You might not be able to tell from this photo, but this is an addition.
This project was recently featured on the cover of Canadian renovation magazine RENO+DÉCOR's April/May 2026 issue.
The reclaimed hemlock beams, the natural slate floor, the views out to the pastures, it all feels like it's been part of this farmhouse since the beginning. That was the goal.
If you're thinking about adding to your own century home, download our free Interior Design Planning Guide to help you plan your project thoughtfully from the start.
THE CHALLENGE
This century-old farmhouse in Hinchinbrooke Quebec had charm everywhere you looked but with small bedrooms upstairs (all with slanted ceilings), the parents needed a retreat of their own. They also needed a two-car garage, which meant we could build above it.
The real challenge? Making 900 square feet feel authentic to a home that's been standing for over a century.
That's exactly the kind of project our full-service design process was built for, from concept through construction, we handle every detail so the finished space feels cohesive and intentional.
WHAT MAKES ADDITIONS FEEL AUTHENTIC?
When you're adding to a century-old home, three things matter most:
Materials that match the home's history. Modern materials stand out, and not in a good way. Using reclaimed wood, natural stone, and finishes that have texture and history helps the new space blend seamlessly.
Respecting proportions and scale. Old homes have a rhythm to them, window sizes, ceiling heights, doorway placements. When you ignore those proportions, the addition reads as "new."
Maintaining connection to views, light, and landscape. Century homes were built with attention to their surroundings. The addition needed to honor that, especially with views like these.
THE MATERIAL CHOICES
Reclaimed Hemlock Barn Wood
We sourced old barn beams for the bedroom ceiling to bring character into the new space. This hemlock has been part of Quebec's agricultural landscape for generations, it's not just beautiful, it has history.
Using reclaimed materials isn't about trends. It's about connecting the new space to the place it sits.
Natural Slate Flooring
Slate made sense here for two reasons: texture and durability. It has the authentic, worn-in feel that works in a century-old home, and it's built to last. No vinyl tiles trying to look like stone. Just honest materials doing their job.
Custom Millwork
The bathroom vanity, mirrors, and walk-in closet's tall sliding mirror were all custom-built by Tyler Buchanan from the same reclaimed hemlock as the ceiling beams. Matching the wood grain, getting the proportions right, building pieces that feel authentic to a century home, that's where Tyler's craftsmanship really shows.
The beams in the bedroom and staircase was built and installed by Simon Brennan from Mr. Barnwood, also using reclaimed wood to tie the addition together.
You can see more examples of our material selections and custom work in our portfolio.
THE LAYOUT: PRIVACY BY DESIGN
The addition sits above a two-car garage with its own separate staircase, meaning the parents can come and go without walking through the main house. That level of separation changed everything for this family with two teenage daughters.
Inside the main suite:
A 15-foot window bench with hidden storage runs along the bedroom wall. Custom upholstery with flip-up lids means everything from extra bedding to out-of-season clothes can tuck away underneath. It's a place to sit with morning coffee while reading, and it solves the storage problem without adding bulky furniture.
A walk-in closet gives them the space they didn't have in the original upstairs bedrooms. When working with clients, understanding their specific storage needs is always part of the conversation. Old homes and practical storage can absolutely go together.
The bathroom was designed as part of the addition, giving us the opportunity to build in natural light and thoughtful details from the start. The window looks out to open pastures where the cows graze. That connection to the land isn't just pretty, it's part of what makes this home theirs.
Learn more about how we approach full-service design and what to expect when working with us.
THE TIMELINE
Construction ran from June to November, five months from foundation to final built-ins. Working with trusted trades who understand century homes made all the difference. The carpenters, electricians, and tile installers brought the skill and attention to detail that a project like this requires, building it to last and making sure every element worked the way it should.
THE RESULT
A 900-square-foot main suite that feels like it's always been part of this farmhouse. The materials, the views, the proportions, it all works together.
The best compliment? When people assume the addition has been there for decades.
If you're planning your own century home renovation or addition, download our Interior Design Planning Guide to get started on the right foot.
READY TO START YOUR OWN PROJECT?
We're booking full-service renovation and addition projects. From design to implementation, we work with homeowners in Vaudreuil-Soulanges and surrounding rural areas who want to renovate their century homes thoughtfully.
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