A contemporary insert in a home from another era

At the height of the pandemic, we bought an old fieldstone house, perfect in its imperfections.
Located in a quiet neighborhood in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, just steps from a ski mountain, it was designed in the 1970s by a craftsman, originally intended as a rental chalet.

Despite its flaws, it has retained all of its old-world charm. We love this house, but it needs a little care.

Respecting both our budget and our nomadic lifestyle, we’ve been making improvements little by little. After replacing the windows and doors and bringing our artesian well up to code, we decided to continue with energy upgrades by replacing the old, original fireplace with an insert that meets today’s environmental standards.

We hesitated for a long time between the s6-in and the s16-in inserts. While both models share many qualities, we ultimately chose the s16-in for its heating power, its StûvGrey color—which perfectly complements the stone surround—and its loading capacity.

In winter, there isn’t a single day it’s not lit. Our electricity bill has gone down, and we can now get through power outages without stress. A comforting warmth fills this house, even with walls that let the drafts through.

But above all, its presence has created a true ritual. Every evening, without even realizing it, we gather around the fire. We cuddle up, read stories, and share our days. Sometimes, nothing happens at all. We simply watch the flames, without a single word spoken.

About Echo series

Our Echo series showcases the thoughtful decision-making process that echoes through time. A wood stove or fireplace, carefully chosen, embodies this resonance – an object that, beyond its function, leaves a lasting and unique imprint on the space it inhabits.