Our History
The Eastern Townships are located on the traditional territories of the Abenaki People. It is an area forged by rich Indigenous culture and European heritage. We honour the stories of these lands, the diverse lived experiences, and the many generations of people who have shaped this vibrant region.
Indigenous Culture
The story of the region begins with the Abenaki People, who are deeply intertwined with the lands and waters. Their living culture is reflected in iconic place names of the Eastern Townships, including the very lake at our doorstep. Loosely translated from the Algonquian language, Lake Massawippi means “the big deep lake” and also “abundance of clear water.” For many generations, the Abenaki have utilized these waterways for transportation, fishing and village settlements. Their traditional food harvesting techniques inspired settler farming and harvesting practices, including our own cultivation of birch syrup from the surrounding forests.
European Settlement
The first non-Indigenous settlers in the area arrived in the 18th Century when British Loyalists fled north to the region to escape the newly minted Republic of America. The Eastern Townships settlement also welcomed Irish immigrants fleeing from the Potato Famine.
Who was Hovey?
Manoir Hovey’s history was forged a century later. Commissioned in 1899 by a prominent entrepreneur from the southern United States, Manoir Hovey was designed as a summertime home after the iconic residence of George Washington in Mount Vernon. Nestled on 30 acres of forest on the shores of Lake Massawippi, the historic residence has been a family enterprise for several generations.
The hotel was named after Ebenezer Hovey, a distinguished captain who was granted a plot of land on the lake shores by the British Crown. The picturesque village of North Hatley owes much of its architectural legacy to the aristocrats who migrated during this period and built residences.
Drawing inspiration from this timeless era, the property combines period architecture with contemporary comforts and tailored service. Manoir Hovey was named Best Resort Hotel in Canada by Travel+Leisure magazine in 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Vintage photo | Dinner on the terrace
Vintage photo | Sailboats
Vintage photo | English gardens
A Family-Run Business
Manoir Hovey is owned and operated by the Stafford family, who have had ties to hospitality in the Eastern Townships for generations. The Stafford history of hospitality in the region dates back to 1946 when Archie Stafford built an inn of his own on the edge of Lake Massawippi. Decades later, the Stafford innkeeping legacy continued when in 1979, his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Kathryn Stafford, acquired Manoir Hovey after first experiencing the splendour for themselves as guests of the resort.
Steve and Kathryn’s son, Jason, who was raised on the property with his brother Jeremy, learned the intricacies of creating incredible guest experiences from a young age. Jason has travelled to the four corners of the world and has met some of the greatest chefs and hoteliers in the industry. He is now the Managing Director of Manoir Hovey and the Canadian delegate on the Board of Directors of Relais & Châteaux.
Continuing the tradition of husband-wife collaboration, Jason’s wife Melissa Provencher is the director of Le Spa Manoir Hovey and Jeremy’s wife, Hilary Webster, was a Room Division Manager at Manoir Hovey for many years and is now responsible for hotel interior design.
Steve & Kathryn Stafford
“During our stay at Manoir Hovey as guests 45 years ago, we were captivated by the tranquil atmosphere, as well as the stunning scenery and rich heritage. Since then, we've made it our mission to preserve its unique qualities while continuously improving the guest experience. We hope you also discover the wonder of the resort and enjoy a special stay with us.”
