Chalet Chic
Three European ski properties blend alpine history with contemporary style.
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ShareOctober 1, 2007
Once a cheese farm run by local monks during the 1630s, the Chalet du Crêt is now one of the most exclusive places to stay in Val d’Isère. Set in Le Crêt, one of a handful of hamlets that make up this historic French ski town, the renovated villa blends original stone floors, fireplaces and timbers—as well as a garden with a private 17th-century chapel—with modern amenities such as plasma screen televisions in each of the six bedrooms, wireless Internet service and spa amenities."The restoration embraced the history of the building," says Julia Summers of Descent International, the London company that handles bookings for the property. "The passage that once let cows through for milking is now a long, narrow bathroom." Antique furnishings mingle with sleek contemporary decor—a historic safe serves as the bar cabinet while a full-size stag adds alpine appeal.
The chalet, which rents for approximately $77,000 per week during the high season, is one of 16 carefully selected properties that make up Descent’s portfolio of homes in the French and Swiss Alps. The company caters to upscale customers by offering immaculately decorated properties in prime locations, pampering amenities and exclusive services. Each chalet abounds with Perrier-Jouët champagne, Jo Malone bath products and fresh flowers, and includes a five- to seven-person staff, including a chauffeur who keeps at least one four-wheel-drive Volkswagen Touareg at the ready.
Tea and coffee in bed, a well-stocked bar, après-ski receptions and nightly meals are included in the price. The company also offers master sommelier Vincent Gasnier to assist with stocking the wine cellar. "Each week is tailored to the client," says Summers. "If they want a private jet or helicopter, we can arrange it. Ski guides, nannies, an igloo at the top of the mountain—you name it."
Locations are offered to match vacationers’ tastes as well. Val d’Isère appeals to those with a passion for hard-core skiing and partying with an ominous rock face serving as the gateway to on- and off-piste skiing and plenty of bars. Those who prefer quiet nights and gentle terrain, head to Les Gets. "Les Gets is low-key, family friendly and very French," says Summers. Unlike Val d’Isère’s rocky profile, Les Get’s pasture land offers gentle terrain that appeals to beginner and intermediate skiers, yet those who crave more challenge can access the Portes du Soleil and its 14 interlinked resorts.
The chalet of choice in Les Gets is La Ferme de Moudon. The 300-year-old barn (which rents for about $55,000 during peak weeks) mixes ancient timbers with contemporary furnishings by Andrew Martin and Christian Liaigre. The five-bedroom residence, designed by its owner, London interior designer Nicky Dobree, also has a sauna, massage room and hot tub—a spot for relaxing and taking in the mountain views.
Across the border in the Swiss Alps, Descent’s newest villa
attracts those who crave the excitement of St. Moritz. Built in 1655, Chesa
Albertini offers 10,700 square feet of living space, including eight bedrooms
decorated by Hannes B, a Zurich designer. Owned by the Albertini family,
whose roots in St. Moritz can be traced to 1450, the chalet features a living
room that was once a hay barn, with double-height ceilings and a collection of
local archives and ledgers that date back to 1530. While the chalet, which rents
for $85,000 during the high season, is just a 10-minute chauffeured ride away
from the heart of St. Moritz, its location in the hamlet of La Punt provides
guests with a retreatlike experience. "We have clients who come for the polo,
the golf and the big events," says Summers. "And if you are there for the night
life, the driver is available until 4:00 a.m."
Descent International
+44.207.384.3854, www.descent.co.uk
