London design studio, Salvesen Graham, bring their signature brand of quintessentially English style to the French Alps with a luxurious, six-bedroom chalet in Morzine that’s picture-perfect all-year-round, whether you’re skiing or hiking.
When you think of the French Alps, it’s likely chocolate-box Alpine-isms that come to mind. Traditional villages perched atop mountains, steaming glasses of vin chaud after a day on the slopes and, of course, a cosy chalet – probably decked out with fluffy rugs and gingham tablecloths. A little more unusual is finding accommodation designed by one of London’s hottest interiors studios, boasting features like custom de Gournay wallpaper and Sanderson-covered chairs, alongside beds topped with canopies fit for a princess and curated antique pieces.
It was in 2021, that Nicole Salvesen – one half of Salvesen Graham – found a 1990s chalet and, recognising its potential, took it on as a personal project. Her family have long loved skiing in Morzine and were on the lookout for an apartment of their own, but after sensing the good bones of this 18-person property – well, let’s just say the ante was upped. Bringing the project in-house at Salvesen Graham, Nicole set about utilising her contacts and using pieces from the studio’s range, The Collection.
After a year of extensive renovations, Nicole teamed up with Morzine-based management service, Alikats, to help with the running of the chalet. A boutique, independently-run company, Alikats’ ethos focuses on protecting the delicate climate of the mountains, operating with a carbon neutral and zero-waste philosophy. With a focus on gourmet, locally-sourced food, the team match this luxurious setting with the likes of six-course tasting menus and an extensive knowledge of wines. All together, making a stay at Chalet Sarcleret unlike any other mountain trip you’ve likely taken before.
The Vibe
Staying at Chalet Sarcleret is like making a boutique hotel yours for the week. Be still the beating hearts of design fans who will go weak at the knees over the bespoke interiors, but it’s thoughtful touches, a cosy feel and Alikats’ attentive service which really makes this standout. In the winter, the open fireplace beckons you to read a book or sip a glass of champagne from one of the frill-bottomed cocktail seats. Plus, the outdoor hot tub and cinema room come into their own. In the summer, the French doors are flung open, with light and air filling the open-plan dining and living area, leading to a wrap-around terrace. With six en-suite bedrooms, there’s more than enough space for a group trip and that doesn’t include little ones, who can take over the fun bunk room where there’s space for another six. Mornings are spent around the table enjoying a wholesome, freshly-cooked breakfast before setting off on the slopes or into the wild for a summertime hike. In the afternoons, pop down to the village, followed by tea and cake at the chalet, while evenings see your private chef serve up cocktails, canapés and an indulgent taster menu. The mix of spanning vistas, stylish surroundings and an elevated gastro offering make this a chalet experience like no other.
The Rooms
Each of the seven rooms has been uniquely designed, but all with an evident Salvesen Graham touch. On the top floor, expect master bedrooms with views out over the valley and larger bathrooms sporting candy-hued tubs, as well as the pea-green bunk room for kiddos. Then, across the first and second floors, you’ll find a mix of twin rooms which are perfect for older children and medium-sized bedrooms with shower en-suites, too.
The London-based design studio is known for being playful with colour and pattern, mixing raspberry checks with earthy florals and classic, heritage prints. It’s an irresistible blend of quintessential Englishness and contemporary sensibilities, which comes through in stand-out moments like a canopy-covered bed decked out in flowing, green fabrics and a mustard trim; ceilings wallpapered in delicate, rose-bud florals and a curated selection of antique furniture, thoughtfully sourced from nearby suppliers. Comfortable, cosy and design-led, the bedrooms combine the best of mountain life and a cosmopolitan eye for design.
The Food + Drink
This is where Alikats comes in. When looking for a third-party to manage the running of Chalet Sarcleret, Nicole discovered the company and fell head over heels for their eco-conscious approach which prioritises incredible food, all locally sourced, with a commitment to being net-zero. Founded a decade ago by partners in life and business, Al and Kat, together they’ve built a brilliant reputation, friendly team and local contacts, offering three meals a day, daily cleaning using toxic-free products and a driver service spanning villages, the slopes or walking routes.
As for the food, there’s a selection of tiered options depending on your plans and budget, but we would recommend going all out. Everything that can be made from scratch, is made from scratch, so for breakfast there’s homemade granola, homemade yogurt and locally picked fruits alongside a cooked a la carte selection of eggs, bacon and all the trimmings. Afternoon tea looks like a freshly-baked cake, with hot drinks or vin chaud. And evening meals could even be a six-course tasting menu and wine pairing. Around 6pm, once you’re refreshed from a day of exploring, meet your fellow guests in the living area and enjoy a cocktail like peach Bellini’s and canapés such as hand-rolled sushi, before sitting down for a very special experience. From deconstructed tartiflette topped with a homemade ice cream that dissolves into a savoury, creamy coating, to pan-fried fish sourced from a fresh-water lake just a few miles away, your personal chef will take you on a foodie tour of the surrounding regions complemented with a curated selection of European wines. It’s an experience that brings new meaning to what most people associate with a typical catered ski holiday.
The Little Extras
It should be clear by now that Chalet Sarcleret is no ordinary accommodation and little extras are exactly what your stay will be peppered with. An immediately obvious wow-factor is the gorgeous cinema room which sits tucked away on the ground floor. Between the wrap-around, tropical-print sofa and the border-to-ceiling patterned wallpaper, it packs a visual punch while also providing a cosy space to hole up and watch movies on cold, winter evenings. The outdoor hot tub with killer views is another nice touch, especially when enjoyed with a bottle of champagne in tow. Rooms are kitted out with organic toiletries from Wild England, there’s also a very well-stocked honesty bar in the communal area. The Alikats team really will go above and beyond to make your stay as seamless as possible offering extra services like doing your grocery shopping for you, dropping off meal kits like raclette and getting you discounts on exclusive French wines.
The To-Do List
Portes du Soleil, By Roland Zumbuehl – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75103867
Morzine is mostly known for its skiing, so let’s start there. With access to the vast Portes du Soleil area, you’re spoilt for choice with a broad range of slopes for all abilities as well as off-piste opportunities, and easy connections to other resorts and reaching Switzerland. It’s not just about skiing either, there’s loads of winter sports options like sleigh rides with huskies, skiing with horses, igloo building and paragliding over the mountains. While Morzine is aspirational, it’s not as polished as some of the other French resorts which allows for a more authentic, traditional feel that’s touted for its real sense of community – something that Nicole has felt since visiting the area year after year. Après-ski leans more on the relaxed side than full-throttle partying, with cosy bars and family-friendly spots. There’s also a good mix of lively brasseries, casual pizzerias, and more refined dining. But, it’s not just wintertime that you should consider taking a trip to Morzine and Chalet Sarcleret. Nicole and her family love visiting in summer and encourage others to look at the mass of options for biking, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding and picnicking at the beautiful Lac Montriond. Throughout the warm season, restaurants open up for alfresco dining and there’s also a calendar of festivals and live music events enjoyed by the townsfolk, so there’s always something to do!
All image credit: Chalet Sarcleret
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