Chalet La Maison

“It had to be special. It had to be unique.” That was the sentiment of the owners of La Maison de Montriond having ruled out countless opportunities across Europe and North America before deciding to create this exceptional mountain home.

“In Montriond, we finally found what we had been searching for; a beautiful and grand old property dating back to 1749. It was the original ‘town house’ being located in the main village square adjacent to the Maison de Ville and Eglise de Montriond. It had been in the same French family for at least six generations.

Even at first sight we thought it was beautiful” recounts the owner… “it was obviously a traditional Savoie property but also had some fascinating Italianate features. But it lay almost derelict, with just the faintest whisper that it once was, and could again, be something truly special”. What they have created really is just that; special and unique.

An exceptional town house in the mountains, a home quite like no other. La Maison manages to seamlessly blend all that is good about a traditional ski chalet with the magical design inspiration of a grand residence from a bygone era. Luxurious but incredibly tasteful throughout, there are six spacious en suite bedrooms, an impressive spa and the most incredible living space set out on the top floor under the beauty of the exposed timber structure.

Local professionals and artisans were used to ensure the history of the building wasn’t lost. The project was led by locally-renowned architect Herve Marullaz of Marullaz Architects in collaboration with Kyles Garrett of Shep & Kyles Design. The restoration project began in the summer of 2017.The external facade was restored to be in harmony with its 18 century roots.

The property had originally been designed by an Italian architect during the reign of Louis XV. A key point of inspiration was the juliet balcony which was lovingly restored and replaced in situ framing a truly relaxing and opulent French boudoir that now connects two of the bedrooms. The original timbers were retained wherever possible with local artisans seamlessly incorporating them to the new structure.

“Inside, we had a huge volume of space to use, a blank canvas, which was incredibly exciting. Being fortunate to have stayed in some amazing chalets and hotels around the world we felt we understood what it would take to deliver the ultimate Alpine retreat. The aspiration was to deliver the most comfortable, luxury living experience including a spa, pool, fitness studio, a professional open plan kitchen, sumptuous dining area, relaxing lounges and a cinema snug.

The bedrooms needed to be cosy but with excellent modern en-suite facilities. We wanted all the rooms and spaces to flow from a central space which had the grandeur of the world’s most luxurious hotels.” To achieve this there is a feature staircase at the heart of the building which was hewn from 370 million year old sedimentary Caithness stone from the Northern Highlands of Scotland. “Being Scottish we were keen to blend the historical association between France and Scotland, but were also keen to avoid the stereotypes of tartan, Savoyard skins and red hearts.” The Scottish connection also extends to the unique furniture commissioned from Scottish design houses and bespoke soft furnishing fabrics supplied from Glasgow-based Timorous Beasties.

The result, the most opulent, comfortable, warm and welcoming atmosphere in a completely unique setting. Welcome, to La Maison. The top floor of La Maison is a vast open-plan space the sheer size of which immediately takes your breath away.

The space is split into three distinct zones — the main salon area, the library and the bar area. The salon features a large chandelier by Brand van Egmond and bespoke luxury sofas from William Yeoward which are orientated to take in the beautiful views of the Nantaux peak. Beyond the salon the library offers a level of privacy from the main space, with several comfortable armchairs and a swing set by the first of two fireplaces.

On the opposite side you will find the bar area laid out in a lounge style around the second fireplace. A full sized pool table provides a point of entertainment and another balcony provides a great vantage point to relax and take in the views over the village square. At the centre of the building lies an amazing private spa the showpiece of which is the L shaped swimming pool.

As well as a counter current jet, the pool has various massage zones and two large fountains. There is both an indoor and outdoor hot tub as well as a large steam room tiled in mosaics. Lounge seating, a rain shower and fibre optic “night sky” lighting complete the space.

From the spa a corridor leads to the raised studio, ideal for pilates and yoga – where there is also a massage room from which to enjoy our range of Bamford treatments. On the first floor separating two of the bedrooms is one of La Maisons’ most unique and magical spaces. The sumptuous boudoir – which traditionally would have literally translated as a sulking room – is the perfect place to escape the rest of your group and enjoy a moment of inner solace.

It’s an incredibly warm and luxurious space accentuated with comfy seating upholstered in jewel-toned velvet. Two walls are covered in chic Timorous Beasties wallpaper whilst a glass wall overlooking the central staircase ensures the room retains a connection to the main chalet, albeit an insulated, protected one. Brass lighting and a marble console complete the aesthetic.

Adjoining the dining area you’ll find the floating wine cellar. The glass floor looks down on the swimming pool below and bar stools also afford a view down the grand staircase to the front door right up to the apex of the roof at the top of the building. As well as selecting the perfect wine to accompany dinner, this is one of our favourite spaces to enjoy an espresso with the paper in the morning, casually able to keep an eye on the team preparing breakfast at the stunning professional range, as well fellow guests arriving at the dining table.

A baby grand piano connects the cellar to the main dining room allowing you to either showcase your own skills or if you prefer, enjoy a private concert from a local musician which our concierge will happily arrange for you. Adjoining the dining area you’ll find the floating wine cellar. The glass floor looks down on the swimming pool below and bar stools also afford a view down the grand staircase to the front door right up to the apex of the roof at the top of the building.

As well as selecting the perfect wine to accompany dinner, this is one of our favourite spaces to enjoy an espresso with the paper in the morning, casually able to keep an eye on the team preparing breakfast at the stunning professional range, as well fellow guests arriving at the dining table. A baby grand piano connects the cellar to the main dining room allowing you to either showcase your own skills or if you prefer, enjoy a private concert from a local musician which our concierge will happily arrange for you. The kitchen at La Maison is split in two, a concealed professional space and then a beautiful front kitchen built around a bespoke range commissioned from world-renowned Italian manufacturers DeManincor.

The result is the most magical theatre from which the chefs can prepare their masterpieces and during the day, the beauty of the Italian craftsmanship sits on display as comfortably as any artists sculpture could.

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