Les Rochers

Award-Winning Coastal Cabin

A sculptural re-envisioning of the local Magdalen Island vernacular, this sharp, soaring space created by Shed Architecture is an award-winning getaway that’s been featured in Dwell and Ligne magazines.

A starkly geometric hilltop haven in the remote, windswept Magdalen Islands (aka "the Maggies) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this contemporary cabin is a sculptural re-envisioning of the local vernacular, a prize-winning, bright white entry by Shed Architecture that has captured medals from Canada's Royal Architectural Institute (RAIC), the Architecture Master Prize, and Int. Design's Grand Prix du Design Platinum award. 

The cedar built home, with its strongly angled roof, rises from a bluff overlooking the sea, with an upright, modern Quaker vibe that mirrors the sharp cliffs surrounding the islands. A study in simplicity and graphic angles, the space was also inspired by island fishing cabanas, revealed in simple, raw wood walls, whitewashed inside and out, over glossy pine floors. Furnishings are practical and pristine, brightened by oversized picture windows that infuse the space with a cheerful coastal brilliance. Views from indoor landings and the tall home’s boardwalk styled, wrap-around decks take in the windswept grasslands for miles, golden fields that extend outward to the island-dotted sea.

AROUND

Québec’s Magdalen Islands (Les îles de la Madeleine or "the Maggies) offer sweeping, windswept landscapes of wild crashing coastlines, brick red, sandstone cliffs, and rolling hills of native grasslands. Decidedly off the radar, the eight islands that make up the 60-mile archipelago in Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence are maritime marvels, austere, seafaring outposts where fishing is a way of life. Lobster is the main catch of the isles, with cold water and rocky shorelines ideal for the luxe crustaceans. Not surprisingly, Magdalen Island restaurants are known for outstanding seafood, and there’s a narrow road that connects most of the islands, making an island-hopping seafood tour a delectable option. The Route Verte is a 62-mile bike path with off road tangents that’s a great way to see the islands. 

Hikers can visit the entire archipelago via the Les Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées pathway that crosses picturesque villages on each island, and birders should head for the Ile d’Entrée, the largest in the chain. Beaches, of course, go hand-in-hand with islands, and the Magdalens offer more than 185 miles of sands. Kite surfing, body surfing, sailing, and kayaking add to the water recreation options, and horseback riding on the beach is also popular. The islands are also great for design-lovers who can browse artisanal shops and galleries in almost every major village.

LOCATION

Bassin, Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Canada. Nearest airport: Îles-de-la-Madeleine (YGR, a 90-minute flight from YUL or YQB), but the 5-hour ferry from PEI is a great way to see the island.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October