ties the various rooms together.
Gathering Around the Fire Outdoors
Outside, the landscape extends the home’s living experience. A firepit area surrounded by stone and comfortable seating creates a natural destination for evenings outdoors.
Whether enjoying quiet nights or entertaining guests, the space offers a simple yet inviting place to gather while taking in the wooded surroundings.
From the cathedral-ceiling living room to the outdoor firepit, every space contributes to a home that is elegant, practical, and closely tied to the beauty of its woodland setting.