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S P O R T I N G C H A L E T S
Alpine appeal
The Alps are enduringly popular with buyers, from famous resorts
such as Verbier and Courchevel 1850 to their smaller satellites
The health benefits of the mountains have long been
known, but the clean air, crystal-clear Alpine springs and
dramatic natural scenery draw an ever-increasing number
of visitors and homeowners. Europe’s leaders are among
those escaping for respite and rejuvenation – German
chancellor Angela Merkel regularly dons her hiking boots
for a hike in the Bavarian Alps, and last summer UK
Prime Minister Theresa May took a breather from Brexit
talks to escape to Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland.
Austria offers some high-quality and affordable new
developments with strong rental returns, but Switzerland
remains a firm favourite as a blue-chip investment.
Verbier is the most popular resort for our buyers, with its
challenging ski terrain and lively party scene. ‘Verbier is
constantly reinventing itself,’ explains Jeremy Rollason,
managing director of Alpine Homes. ‘In recent years the
fashionable W Verbier hotel arrived, and this season sees
the opening of a brand-new bistro and restaurant as part
of the Rosalp redevelopment in the centre.’
For those who can’t afford Verbier, there are the satellite
resorts of the same valley: Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Les
Collons and La Tzoumaz. ‘We own a chalet in a small
JARDIN ALPIN, COURCHEVEL
1850, FRENCH ALPS
A ski-in, ski-out penthouse apartment.
Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5
Price POA
Contact
LES ALLUES, MÉRIBEL,
FRENCH ALPS
A new development in a village setting.
Bedrooms 2-4 Bathrooms 2-4
Price 488,800
Contact
19 Global Property Portfolio
S P O R T I N G C H A L E T S
village near Verbier, but my favourite resort is Zermatt,’
says Rollason. ‘The ambience of cobbled streets and horse-
drawn carriages adorned with animal furs, plus the smells
of raclette and other mountain delicacies is impossible to
resist. The skiing is almost ancillary!’
France’s Les Trois Vallées have some of the best
restaurants in the Alps, too – yet of course it is the winter
sports of the world’s largest ski domain that draw millions
of visitors each year. ‘The excellent skiing, along with the
quality of the hotels and amenities, are unmatched by
any of the other French ski areas,’ says Jérôme Lagoutte,
head of Savills French Alps. ‘Courchevel 1850 is where
people head for the kudos, and the fact that big names
such as LVMH’s Bernard Arnault are investing there –
with the Cheval Blanc and White 1921 hotels – is very
reassuring to buyers.’
However, many clients are also looking to buy in
Méribel – where Savills has recently opened a new office
– a quieter resort that is popular with families. As in the
Verbier valley, there are the smaller, more affordable
resorts nearby, too: Courchevel Le Praz (1300), 1550 and
1650, La Tania and St Martin de Belleville.
LUNCH
STOPS ON
THE SLOPES
Jérôme
Lagoutte, head
of Savills French
Alps, shares
three of his
favourite places
for a well-earned
lunch break
For sushi with
altitude: it’s got
to be Le Cap
Horn in
Courchevel 1850,
where you can sit
back and admire
the exceptional
view – or the
private jets
landing at the
altiport
Top for great
food and great
value: La
Casserole has a
sun-drenched
terrace at the Le
Signal chairlift in
Courchevel 1650
Must-try on the
slopes: the
family-owned La
Cave des Creux
at Courchevel
1850 has great
family ambiance
MÉRIBEL, FRENCH ALPS
A luxury chalet with 400 sq m of living
space in a quiet and elevated position.
Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4
Price 4,500,000
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CHALET MERLES AND AMELIA,
VERBIER, SWISS ALPS
Charming twin chalet estate.
Bedrooms 5/4 Bathrooms 3/3
Price POA
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