Dream property: ski chalet in the French Alps

Every so often, we come across a French property that knocks us for six. This month, Emma Rawle is dreaming of a life in the mountains in this chalet in the French Alps

Now, I have to confess skiing doesn’t really appeal to me – my one attempt resulted in a lot of bruises and sore muscles – however, a life in the mountains (minus the skis) certainly does and this beautiful chalet set in mountainous countryside would be the perfect Alpine home.

Located in a small village, the property is surrounded by fields and mountains that provide miles of hiking opportunities in summer and is only 15 kilometres from the spa town of Évian-les-Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva with all the entertainment they can offer. Plus, the ski resort of Bernex is 10 minutes away and Chatel, in the Portes du Soleil area, can be reached in 25 minutes if I do decide to attempt skiing again or, more likely, if friends and family wish to visit for winter holidays.

Only 10 years old, this chalet is striking both inside and out, with an exposed pale wood exterior, flower-strewn balconies and pale green shutters. The open-plan living and dining area has a traditional stone fireplace that would transform the chalet into a cosy home in winter, and I can just imagine evenings clustered around the fire. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, while upstairs there are two spacious bedrooms and a master suite with a connecting bathroom, as well as a mezzanine level and an attic.

Finally, hidden in the basement is a sauna and gym, plus there is space in the garden to build a swimming pool, this house just keeps getting better! There is also the option to buy the chalet fully furnished so I could move straight in, now how can I get hold of the €840,000 needed to buy it?

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