By : Nathalie Rivard.

A new destination celebrating artisans and local craftsmanship will open in mid-June on Lakeside Road in Knowlton. Called Maison Brome, the boutique will bring together approximately forty artisans, primarily from the Eastern Townships, in a space designed as a place for connection, creativity, and the showcasing of local heritage and fine crafts.

A Collaborative Local Project

The project is led by Joëlle Chartrand and her partner Eammond O’Rourke, in collaboration with Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette of Ferme Humminghill, as well as Naomi Adler, who will manage the boutique. All are united by a common goal: contributing to the revitalization of Knowlton’s village core while offering a showcase for local creators.

Located in a heritage building that once housed a farmhouse and later a well-known boutique in the 1970s and 1980s, Maison Brome aims to honour the history of the site while giving it new life.

“There is a beautiful history here. People who knew this place back then still remember it fondly,” says Joëlle Chartrand.

Supporting a Vibrant Village Core

For the owners, the project goes far beyond opening a simple retail store. It is part of a broader vision for the future of the village and the importance of maintaining a vibrant downtown core.

“We need to invest in the centre of Knowlton and we want to do our part,” says Joëlle Chartrand.

Maison Brome will primarily feature objects made in the Eastern Townships, with selections ranging from ceramics and textiles to blown glass, leather goods, and decorative objects. The team also wants to highlight the importance of each object and its story, much like the way people appreciate local food products and the artisans behind them. “It’s important for us to share the stories behind the artisans,” explains Joëlle Chartrand.

A Community-Focused Space

For Naomi Adler, the project is also about creating a deeply human and inspiring space for the community. “It’s a passion project, truly a labour of love,” she says.

The team also hopes to create a gathering place where visitors can discover the stories behind both the objects and the people who create them.

“We are here for the right reasons. We want to put the work of artisans first while helping develop the village centre,” adds Joëlle Chartrand.

Outside, a small seating and gathering area will encourage visitors to stop and enjoy the surroundings, as part of a broader effort to help energize the village’s main street. “One boutique alone can’t do this. It truly takes the whole village,” she says.

Opening Date

A launch is planned around June 18, with the goal of making Maison Brome a warm and inspiring space that reflects both the creativity and spirit of the Eastern Townships community.