Actress Karine Vanasse's Quebec Country Retreat: A Fusion of Historic Charm and Modern Serenity

Actress Karine Vanasse, known for her roles and as host of 'The Traitors Canada,' sought a new home in the Eastern Townships not for its features but for its inherent character, aiming to infuse it with her unique style. This quest led her to an 1870s property in Lac-Brome—a three-bedroom farmhouse complete with a barn and a pond. Despite its need for extensive renovation, Vanasse instinctively knew it was the right fit, making an offer after only a virtual viewing and a heartfelt letter to the owners. This acquisition also sparked 'Karine et la maison jaune,' a renovation series chronicling the property's transformation. Initially, Vanasse took on the design and decoration herself, determined to make the house a true reflection of her aesthetic. However, as the project's scope broadened, so did the necessity for a collaborative team.

Today, this beautifully transformed residence is where Vanasse and her eight-year-old son reside full-time, a testament to her vision. She views her home as a vital sanctuary, a place of solace where she can fully be herself, often making the long drive back from filming to spend even a few precious hours there. "There's no pressure here, no demand for perfection," she reflects, describing it as a comforting embrace. Her home stands as a unique space, entirely molded by her preferences, a rare achievement in a life frequently dedicated to embodying other people's narratives. For the second season of her renovation series, Vanasse collaborated with close friends and local designers, Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette of Les Ensembliers, who, living just ten minutes away, intimately understood her design aspirations. Their intensive renovation work spanned from spring to fall in 2025.

Maxime and Richard's contributions included refining the architectural elements, completing the interior design of the main house, and crafting the outdoor areas. Their most significant undertaking was the ambitious project of salvaging, restoring, and reimagining the deteriorating barn. Maxime emphasized that their objective was not merely to refurbish a property but to sculpt a home that truly encapsulated Karine's essence, stating, "A house is not merely a structure; it's a sanctuary, a reflection of oneself." This guiding principle is vividly expressed throughout the home's interiors, which are rich in vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The entrance hall serves as a tranquil interlude, offering a gentle transition between the blush-toned foyer, the deep aubergine living room, and the inviting wood-finished kitchen. Richard deliberately conceived this area as the home's anchor, advising Karine, "You need a break from color here; it's your unifying element." Beyond this serene space, a bolder aesthetic unfolds with striking wallpapers, graphic tiles, lively art pieces, and a kitchen banquette upholstered in a fabric by Beata Heuman, chosen by Karine out of pure affection. "It's a lot," she admits of the dynamic pattern, "but that was the moment I chose to trust my instincts." The kitchen, designed for practical family life rather than display, features windows that wrap around the room and a pop-up ventilation system, allowing for cooking with an unobstructed view. Richard's nuanced approach involved toning down certain elements, opting for wood kitchen cabinets over a dark plum finish, thereby highlighting the island. He observes, "It perfectly embodies Karine—whimsical, daring, and well-traveled."

The detached barn, initially the most formidable aspect of the project, was on the brink of collapse, posing a significant challenge: to transform it into something miraculous. This presented an opportunity to integrate a covered, porch-like room, a feature missing from the main house. The outcome is a blend of rustic charm and dramatic flair: reclaimed wood, pink walls, a custom sectional adorned with outdoor fabrics, antique textiles repurposed into a grand ottoman, and a patterned rug handcrafted by nuns in the early 1900s. Vanasse expressed her amazement at having such a space, remarking, "When the wind picks up, you can feel it, yet you're completely sheltered. It offers a fresh perspective on outdoor living." Originally a two-story structure with low ceilings and limited connection to the main house, the barn's transformation became Les Ensembliers' signature achievement: a three-season indoor-outdoor living area that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape. Maxime carefully removed parts of the façade to enhance the views, reused the old windows from the house, installed motorized screens, and positioned a Stûv woodstove at the center, ensuring the space could be enjoyed well into the fall. This project further solidified Maxime and Richard’s connection to the region, inspiring their new shop in Knowlton, Quebec, Maison Brome, which showcases the same local and Canadian artisans whose craftsmanship enriches Karine’s home. The barn now feels more harmoniously connected to the farmhouse and the garden through terraces, pathways, an outdoor kitchen, a sauna, and an inground mini-pool. The raised passages of the walkways and decks facilitate wildlife movement beneath them, complemented by built-in benches for relaxation. The overall aesthetic is one of understated elegance, evoking a refined farmhouse rather than a meticulously manicured estate, reflecting a life lived authentically and beautifully.