Where Land Meets Water: A Timeless Retreat on a Private Peninsula

Words by Clay Sandhu

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Tucked at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac, 39 Rue Thomas-Dennis is a home sculpted by its surroundings — a place where architecture and landscape engage in a seamless dialogue.

Set on a private peninsula, it offers an unbroken panorama of Lac St-Louis, where water and sky merge in an ever-evolving interplay of light and reflection. A gated entrance and unistone driveway mark the transition from the outside world to a space that is at once expansive and profoundly intimate.

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The home itself is a response to the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows encircle the structure, capturing light as it shifts throughout the day, from the first delicate glimmers of sunrise over the lake to the fiery hues that set the horizon alight at dusk. At night, the moon casts silver reflections on the water, extending the sense of connection to nature even in darkness. The result is an immersive experience; here, the landscape is not simply observed but felt, an ever-present force within the home’s interiors.

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The main living space balances grandeur with thoughtful design, fostering a natural flow between its elements. A gas fireplace anchors the living room, its flickering warmth casting a soft glow that enhances the room’s inviting ambiance. Adjacent, the dining space is framed by custom built-ins, introducing a quiet sense of order. The kitchen is a study in restraint and functionality — granite countertops, a central island, and a discreet butler’s pantry enhance the culinary experience without overwhelming the space. Near the entrance, a private office serves as a quiet workspace, adaptable as an additional bedroom if needed.

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Upstairs, the primary suite embodies a refined simplicity — elevated yet understated. Ten-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, leading to a private balcony where the water’s edge feels within reach. Here, the changing light throughout the day brings a new character to the space, from the golden glow of morning to the deep blues of twilight. The ensuite, conceived with an emphasis on both comfort and efficiency, features a deep soaking tub positioned to take in sweeping views of the water — a favourite retreat for the homeowners. A dedicated laundry area and a spacious walk-in closet ensure that beauty and practicality remain in equilibrium. The second bedroom features its own powder room, ensuring both privacy and ease of use.

The lower level unfolds as a space of endless possibility, designed to evolve with its inhabitants. A striking custom epoxy floor, with the appearance of marble and remarkable depth, sets the tone for this level. A multipurpose room, lined with bespoke cabinetry, extends the home’s sense of warmth and functionality, centered around a third fireplace. A dedicated fitness area, open yet defined, encourages movement and well-being, while an additional office can effortlessly transition into a fourth bedroom. Storage is seamlessly integrated throughout, preserving the home's uncluttered aesthetic and allowing daily life to unfold with ease.

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Beyond the interiors, the landscape remains ever-present. Jutting into the lake, the home gives the sensation of being completely surrounded by water, an effect heightened by a private deck extending over the shoreline. Here, mornings begin with quiet reflection or a paddle out to Dowker Island, where the lake’s stillness sets the tone for the day. The home’s orientation provides sweeping views toward Beaconsfield and Baie d’Urfé, framing a landscape that is both vast and deeply personal.

The shoreline itself invites exploration — not merely a backdrop but an integral part of daily life. In summer, the water beckons for swimming, boating, and alfresco dining, where days stretch languidly into starlit nights. With docks just steps from the back door, a full cottage lifestyle is attainable, offering easy access to boats, Seadoos, and lakeside adventures. Whether it’s an afternoon of water sports or a tranquil cruise on Lac St-Louis, the possibilities extend well beyond the shore. Just ten minutes away by boat, the vibrant restaurants of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue offer a lively waterfront dining experience, seamlessly blending leisure with convenience. Even in winter, the lake transforms into a playground — a crystalline expanse for skating, snowshoeing, and fireside gatherings beneath the vast sky. Past seasons have seen the homeowners build a hockey rink here, turning the frozen lake into a space for friendly games and winter mornings spent gliding across the ice.

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To live here is to embrace a lifestyle defined by tranquillity, recreation, and an intimate connection to nature. Though surrounded by serene beauty, the home remains within effortless reach of vibrant lakeside communities and key destinations like Vaudreuil, ensuring a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. With the boat at your doorstep, every season offers a new way to experience the water — from sunrise paddles and scenic cruises to impromptu lakeside dinners beneath the stars. Remarkably, this private sanctuary remains just 35 minutes door-to-door from Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot to downtown Montreal, offering a rare blend of retreat and proximity.

This is a house that does not impose itself upon the landscape but rather melds with it — rooted, enduring, and inherently at peace with its surroundings. Originally envisioned as a retreat, it has grown into a space that breathes with the rhythms of nature, responding to the elements with quiet elegance. Every detail, from the placement of a window to the choice of materials, speaks to an intentionality that fosters balance, serenity, and a deep, abiding sense of place. More than a home, this is a sanctuary — where presence is felt, not declared; where beauty unfolds in stillness and light; where the landscape and architecture exist in perfect harmony.

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