hintercabin x
With spectacular views towards the peak of Mont-Tremblant, hintercabin x is a minimalist-inspired vacation rental that merges design and nature in La Conception, Canada.
We enjoy connecting with our guests and sharing our love for food, nature and design.
How would you describe Villa Melba in a nutshell?
Villa Melba is an architectural gem-turned-slow living haven in Frelighsburg, Eastern Townships, Quebec. It's a sanctuary where architecture, hospitality and culinary artistry converge to create meaningful experiences. The villa embraces slow tourism principles, offering guests a place to rejuvenate, learn and connect deeply with the local environment and culture.
What is the story behind Villa Melba, what was your inspiration to create it?
Villa Melba's story began when Simon Desmarais discovered a 1970s garage during a bike ride near Vermont. Inspired, he partnered with L'Abri architects to transform it into Maison Melba — a community space with a commercial kitchen for food innovators.
Villa Melba emerged as the hospitality arm, embodying our dream of a sustainable, welcoming space that honours Eastern Townships heritage while fostering innovation and connection.
To you personally, what is so special about Villa Melba?
What makes Villa Melba truly special is the joy of connecting with our guests and authentically sharing our love for food, nature and design. We're passionate about creating personalised experiences that let you slow down and savour life's simple pleasures. Whether cooking together, exploring outdoors or discussing the villa's unique features, it's all about making meaningful connections and creating beautiful memories.
What’s your policy on children?
We warmly welcome children and families! Our spacious layout and varied experiences, including parent-child cooking classes, are perfect for creating family memories. We're happy to accommodate the specific needs of your little ones.
What is the name of the architect?
Atelier L'Abri, recognised as the Best Young Firm at the A+Awards 2024, designed Villa Melba. We're thrilled to have brought our vision to life through their exceptional expertise.
Villa Melba is a stress-melting sanctuary beneath a distinctive steel mansard roof. The interior marries a 1970s timber frame with modern, sustainable design, bathed in natural light that connects seamlessly to the Quebec landscape.
The main living area features an open-plan ground floor revolving around a central staircase, harmoniously combining the living room, dining area and a well-appointed kitchen. Carefully curated pieces from Vipp, Frama and &Tradition, set against warm Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring, create an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication.
Upstairs, you'll find three comfortable bedroom retreats, a main bathroom and a mezzanine lounge with a cosy balcony overlooking a willow tree. The property extends outdoors with a greenhouse, a productive garden, fruit trees and frog-filled ponds, blending indoor comfort with natural beauty.
All visitors enjoy comfortable accommodation, welcome drinks and a property tour during their stay. Our Melba's Tailored Experience packages offer private chef services, cooking masterclasses and a well-stocked pantry, as well as welcome cocktails and an honesty bar. Afternoon teas, wellness treatments and art or nature workshops can also be arranged on request. We're happy to customise our packages to suit individual needs, whether you're looking for a self-catering retreat or a fully curated experience.
At Villa Melba, guests can enjoy cooking masterclasses, wellness treatments, local craft workshops and tasting experiences. Nearby, there are hiking trails, as well as farms and orchards to explore. It’s also possible to visit galleries, attend events, shop at farmers' markets and dine at riverside restaurants.
Three highlights not to miss:
Villa Melba is located in Frelighsburg, a charming village in the Brome-Missisquoi region of Quebec, close to the Vermont border. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills and beautiful countryside dotted with small farms, orchards and vineyards.
This part of Quebec is special for its vibrant arts scene, strong sense of community and commitment to preserving nature and heritage. The unique blend of long-time residents and newcomers creates a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere. The region is also known for its agricultural innovation, with many young farmers starting eco-friendly and creative projects.
While Villa Melba offers a serene, secluded experience, guests are just three minutes’ drive away from a variety of convenient amenities and dining options. In the nearby village, you'll find a supermarket for picking up essentials, as well as a gourmet épicerie that’s well-stocked with specialty items.
For those looking to sample local flavours, there's a charming cider shop that also serves crepes. The village boasts diverse dining options to suit every mood: a cosy café brewery for casual drinks and bites, a picturesque bistro by the river for a more romantic setting, a welcoming, family-style restaurant for hearty meals and a casual cantine for quick, satisfying fare. Our proximity allows guests to easily balance the privacy of Villa Melba with the vibrant local culture and cuisine.
Frelighsburg is a year-round destination, but we have a special fondness for fall. Spring brings blossoming orchards and the start of farming activities. Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures and discovering the vibrant village life. Winter offers cosy village experiences and nearby skiing at Sutton or Jay Peak, Vermont.
That being said, fall truly showcases our region at its best. This season dazzles with colourful foliage, apple picking and harvest events. The abundance of fall brings a special energy to Villa Melba and the surrounding area, making it our favourite time to share the richness of our local culture and cuisine with guests.
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