Villa Melba

  • Location: Countryside
    Frelighsburg for a café and restaurants: 2 miles (4 mins by car)
    Montreal: 56 miles (1h by car)
  • Montreal Airport (YUL): 68 miles (1h 20 mins by car)
    Burlington, VT, US (BTV): 54 miles (1h 07 by car)
    Car recommended
    Free parking
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An introduction to Villa Melba

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
Pavilion and greenhouse
Pavilion
Villa
Terrace
Terrace
Kitchen
Dining room
Living room
Living room and yoga area
Living room
Office
Master bedroom
Master bedroom
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 2
Balcony
Boudoir
Boudoir
Interior
Interior
Entrance area
Entrance area

Villa Melba rooms & rates

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.

  • Villa Melba for 6-8 people / 345 m²
    1250 / night
    • 3 Double bedrooms
    • 1 Bathroom
    • 3 Living rooms
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 1 Sofabed (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Balcony
    • Fireplace
    • Air conditioning
Included in the rates
Rates include welcome drinks & snacks, in house signature sweets, tour of the property and mid-stay cleaning service. An on-site washing machine is available.
Optional extras
Available on request: Concierge Services – Private chef services – Pantry supplies - Honesty bar - Bread and pastries delivery – Dinner or cultural site reservations - Food related experiences – Cooking classes – Massage therapist – Wellness treatment – Local art workshops – Housekeeping service – Laundry service – ask for Melba's Tailored Experience (additional services are subject to availability).
Children & Extra beds
Children of all ages are very welcome. There is a very comfortable sofa bed in the mezzanine, perfect for 1 or 2 children.
Minimum stay
4 nights
Check in time
after 11:00
Check out time
before 16:00

Facilities & services

  • Air conditioning
  • Concierge service
  • Terrace
  • Children welcome
  • WiFi
  • Maid service
  • TV
  • Fireplace
  • Garden
  • Honesty bar/Minibar
  • Central heating
  • Business / Remote work facilities
  • Courtyard
  • Music system
  • Iron & Board
  • Movies/DVDs
  • BBQ area
  • Hair dryer

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.

Things to do in Quebec & Frelighsburg

  • Wine tastings
  • Cooking classes
  • Massages / Treatments
  • Hiking
  • Cycling

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:

  • Local wine, cider and microbrewery exploration: We'll happily recommend the best local artisanal beverages.
  • Guided bike tour of the Eastern Townships: Discover hidden gems while enjoying the region’s scenic beauty.
  • Beat & Betterave: A unique café-brewery and performance venue embodying the area's vibrant cultural scene.

The location of Villa Melba

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.

When is the best time to visit Quebec?

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.