If you decide to rent or purchase a chalet at Beside Habitat in Lanaudiere, Quebec, a report said there is a chance to help save Earth.
Beside is a unique countryside retreat of modern, rustic chalets, with two objectives: offering an idyllic getaway from motor noise and city lights and conserving the natural landscape and lakes.
Beside’s initial lodging venture is located deep in the forest of Rawdon, approximately 75 minutes to the northeast of Montreal. The property covers more than 500 hectares (nearly 1000 football fields), and the intention is to construct a commercial property on about 20 percent of the area while conserving around 80 percent.
Private owners purchase their chalets—each has its lot. When not in use, owners can place them in a rental pool that Beside manages. The owners of chalets earn, and Beside Habitat uses some of the proceeds from real estate deals to safeguard the property from development.
Protected forests in the Laurentian mountains and the crystal clear McGuire Lake will be private for Beside’s renters and owners.
There are trails for hiking, free paddleboards, canoes, and fishing opportunities, but no motorized vehicles are allowed.
Beside’s accommodations are located at a distance from the lake to prevent construction from the shoreline and restrict human disturbance with wildlife habitats.
The pavilion will become an ideal place to meet to host cooking and yoga classes and a co-working space, performance spaces, conferences, and a cafe. A music studio will open in a nearby building.
The project began with six chalets this month. It is expected to have more than ten by 2021 and a total of 75 in the next two to three years.
The amenities include wifi, parking, sauna within each chalet. There will also be towels, bedding, fireplace wood, electrical vehicle charging, and access to trails and lakes.
Glamping pods for camping, some equipped with accessibility features, are planned for 2023.
For bookings online, go to besidehabitat.com.