After sitting empty for years, the historic O'Brien House overlooking Meech Lake in Gatineau Park is again welcoming guests. The nearly century-old mansion officially reopened on June 1 as a boutique hotel, restaurant, and event venue under the management of Square Old Chelsea.
The property, located at 650 Chemin du Lac-Meech, has a storied history. Built in 1930 for industrialist J. Ambrose O'Brien, a Renfrew-born businessman who helped found the Montreal Canadiens and the National Hockey Association, the mansion was acquired by the National Capital Commission in 1964. It underwent a nearly $4-million renovation completed in 2018 and operated briefly as a hotel before closing in 2019.
Manuela Teixeira, CEO of Square Old Chelsea, said the project began with a simple inquiry. 'I was just wondering what was going on with the house because I hadn't heard anything about it lately, and I just called up the NCC and asked to have a meeting,' she said. Those discussions led to a five-year lease agreement with options to renew until 2051.
Nathalie Roy-Patenaude, the NCC's director of real estate management, expressed excitement about the reopening. 'O'Brien House is a very special property in Gatineau Park and in our portfolio,' she said. The NCC sought an operator capable of creating a sustainable business while ensuring public access. 'We want the public to come, sit and enjoy the site,' she added.
Square Old Chelsea, which operates the Chelsea Pub and other accommodations, brings local expertise to the venture. Chelsea Mayor Brian Nolan welcomed the reopening, calling it a restoration of a key landmark. 'It's a historical building. It's been with us for a century, and it's nice to have it open again and in operation,' he said. He expressed confidence in Square Old Chelsea's track record of successful local businesses.
The hotel features 11 guest rooms, weekend gourmet brunches, afternoon tea service at $70 per person, and event spaces for weddings, retreats, and corporate gatherings. Room rates range from approximately $300 to $500 per night. The restaurant, named Adele in honor of O'Brien's wife, adds a historical touch.
Future plans include expanding lunch and evening dining services and opening a small thermal spa for hotel guests this fall. Teixeira emphasized a cautious approach: 'We want to start slow and build slowly. We want to make sure the quality is there.'
