Romantic Alpine Chalet

Mont Blanc's Romance Of A Bygone Era

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 on over a hectare of forest, with views across the pine treetops 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.

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. 

A member of staff who is also a chef is located on site in a separate building to provide flexi catering on demand, to keep the hot tub bubbling, and to provide transport. Simple and elegantly presented home-cooked food includes mountain classics - tartiflette, raclette & fondue, spicy fusion dishes and heart-warming casseroles, together with a starter and a dessert. Good quality French wine is provided with dinner along, with plenty of interesting stories!  

A really exceptional and romantic cabin rental in France.

ST. GERVAIS ALPINE WONDERLAND

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. A melting pot of cuisine, the town features the Michelin Starred Serac and the Taniere.

There are 450 km of ski pistes close by. The property is located about 4km from the Le Bettex - St. Gervais ski lift, which takes about 10 minutes to reach. It's a caterpillar ride (ask the guardian) or a hike to the Les Houches area behind the chalet; weather permitting, you can ski home. 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. Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains is named after its world-famous thermal spas - where guests can spend evenings soaking in a series of mineral baths and spas for about 21 euros (for three hours). They are also a lovely daytime option for non-skiers.

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.