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Home from home, chalet style

24th December 2010, by Chris Gill

Chalet Abode, Alpine Club

Chalet Abode, Alpine Club

We just had to touch it: it’s that child instinct. Well, it was different; a wall with a plush cowskin covering – and a modern reminder to the building’s farming history. This was our first experience inside Chalet Abode, a hip ski chalet in St-Martin-de-Belleville.

From the outside, this house is a slightly rambling, tall old building, tucked away down a narrow cobbled street. It oozes simple French charm; unobtrusive and epitomising what much of the Three Valleys ski area does not: a place where you can combine the authentic old village, with miles of skiing and somewhere gorgeous to stay if you can afford it. Step inside and you have yourself designer gem: Abode is a luxury chalet, not top-end but certainly boutique.

As part of our recent press trip we were invited to visit a couple of smart chalets in St-Martin. First up was the Alpine Club’s newest offering, Abode. What makes this place a bit special is its combination of old farmhouse dwelling and contemporary living. The building has been lovingly restored by owners Chris and Helen, making as much use of the original materials (such as wooden panels and flooring) to create a warm and homely interior; but also using modern-style furnishings to update it and to create a sumptuous, airy lodging.

From the wooden-beamed lounge, the panoramic windows give a splendid view out across the mountains. There’s a warming fire and fur rugs to welcome you back in from the cold. Rooms are quite cosy, as opposed to large and spacious, but sumptuously furnished. The idea is that guests are treated to a real French village experience, but with the creature comforts of the modern world. Many of their bookings are from returning visitors, and Abode is a neat size for small groups too.

The chalet sleeps 8-10 in twin or family rooms, each with designer bathrooms. Maintaining the farmhouse cellar construction, the owners have also created a new family TV lounge and boot room downstairs. Guests are treated to canapés and restaurant-quality drinks / five-course meals, as well as the usual catered chalet hearty breakfasts and afternoon tea – they were happily tucking into tea and cake when we visited. And being owner-run, Helen and Chris can assist with any arrangements that guests require in the resort too.

In terms of skiing convenience, the chalet is situated uphill in the hamlet of Villarabout, so not the best placed for the lifts / slopes – but being a luxury property, there is a daily driver service to and from the the gondola station. It runs, on-call, throughout the day. As its name suggests, Abode is a quiet retreat that will suit Francophiles wanting a peaceful holiday away from the crowds.

And the price? Well, to stay here will set you back £1000+ per week (although they have a few deals in January for £945 or so). That does not include flights or travel to / from the resort. Families will need to book the whole chalet on one of their exclusive chalet weeks: £17, 955 for the February half-term.

Check out the Alpine Club for more details. Alpine Club

Chalet Abode bedroom

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