The Arborea project offers 36 customizable, Novoclimat-certified single-story semi-detached homes, located at 540 Alexis-Chicoine Street, in the Vilamo sector of Sainte-Julie. Developed by Groupe Grilli Samuel, the project targets established clientele who wish to simplify their daily lives without compromising on quality. Deliveries are underway, with the last units expected within approximately 12 months.

The Real Estate Project

Arborea comprises 36 homes divided into two models: 20 KÖS homes and 16 LEVÄ homes. At the time of writing, 16 homes have been sold and 15 delivered. The project is being developed in a single phase as all 36 lots were available from the start.

Three fully furnished model homes are available for viewing on site: two KÖS homes (one that comes standard, and the other standard as well, but with extras in the design and configuration) and one LEVÄ home. This enables clients to visit and compare the project's available models in three distinct configurations. Base plans are available upon request at the sales office.

Location: Sainte-Julie, between forest and highway

Sainte-Julie is a city of over 30,000 inhabitants on the South Shore, regularly cited among the best places to live in Quebec — it has won the title of Happiest City in Quebec several times. The residential vacancy rate is close to 0.4%, which reflects sustained demand and established confidence in the living environment.

Arborea is nestled in the Vilamo sector, a high-end neighborhood with controlled architecture, meaning that the residences present a framed visual coherence. Highway 20 is 5 minutes away, as is the Sainte-Julie train station (with access to Exo incentive parking). Downtown Montreal can be reached in about twenty minutes. The Longueuil terminus and Sainte-Julie terminus complete the public transportation offering.

One to two minutes away by car, a large shopping complex brings together grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants. Golf La Vallée du Richelieu adjoins the project. Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park and Mont Saint-Hilaire are a few minutes away. And for those who enjoy outings with grandchildren, the Sainte-Julie splash pads and several family parks are accessible in the area.

The Developer: Groupe Grilli Samuel

Groupe Grilli Samuel is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, but the experience behind the company goes back much further. Yves H. Samuel, co-president, co-founder and architect heading the design component, has accumulated 36 years of experience in the field. He also holds a certificate from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design as part of the "Site Design & Engineering" program. His partner and co-president Gianni Grilli, responsible for construction and finance, was literally born into this environment: his father already worked in it.

"Our company is based on more than 50 years of combined experience," emphasizes Mr. Samuel. The group operates in four sectors — residential, multi-residential, commercial and industrial — and has a complete architectural firm in-house. Its portfolio includes approximately 3,000 homes built (with the Grilli family), close to 300 residential rental doors, about 40,000 sq. ft. of offices, 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial and as much in industrial.

Among its achievements: the Val-des-Bois project (89 single-family homes in L'Île-Bizard), the CITÉA rental complex (229 units in Terrebonne), Cité 3000, a new commercial complex in Contrecœur located near Highway 30, and a new head office in Longueuil. The company won the Builder of the Year title at the 39th Domus Awards Gala, and Entrepreneur of the Year at APCHQ. It is again a finalist in 2026.

Mr. Samuel likes to compare his approach to that of a cabinetmaker: "When you build a house, you do it with the same care as a cabinetmaker working with mahogany and oak. Even if the budget is lower, the requirement remains the same." In the West Island, where the company has built numerous residences, it is not uncommon for owners to specify, when selling their home, that it is "a Samuel-Grilli house."

Architecture, materials and customization

The two models share single-story architecture with clean, timeless lines, with exterior cladding in brick and aluminum — two maintenance-free materials, a deliberate choice for a clientele that wants as little upkeep as possible, without comprimising on high-end quality.

The KÖS model totals 2,191 sq. ft. (ground floor and basement, excluding garage). The basement comes completely finished. Ceilings reach 9 feet. The model includes 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, a large integrated double garage and a double outdoor parking space. Lots vary between 2,900 sq. ft. and 5,200 sq. ft. depending on the lots.

The LEVÄ model offers 3,524 sq. ft. in the same configuration (ground floor + basement, without garage). The basement is not finished upon delivery — which constitutes a development opportunity according to the needs of each family. Ceilings rise to 10 feet, and the entrance vestibule peaks at 14 feet. The model accommodates 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, with the same double garage and parking. Lots vary between 4,700 sq. ft. and 7,719 sq. ft. depending on the lots.

In both cases, the interior is fully customizable. Buyers work directly with the architect. "Each house is like a custom suit: you choose your color, your cut, and we adapt it to your body," illustrates Mr. Samuel. Do you want a pantry with direct access, a larger walk-in closet, an office instead of a bedroom? Everything is negotiable. And the price remains the same regardless of the number of bedrooms chosen.

The interior ambiance channels a Scandinavian style that emphasizes white, wood and bleached oak. At the back, the living room wall is approximately 80% windowed, facing the forest. "We wanted an immersive effect, for people to come home and feel good instantly. It doesn't just happen, it's thought out and built that way," specifies Mr. Samuel. Each home has a large terrace and landscaping included upon delivery. Countertops and floors are the client's choice.

On the mechanical side: natural gas heating with ventilation ducts, central air conditioning included, Novoclimat certification. Connected technologies (cameras, home automation) are available upon request, according to each buyer's preferences.

Sound insulation deserves special mention, since the homes are semi-detached. Party walls incorporate concrete with a double-layer composition. "We have a client who has two very noisy dogs — the neighbor hears nothing. Another plays piano at 2 a.m. — the neighbors hear absolutely nothing," proudly reports Mr. Samuel.

Condominium: individual homes with a shared street

Arborea operates as a condominium, but the term should not be misleading. Each house sits on a private lot belonging to its owner. The condominium only covers the private street shared among residents. This framework allows owners to group together for certain services — snow removal, lawn maintenance — in order to benefit from better collective purchasing power. The GCR warranty applies to the entire project.

One implementation element distinguishes Arborea from most integrated projects: no resident faces a direct rear neighbor. All properties are backed either by a private street or a retention basin. Result: an impression of space and privacy uncommon in this type of development.

Espace Tonik: 4 million sq. ft. of forest for residents

With each purchase comes a three-year membership to Espace Tonik, a private conservation area of 4 million sq. ft., adjacent to the project. Residents have access to forest hiking trails and a sugar shack (with the possibility of renting your own tree and producing your own syrup).

"It's really the embodiment of the wellness aspect we wanted to give the project. This Nordic-inspired angle is at the heart of what we wanted to create," emphasizes Mr. Samuel. Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park and Mont Saint-Hilaire are also nearby, for those who wish to expand their playground.

Target Clientele

Arborea is primarily aimed at homeowners aged 50 and over — retirees, professionals or well-established entrepreneurs — whose children have left home and who are looking to simplify their daily lives without giving up comfort. "They want to reduce maintenance, not reduce their standard of living," summarizes Mr. Samuel. The secondary profile: young professionals aged 35-40, without children in the short term, who prefer to invest in their career rather than in maintaining a demanding property.

Key Takeaways

• 36 single-story semi-detached homes nearing completion, in a controlled architecture neighborhood in Sainte-Julie; 16 sold, 15 delivered, delivery of last units within 12 months.
• 100% customizable interior at no additional cost, with the group's architect; identical price regardless of number of bedrooms.
• No direct rear neighbor throughout the project; reinforced sound insulation with double-layer concrete in party walls.

Practical Summary

• Address: 540 Alexis-Chicoine Street, Sainte-Julie (Quebec) J3E 0J5
• Developer: Groupe Grilli Samuel
• Architect: Yves H. Samuel
• Models: KÖS (2,191 sq. ft., finished basement, 9' ceilings) and LEVÄ (3,524 sq. ft., unfinished basement, 10' ceilings, 14' vestibule)
• Bedrooms: 2 to 4 (KÖS) / 2 to 5 (LEVÄ)
• Bathrooms: 2 to 3
• Lots: 2,900 to 7,719 sq. ft.
• Warranty: GCR
• Delivery: Underway — approximately 12 months for last units
• Parking: Integrated double garage + double outdoor parking
• Heating: Natural gas — air conditioning included
• Certification: Novoclimat
• Customization: 100% custom interior, at no additional cost
• Included: Terrace, landscaping, 3-year Espace Tonik membership
• Not included: Appliances, EV charging station (available upon request), taxes
• Model homes: 3 available for viewing on site
• Transportation: Highway 20 at 5 min, Exo station at 5 min, downtown Montreal at ~20 min
• Golf: La Vallée du Richelieu — adjacent
• Info: Sales office on site

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To view prices, availability and delivery dates, visit the project page.