Written by Tim Stanley – HOW A 100-YEAR-OLD ALPINE CHALET COULD WIN

One of the oldest buildings in a popular French Alpine town has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award more usually associated with brand new homes overseas.

La Ferme d’Angelina , a 100-year-old chalet in the heart of Chamonix , was acquired by MGM (Maurice Giraud Montagne), the biggest property developer in the French Alps, which has renovated and converted the building to create four new apartments at the foot of the L’Aiguille du Midi ski lift.

Now the show apartment – a spacious 212 sq m three-bedroom home occupying the whole of the top floor – has been nominated for a Best Interior Design Award in the scheme run annually by the specialist magazine Homes Overseas.

“Although the building is finished externally in a mix of white render and 100-year-old timber reclaimed from other old Alpine buildings, we have designed the interior to create a modern home in a traditional style,” reports MGM’s London-based UK sales manager, Nathalie Turchet.

“All the modern elements have been carefully chosen to combine effortlessly with the traditional stone and timber finishes to create the best of both worlds.”

The open-plan kitchen and living area are heated by a central open log fire which complements the modern appliances in the fully-fitted kitchen. Contemporary sanitary ware and fittings in the three en-suite bathrooms blend with the chalet’s rustic style to provide both visual and practical appeal.

Beneath high ceilings featuring exposed beams, the innovative arrangement of mezzanine areas adds character while also making maximum use of the cubic space within the property.

When the winners of the award scheme are announced during a luncheon in London’s Royal Garden Hotel on Monday, December 3, Nathalie is hopeful of a double celebration. MGM’s ski-in/ski-out residence de tourisme, Les Cimes Blanches at La Rosiere (1,850 metres altitude) also has been shortlisted for an award in the Best Ski Development category.

Comprising 150 apartments within nine chalets, with residence facilities including a pool, sauna and jacuzzi, as well as steam and fitness rooms, the development is located close to the Petit St Bernard Pass from which the famed mountain rescue dogs bred nearby take their name.

Says Nathalie: “Unlike other ‘snow-sure’ resorts at a similar altitude, La Rosiere has avoided the ugly purpose-built architecture of the past; instead, new developments like the traditionally-styled Les Cimes Blanches give it an attractive village feel, making it an ideal year-round location.”

Popping over to Italy for lunch will be a ski trip of only 25 minutes for property owners at Les Cimes Blanches which has direct access to La Rosiere’s 160 kilometres of sunny south-facing piste. The resort is set to become 200 kilometres following the installation of a new six-seater ski lift, bringing it into the premier league.

For more information
MGM French Properties
Kingsland House
122 – 124 Regent Street
London
W1B 5SA
Telephone 0207 4940706 in the UK
Telephone 01 5290152. in the Republic of Ireland
www.mgm-constructeur.com

Media enquiries
Tim Stanley of
Tim Stanley Public Relations

Tel : 01179 625 658