Popularity of Alps prompts plans for holiday homes

The popularity of the French Alps for summer holidays has prompted the region’s leading developer to bring forward plans to build more in two of the most picturesque and traditional mountain villages.

Richard Deans, sales consultant in the London office of the region’s leading developer MGM, reveals that the company is set to unveil plans soon for new schemes in the villages of Samoens, where around 70 new apartments for outright purchase are planned, and Les Houches where ten more homes will be built.

This computer-generated image shows how Les Jardins d’Eos in Veyrier du Lac will look when it is completed next year.

Although details are awaited, Richard says that prices are likely to start at around €230,000 and, as soon as they are available, he will send more information to readers who email their interest to him at [email protected]

Both Samoens and Les Houches are locations in which MGM already has successfully built and sold properties with spacious, modern interiors and accommodation ranging from one to four bedrooms within traditionally-styled and contemporary chalet buildings.

“For British buyers, the special appeal of these villages is their easy access from the UK,” says Richard. “Both are only one hour by road from Geneva Airport, making them four hours door-to-door’ from London. Alternatively, those not wanting to run the risk of delays through airline strikes or volcanic ash clouds, travel by road is easy; the drive-time from Calais is about seven-and-a-half-hours.”

He adds: “Growing numbers of British buyers are opting for properties in locations like these where they can pursue a lifestyle which enables them to integrate with local people while enjoying a huge variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.”

Typically in summer they include paragliding, white water rafting, archery, horse riding, cycling and fishing. The more traditional hiking and climbing are among other pursuits on the doorstep.

Samoens, an archetypal French working village with the focus on its central square with its church, fountain and old market building and all the facilities needed for year-round living in an established community, is located within the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps, home to some of the region’s most scenic and traditional villages.

Les Houches (pictured above) is attracting increasing numbers of summer visitors, partly because it is close to Chamonix, a popular year-round resort.

Above Les Houches, attractive pine forest walks on the mountains are transformed into scenic ski runs in the winter months.

Among other popular summer locations in the French Alps are the villages around Lake Annecy like Veyrier du Lac where MGM has just started building Les Jardins d’Eos, a development of 28 apartments. All will have panoramic views of the 14 km long lake, a popular centre for sailing, watersports and fishing in summer. In winter the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are just 30 minutes away by car.

Prices of the apartments at Les Jardins d’Eos start at €467,000 for a two-bedroom apartment of 57 sq m. For details of these and all MGM developments in year-round locations call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com