La Maison Goyetche: the craft of restoration

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Lisa and Brian Boudreau restored a historic Goyetche family home in Cape Auguet, blending tradition with creativity.

Right on a tight curve and close to the edge of the road in Cape Auguet, an intriguing little house looks out to the ocean. Across the way, and just as close to the road, there is a walk-through fish shed and small wharf featuring a plaster gnome sitting at the end. Threading your way through the two buildings you think there has to be a story here, but the tight curve makes rubbernecking there hazardous, as it could send you right into the front door of the house on one side or through the guardrail into the water on the other.

When this house was built, possibly between 165 to 175 years ago, there were no worries about traffic. However, it faced greater challenges than passing vehicles as the years took their toll. Two years ago, the only buyers  then owners Bill and Pauline Boucher could find wanted to demolish it and build anew, so they sought out Lisa and Brian Boudreau knowing them to value the history of the area. So in August 2022, the Boudreaus bought and rescued the house and now call it La Maison Goyetche, after the family that owned it for most of its history.

A plaster fishing gnome (without a pole) sits at the end of the wharf, looking out to sea. It’s a playful addition to the property, reminiscent of the deep connection between the house and its maritime history.
A plaster fishing gnome (without a pole) sits at the end of the wharf, looking out to sea. It’s a playful addition to the property, reminiscent of the deep connection between the house and its maritime history.

Passion for Restoration

Lisa, well-versed in the area’s history and culture, has a passion for antiques, decorating, and making the most of recycled materials and found artifacts. She admits she can’t pass up an inspiring project. Another project of hers is a good example: La Goélette à Pépé, a reimagined gas station in Arichat completed in 2017.

“What’s unique about this house,” Lisa explains about La Maison Goyetche, “is that it’s the last representation of a Basque fishing home in the area. To me, that’s significant.”

Restoration, Renovation, Rehabilitation

Just a note about terms: Restoration brings a house back to its original look—like a museum—including restoring the original plumbing, while renovation updates it. Rehabilitation fixes things while keeping some original charm. This post is really about rehabilitation, but we’re calling it restoration since that’s more familiar.

Lisa Boudreau and her husband Brian have just completed their La Maison Goyetche restoration project. Here she is seen have tea with Elaine in the bright little kitchen with an incredible view of the water.
Lisa Boudreau and her husband Brian have just completed their La Maison Goyetche restoration project. Here she is seen have tea with Elaine in the bright little kitchen with an incredible view of the water.

As anyone who has tackled local the history of a small community can attest, the further back one investigates, the more speculative the conclusions one can draw. Lisa did research at the Isle Madame Historical Society in Arichat, plus has been talking with various older members of the  community with some connection to the property.  One name that emerged from those times is  Jacques Gouyatche (a variation of Goyetche) as one of the family who could have lived there. He married an Acadian woman. “His son, Stanislas,” Lisa said,  “had at least 12 children and lived in that house. He was married three times, and it all happened in that house.”

 

The back of the cottage tells the story of how it grew over time, with additions made as the family expanded and their fortunes improved.
The back of the cottage tells the story of how it grew over time, with additions made as the family expanded and their fortunes improved.

Layers of History Uncovered

Much of the original house was preserved, but necessary repairs provided an opportunity for Lisa’s creativity to flourish. They kept the exterior vinyl siding for practical reasons, although it covered the original wooden shingles. In the kitchen, which was added later in the house’s history, they chose to reveal some of those shingles on the connecting wall of the addition. The shingles were sanded and whitewashed to highlight their historical charm.

Renovation work revealed layers of history. Over the decades, home improvments had been layered over previous ones. Lisa and Brian removed wallpaper, flooring, and other coverings, revealing the house’s past step by step.

In the main living area, they scraped away wallpaper to expose the wood underneath, which was sanded and left in its rough natural state. Below the wallpaper, they found elegant wainscoting that contrasted nicely with the rustic boards above.

 

This kitchen wall was stripped to reveal the shingles of the original building, hidden outside by the siding. A miniature dory in relief as a wall hanging, giving the effect of a boat on the wall and a Chinese fish print add character to the space.
This kitchen wall was stripped to reveal the shingles of the original building, hidden outside by the siding. A miniature dory in relief as a wall hanging, giving the effect of a boat on the wall and a Chinese fish print add character to the space.
The triangular corner corner cabinet is one of the more charming features of the cottage. It was cleaned up but left with its original character, now sitting proudly in the dining room, showcasing its old shelves and adding to the cozy feel.
The triangular corner corner cabinet is one of the more charming features of the cottage. It was cleaned up but left with its original character, now sitting proudly in the dining room, showcasing its old shelves and adding to the cozy feel.
Looking down the staircase, you can see where many runners must have been installed and removed, leaving their marks. They brought it down to the original wood but chose not to hide the wear and tear, embracing its history.
Looking down the staircase, you can see where many runners must have been installed and removed, leaving their marks. They brought it down to the original wood but chose not to hide the wear and tear, embracing its history.
"We left the first layer untouched," Lisa explained, referring to the original floorboards. They wanted to preserve the flaws as a tribute to the owners who lived here.
“We left the first layer untouched,” Lisa explained, referring to the original floorboards. They wanted to preserve the flaws as a tribute to the owners who lived here.

Unique Discoveries

An unexpected discovery was thin layers of silver birch bark used between the floorboards and walls—a material likely used for insulation. In the kitchen, the original tongue-and-groove ceiling was  was just six feet, ten inches high, which felt too low. Removing it revealed beautiful beams joined together without nails or pegs, opening up the space significantly.

And a charming diamond-shaped window frame at the top of the gable was also uncovered, suggesting the area above the ceiling was once used as living space. Lisa speculates, “That’s where Stanislas might have put a good number of his children. They must have opened the hatch and gone up there to rest.” This window now features a stained glass piece by Lisa’s sister, depicting a seagull on a post.

In the kitchen, removing the ceiling revealed beams joined without nails or pegs, as well as this diamond-shaped window. Lisa's sister created a stained glass pane featuring a seagull on a post, adding a seaside touch to the space.
In the kitchen, removing the ceiling revealed beams joined without nails or pegs, as well as this diamond-shaped window. Lisa’s sister created a stained glass pane featuring a seagull on a post, adding a seaside touch to the space.

Throughout the house, clues emerged that helped situate it in its historical context. Layers of wallpaper hinted at changing styles over the years. Lisa found the end of a wallpaper roll that had the name of  Canada’s first wallpaper manufacturer. And she also found a burlap bag used as insulation that was marked with a logo from a company that existed before the Halifax Explosion (1917). Newspapers used as insulation provided context for different phases of construction.

Furnishing the House

Once renovations were complete, Lisa focused on furnishings. Her aim was to find items reflecting the era of La Maison Goyetche. “We purchased many artifacts that belong to the history of this region,” Lisa says.

This has been an ongoing project. When the Glebe House in Arichat was to be demolished in 2015, she bought all of its original furnishings. This included a nine-foot-tall Douglas fir hutch, shortened to fit the space, and repurposed as a bookshelf and television cabinet. She also acquired a beautiful lady’s writing desk with a key, and a 175-year-old draftsman’s desk from the Bishop’s Palace, preserved with a clear coat to maintain its imperfections.

Originally nine feet high, this cabinet was shortened to about four feet to fit into the cottage. Lisa hired a master craftsman to cut the doors so they would fold instead of blocking doorways. It has a natural wood finish and is used to house a television.
Originally nine feet high, this cabinet was shortened to about four feet to fit into the cottage. Lisa hired a master craftsman to cut the doors so they would fold instead of blocking doorways. It has a natural wood finish and is used to house a television.

Antique items gifted to Lisa also found new life in La Maison Goyetche. An iridescent blue glass buoy showed up at her door in the trunk of a car. The owner offered it to her knowing she might interested. “If you don’t take,” he said, “I’ll just bring it to the dump.” She worked it into a lamp for the dining room.  A wooden block (pulley) from her grandfather’s schooner became another light fixture. An old spinning wheel, passed down from an ancestor, sits proudly in the front window. And popular local artisan blacksmith Clive Samson, forged hooks and brackets in a rustic style for the house.

This lady's desk was bought from the sale of the Glebe House in Arichat. Lisa said, "I went early in the morning and said, 'I want it all.'" The desk is a beautiful piece with its original key, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
This lady’s desk was bought from the sale of the Glebe House in Arichat. Lisa said, “I went early in the morning and said, ‘I want it all.'” The desk is a beautiful piece with its original key, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
An old spinning wheel passed down from Lisa's ancestor sits before the front window in the living room. It's one of the cherished pieces given a new life in La Maison Goyetche, adding to the historic charm of the space.
An old spinning wheel passed down from Lisa’s ancestor sits before the front window in the living room. It’s one of the cherished pieces given a new life in La Maison Goyetche, adding to the historic charm of the space.
A wooden block (or pulley)  from Lisa's grandfather’s schooner — one of her favourite pieces — has been reincarnated as a light fixture. The rustic combination of pulley, rope, and a simple lampshade evokes the maritime heritage of the home.
A wooden block (or pulley)  from Lisa’s grandfather’s schooner — one of her favourite pieces — has been reincarnated as a light fixture. The rustic combination of pulley, rope, and a simple lampshade evokes the maritime heritage of the home.

The Next Restoration Project

There are three other buildings on the property. A fish shed across the road that is in need of the most repair, which might prove difficult since the structure and the wharf beneath it are integrally connected. Another building is a regular shed that had household items stored there over the years. And then there is a long and low-slung building that Lisa speculates might have been used for building small boats. Part of it might also have sheltered livestock. There no immediate plans for serious renovations of any of as they don’t appear to be in danger of falling down, a real concern with old outbuildings.

Sharing the Story

While Lisa isn’t sure if she’ll rent the house, she certainly wants to share its story. A black-and-white logo and a plaque detailing the Goyetche family’s history will be displayed on the house, while the fish shed will feature a farm quilt-patterned sign.

The image shows the doorknob and lock of the fish shed across the road. The yellow door features the typical scrap of rubber covering the lock to keep water out.
The image shows the doorknob and lock of the fish shed across the road. The yellow door features the typical scrap of rubber covering the lock to keep water out.

Ultimately, this project has brought Lisa immense satisfaction, a deep connection to local heritage, and a renewed spirit to the space. “This little house was in a precarious spot, having been sold by the family who lived there for generations,” Lisa reflects. “Fortunately, it came into the hands of someone determined to revive its history and preserve its Basque roots. When someone walks in, they know they’re walking into a home that is, unapologetically, a fisherman’s.”

Plus, it’s just a wonderful place to be. “The best view is through the front door,” Lisa insists. On summer mornings, mackerel fingerlings jump from the silvery water into the mist. In the afternoon, graceful herons prowl the shore, and in the evening, fiery orange sunsets end the day with beauty. Yes, out the front door, right on the road, right on the water.

 

This image shows the cottage with the shutter doors open, offering a view out to the water. Across the road is the fish shed and wharf, with the seaside road to Arichat extending into the distance.
This image shows the cottage with the shutter doors open, offering a view out to the water. Across the road is the fish shed and wharf, with the seaside road to Arichat extending into the distance.
Photo of the upstairs bedroom with slanted attic-style ceilings, white finishes, and original boards where possible. Windows are open at both ends for cross ventilation, with recessed lighting that mimics daylight.
Photo of the upstairs bedroom with slanted attic-style ceilings, white finishes, and original boards where possible. Windows are open at both ends for cross ventilation, with recessed lighting that mimics daylight.
The kitchen has been updated with sleek, modern touches. The modular cabinets from Ikea and the farm-style stainless steel sink give it a clean, functional feel. Bella seems to be enjoying the vibe.
The kitchen has been updated with sleek, modern touches. The modular cabinets from Ikea and the farm-style stainless steel sink give it a clean, functional feel. Bella seems to be enjoying the vibe.
The bathroom needed to be gutted. Lisa explained that they had to gut and redo any areas with significant water damage. It has been beautifully modernized in the same way as the kitchen. It now features modern fixtures and surfaces that, while not rustic, are an interesting contrast to the rest of the place.
The bathroom needed to be gutted. Lisa explained that they had to gut and redo any areas with significant water damage. It has been beautifully modernized in the same way as the kitchen. It now features modern fixtures and surfaces that, while not rustic, are an interesting contrast to the rest of the place.
La Maison Goyetche: the craft of restoration

Author details

Elaine Mandrona, in addition to being a writer, is a painter and sculptor. She moved to Cape Breton permanently in 2021.

Elaine Mandrona Art