Decorating & Design

December 17, 2012

Ski-In Swiss Chalet

Skiing in Switzerland is more than a sport — it’s a lifestyle. Or so I gather from this mountainside complex in Verbier, which has everything from a prime location and historic details to a futuristic pool. Let’s schuss in and take a look.

The so-called Chalet Trois Couronnes is actually three traditional slope-roofed buildings linked by a gallery. It’s obviously ski-in, with a panoramic view of the Grand Combin range, but even at an altitude of 1,700 metres, it’s supposedly just minutes from the village of Verbier.

The interior is a contemporary mix of the historic (the vaulted ceiling, stone doorway and wooden beams) and modern (the light, wide-plank flooring and metal-and-glass interior walls). The dining area itself is large enough for a banquet; to liven up the festivities, bring up a few vintages from the glass-walled wine cellar.

A bright, beamed kitchen is a stone-and-wood showpiece, stocked with La Cornue and Gaggenau appliances and a metre-deep hearth perfect for après-ski toe-toasting. The chef isn’t mentioned in the listing, but if you can afford to live here, you probably have your own.

The eight bedrooms have luxe details like French stone fireplaces, fur coverlets and ensuite bathrooms. The nailhead accent on the bed frame is particularly lovely; it speaks to both a rustic alpine aesthetic and the trend towards custom decor trimmings.

Not only does the pool have a wall-to-wall view, it has a hydraulic bottom that can be raised to convert the area into a party room. Indoors, there’s also a sauna and hammam; outdoors, there’s a large terrace with Jacuzzi and fire pit.

Browse our Winter Cottages photo gallery for more cosy inspiration.

Photo credits:
1-5. SPG Finest Properties