This 19th-century chalet d’alpage was recently renovated by David and Anjana Devoy, best-known for their Curved House project in Clapham, London, featured on the TV show, Grand Designs. They have brought the same sense of passion and style to this project, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The chalet has been featured in Marie Claire Maison, Grazie and Biba, as well as on French design show, La maison.
Located an hour’s drive from Geneva, it’s perched on a trail on the Prarion mountain, with views across the pine tree tops towards the Chaine D’Aravis mountain range. Surrounded by woodland and often by snow, it’s reached via a spectacular tarmac road from St Gervais town center – and thereafter by a steep track which can only be reached using a 4×4 vehicle during the spring, summer and autumn.
We love the traditional wood and stonework of the exterior, as well as the cosy interiors. Old world wood and furs, stoves and bathtubs have been given a quirky modern spin, while retaining their romantic charm. The cabin has two bedrooms, one in the former hayloft with a free-standing copper bath, and the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom on the ground floor. There’s also a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for romantic winter evenings.
If you’d like to forget about cooking for your entire stay, the cabin offers flexi-catering from a service called Chalet Kitchen. They bring meals (from Sunday roasts to Moroccan tagines, custard tarts to banoffee pies) direct to the house in the morning, and when you return from your day on the slopes, you can just pop them in the oven.
A really exceptional and romantic cabin rental in France.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The chalet has a bio-ethanol fireplace in the master bedroom suite, a revolving wood-burning stove and additional heating, including underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. Amenities include a hairdryer, iron & board, linens and towels.
The kitchen has a Nespresso-capsule coffee maker, double Miele oven, refrigerator, gas hob and toaster, with a selection of basic pantry items. The dining area has a monumental wooden table.
There is a growing selection of books and games and DVDs, as well as a television with DVD player on which to play these films. Please be advised that there is no television network and intermittent internet in the cabin, though 3G works perfectly well.
The cabin is managed by a ‘gillie’ or attendant, who lives in a small, picturesque mazot, or mini-chalet, adjacent to the property. He/she can help with luggage and transportation, and bring provisions. During the deep winter, snow chains are highly recommended for the journey from St Gervais to the communal car park. From there, by prior arrangement, the caretaker will be able to bring guests to the chalet itself, using a newly-acquired caterpillar-tracked vehicle. Guests are still welcome to walk or sledge the 400m up and down the hill, but they can now be dropped and picked up by arrangement – especially when feet are sore after a day out and about.
There is space for parking for a 4 x 4 vehicle just in front of the chalet.
AROUND
St Gervais is a lovely Alpine village retaining plenty of traditional charm. Although it is best known for its winter sports and has been a popular holiday destination since the 1900s, it is bustling without being a crowded resort.
There are 450 km of ski pistes close by. The property is located just a couple of km from St. Gervais ski lift, and about 4km from the Le Bettex – St. Gervais ski lift. The St Gervais ‘domaine skiable’ links in with Megeve, world-famous for its French chic. Chamonix is less than half an hour distant.
The area is also a great destination for summer sports like mountain biking, climbing, hiking, paragliding, lake swimming and rafting. There’s an all-year thermal spa in the nearby village of Le Fayet.
LOCATION
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France. Nearest airport: Geneva (1hr by car).
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Winter for skiing, but all year round for a myriad of mountain experiences.
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