Written by Tim Stanley – NEW-LOOK SKI PROPERTIES IN CHAMONIX SET THE PACE FOR TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY LIVING IN THE FRENCH ALPS

Setting the style for a new generation of French Alpine ski properties for the twenty-first century is a landmark development planned for the site of a former car park at the entrance to Chamonix
This year leading French developer MGM will start work on the construction of Le Cristal Blanc, a new residence de tourisme comprising 48 leaseback apartments within three chalets alongside the gondola up to L’Aiguille du Midi (3840 m).
“This project is eagerly awaited by local and international investors as this area is set to become one of the most sought after locations in Chamonix,” reports Nathalie Turchet of MGM’s UK office in London’s Regent Street.
In a break with tradition, MGM has come up with a contemporary design in which the decorative external timberwork of yesteryear has been replaced by clearer lines and glass-fronted balconies.

The concept for the new development has been designed by the prolific Parisian architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte whose most notable achievements range from the design of the international airport in Seoul, South Korea, to the regeneration of Parisian landmarks like the Avenue de France and some of the city’s top museums.
The architect has also produced a master-pan for other improvements in Chamonix, including the modernisation of the Aiguille du Midi gondola, and refurbishment of the Latitudes Hotel and several old-established chalets close to the new MGM residence.

Many of the apartments at Le Cristal Blanc are south-facing with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc mountain range.

When the new high-specification residence is completed in December next year, it will feature what Nathalie describes as “sophisticated and contemporary furnishings and decoration, but using traditional materials such as wood and stone.”

Kitchens and bathrooms will be fully-fitted with high quality appliances. Wooden parquet floors and floor tiles will be among finishes.
MGM says that the regulation standards for acoustic and thermal insulation in the apartments will be exceeded to ensure maximum comfort.

Every apartment comes with cellar store and a ski locker as well as one or two underground car parking spaces, depending on the size of the property.

Residents at Le Cristal Blanc will have access to an indoor pool and a fitness suite including a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and steam rooms. There will be a beauty centre with a variety of massages and treatments on offer. These four-star facilities will be run by CGH (La Compagnie de Gestion Hoteliere), the MGM-owned management company which offers a first-class service to owners and guests.

MGM anticipates high levels of interest in its new-look homes which, it says, set the standard for future developments in the French Alps where it is not unusual for local authorities, recognising the calibre of MGM’s developments, to invite the company to undertake new schemes.

“Not only is this an accolade of which we are proud but it enables us to proceed with development quickly, providing the new properties which the market demands,” says Nathalie.

“At this stage it is too early to quote prices for off-plan purchasers at Le Cristal Blanc but they are likely to be based on approximately euros10,000 per sq m of floor area.”

Typically this would mean that a two-bedroom apartment with a floor area of 55 sq m would be priced at around euros 550,000. However VAT at 19.6 per cent included in the price will be waived for leaseback purchasers, reducing the amount actually paid for a property at this price to just over euros 460,000.

For more information :
MGM French properties
Kingsland House
122 – 124 Regent Street
London W1B 5SA
Telephone 0207 494 0706 in the UK,
01 529015 in the Republic of Ireland
www.mgm-constructeur.com

Media enquiries :
Tim Stanley of
Tim Stanley Public Relations

Tel:01179 625 658