It All Begins HereThe Landscape
Location Location Location! That thought is paramount for this property as situated in the lovely Municipality of Chelsea, sector Cascades, on Chemin de la Riviere. A short 20 minutes from the cities, yet in a private country setting. A very desirable hillside location in a great neighbourhood, overlooking the Gatineau River as it flows South to join with the Ottawa River. The relaxing final 2 km drive on a lovely country road lead to a private seclude, where a great lifestyle begins.
The unique microclimate forms with the glorious sunlight from the Southeast to Southwest exposure. The ideal orientation to provide light, solar gain, and warmth to the setting. The open view to the riverside allows gentle breezes to permeate the outdoor spaces. Breath deeply and enjoy the fresh country air. The short season of pesky flies even get mostly pushed back into the forested areas behind this location, not typical in the Gatineau Hills!
The home opens to the surrounding level landscape, great for supporting lovely gardens, small oasis spaces, and areas for adults, children, and pets to play together. High above and set back from the roadway below, the property is quiet and peaceful.
The Forest Canopy
Trees and More Trees… located on this property form a Mature Canopy of sheltering shade in the summer, and in winter adds protection from the north. Also, the health and psychological benefits of a diverse forest is well documented. A mixed forest of Eastern Hardwoods such as Red Oak, Maple and Cherry along with Towering White Pines, Red Pines, and approachable Cedars are in majority. These tress represent a lifetime or two of growth and development, which cannot be replicated in a few years of ownership. The local Songbirds and Hummingbirds know it as home as well, so invite them with a feeder or two.
In Summertime, a picture frame front view is formed to the river with side views through tree trunks under the canopy. In Fall, the leaves paint a canvas of colour to the forest. In Winter, after the leaves drop on the hardwoods, the riverview expands to a full panorama 180 degrees.
The Gardens
Gardens Surround this home… in 3 distinct areas, the Front Entry Garden, the Raised Bed Garden off the Living Room Deck, and the Back Hillside Garden. All three host perennial plants intended to bloom and compliment each other through different times of the growing season. The two initial gardens are contained areas designed to reduce upkeep, while the Back Hillside is more of a wild garden space with more shrubs included for lower maintenance.
These natural gardens add to the lovely short views from all windows of the home, and bring colours, beauty, and tranquility for strolls through the property all seasons.
The Gazebo
Outdoor Living… is a huge part of the lifestyle with this home, and the Gazebo is wonderful part of it. Whether entertaining on a hot afternoon with drinks or tea, roasting marsh mellows in the evening with the kids, or just relaxing with a book or by the fireside anytime… the traditional Amish Gazebo is a beautiful place to be. Surrounded by flowering shrubs, as well as tall Native Ferns, with numerous songbirds habiting the canopy above, the Gazebo area is another oasis on the property to be explored.
The Exotic Trees and Shrubs
A Country Property… could always benefit with some help to beautify the landscape. A careful selection of fruit trees, such as Japanese Plum, Anjou Pear, and Apple varieties as well as Meta Sequoia, Japanese Lilac, Ginkgo, and Wisteria adorn the south garden toward the Cedar Rail fence. Numerous hardy shrubs like Hydrangea, Forsythia, and Winter Green meld in with Red Currents and Burning Bush. Not overdone, but just a compliment to the natural beauty of the landscape around the home.