New Bed and Breakfast in Wakefield
New Bed and Breakfast in Wakefield Belle de Nuit, “The Magic Place”
It has an intriguing name –“Belle de Nuit” – with a wink to that classic of French cinéma Belle de Jour – featuring the famous actress Catherine Deneuve, and like her, this is a place that evokes beauty, elegance, and something much more…
“This is the Magic Place,” says Claude Weil to the Bulletin, proudly speaking of his and his wife Lucie Theoret’s newly-opened Bed and Breakfast in Wakefield.
And, as if on cue, these words having just been spoken, there appears – in the large picture window of this spacious salon, like some instant Disney animation – a pixie-like doe, a real life Bambi, arching its alert head, yet seemingly unafraid, thirstily dipping its muzzle into a large water bowl just outside.
“Yes, we are on friendly terms with the deer,” smiles Claude Weil. “In fact, there is a herd of 11 deer on this hillside beside Belle de Nuit.”
Charmingly, this kind of casual enchantment will pepper this exchange as an animated Mr Weil and his partner give a bit of background on how this dynamic couple spent the last two years building their dream house B&B here in Wakefield.
“We built it from scratch, and it took one year to plan and one year to build,” he says, his wife Lucie piping in, reminiscing, “And we lived in different places meanwhile, and for about six months even in a trailer on site.”
“Yes, our motivation was to create a place where people can come and relax and feel love, peace and aliveness,” he adds, explaining that he designed the whole concept.
Both well-travelled, spiritual people from different backgrounds, grounded in a mutual love – he from France, she from Saskatchewan – they emanate an easy rapport and candid, engaging conversation.
And it just so happens that Claude Weil, who had been for years General Manager of Research and Adult Education in the Ottawa region for the University of Guelph, is also a best-selling author of Light Behind the Darkness (Stories of Compassion from the Holy Land), which may explain why their B&B houses a library with some 300 books for guests.
Nearby there sits one of two pianos in the residence, a Dali print, a spacious sitting room with sofa, kitchen nook, sit-up counter with the wherewithal to make coffee or share a drink of one’s choosing.
Earlier, on a tour of the five B&B rooms, each with different evocative theme name like “I Love Paris”, “Starlight”, “I Love Venice”, the stylish décor by Lucie, one can appreciate the many amenities (in-room kitchens, flatscreen TVs, fireplaces), the whole effect so flawlessly haute mode, yet friendly, making its presentation nothing less than world-class.
High, nine-foot ceilings, fire rated rooms that are also soundproof, assure total security and privacy. “You can be in a room and play your guitar to your heart’s delight and be assured it will bother no one else,” says Claude Weil.
Yet, everywhere you look, there is light streaming in from myriad windows offering views of the trees and beauty of the woodsy hillside against which Belle de Nuit harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
Whether for a romantic getaway for two, for groups (can comfortably accommodate 15 guests), family gatherings, catered events, or business meetings, it’s all here.
There’s a natural rock amphitheatre outside, hot tubs, fire pits so you can relax and have or make your own meal. Guests get a Continental Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking and a homey inn atmosphere that invites you to enjoy the spirit of peace that is palpable here.
“We see Belle de Nuit very much as a ‘Destination Place’,” chorus hosts Claude and Lucie, speaking as one. “You can come here for a weekend and just totally relax and forget everything.”
Assuredly, Belle de Nuit looks to take its place as a one-of-a-kind inn in the singular place that is Wakefield. And like the spirit that guides the people of this enchanted part of the world, this promises to be that “Magic Place” to relax, restore and explore!
