Chalet Bertha Hotel: A Nordic-Inspired Chalet-Hotel in Charlevoix

Nestled on a mountainside at the top of the ski slopes in Charlevoix, Chalet Bertha Hotel is a refined private retreat designed by Perron Design for a large, nature-loving family. Conceived as a hybrid between a luxury private residence and a boutique hotel, the project redefines alpine hospitality by merging domestic comfort with professional-grade hotel amenities, all within a warm Nordic architectural language.

Designed to accommodate family members, friends, and guests, the chalet functions as both a gathering place and a wellness-oriented escape. From the earliest stages, the vision was clear: to create an intimate chalet-hotel with five hotel-style suites, generous shared spaces, and a seamless sense of ease, where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of relaxation and understated luxury.

Blurring Residential and Hospitality Architecture

The design deliberately dissolves the boundary between residential architecture and commercial hospitality interiors. Drawing on Perron Design’s long-standing relationships with European manufacturers, the team delivered a fully bespoke, turnkey project. From custom-imported furniture to curated accessories, nothing was left to chance. Even the crockery, bathroom products, luggage trolleys, and branded toiletries were integrated into the design, reinforcing the immersive hotel experience.

This rare turnkey approach allowed the architects complete creative freedom, resulting in a cohesive interior identity that feels both exclusive and welcoming. The chalet operates like a private hotel, yet remains deeply personal, tailored to the rhythms of family life and seasonal retreats.

A Program Designed for Comfort, Play, and Escape

Chalet Bertha offers a full spectrum of amenities comparable to high-end alpine resorts. The chalet includes five individually named suites: Sno, Nev, Ho, Lumi, and Sne, each inspired by the word “snow” in different languages. While unified by consistent layouts and furnishings, each suite is distinguished by its own color palette, creating subtle variety within a cohesive design language. All suites feature full bathrooms, reinforcing the hotel-like comfort.

Beyond the private rooms, the chalet unfolds into an array of shared spaces: a panoramic terrace with spa and fireplace overlooking the river, a professional-grade kitchen suitable for private chefs, a wine cellar and bar, ski lockers, gym facilities, garage access, and expansive lounges designed for gathering and contemplation.

Children are given equal architectural attention. Entire zones are dedicated to play, including a climbing wall, dormitory, swings, retractable partitions, and even a custom red slide. These playful interventions transform the chalet into a multigenerational environment where leisure and imagination coexist.

Nordic Interior Design Rooted in Nature

The interior concept draws heavily from Nordic design principles, paying homage to the mountainous landscape and Quebec’s winter culture. Exposed fir wood structures, lightly whitewashed, form the backbone of the interior, complemented by soft tones, minimalist lines, and tactile materials such as felted wool and natural textiles.

Large volumes and expansive fenestration flood the interiors with natural light, maintaining a constant visual dialogue with the surrounding landscape. Wood, indoor plants, and muted hues reinforce a sense of calm, while carefully placed bursts of color, such as a yellow piano in the living room, inject personality and warmth into the minimalist backdrop.

This balance between restraint and playfulness defines the chalet’s atmosphere. The design is intentionally neutral yet animated by unexpected textures, colors, and forms, resulting in what the designers describe as “positive Nordic energy.”

From Ski Slopes to Fireside Living

Functionality is seamlessly integrated throughout the chalet. On the ground floor, a generous entry-level living space welcomes guests returning from the slopes. Brick flooring allows ski boots to remain on, while hidden boot warmers ensure comfort without visual clutter. A suspended fireplace anchors the space, creating a cozy focal point after long winter days.

Upstairs, the primary communal areas evoke the grandeur of luxury hotel lobbies. A 500-square-foot lounge is organized into zones for reading, conversation, and quiet reflection. The kitchen, equipped with professional appliances, can be discreetly concealed behind large panels, allowing service staff to operate without disrupting the visual harmony of the space.

Custom and imported furniture from renowned European brands is paired with handwoven cushions and rugs crafted by local artisans from L’Isle-aux-Coudres, reinforcing a dialogue between international design excellence and regional craftsmanship.

A Contemporary Alpine Retreat

Chalet Bertha Hotel stands as a compelling example of contemporary chalet architecture and hospitality interior design. It celebrates Nordic minimalism, European refinement, and Quebecois charm within a single, cohesive architectural narrative. By reimagining the family chalet as a boutique hotel experience, Perron Design has created a destination that is both luxurious and deeply human: an alpine retreat where design, comfort, and joy converge.

All photographs are works of  Ulysse Lemerise