Chalet F'Net
Les Houches, MONT BLANC, FRANCE
Hidden away in private forests near Mont Blanc, Chalet F'Net is an isolated mountain retreat. An exclusive mountain home for those with a spirit of adventure who seek a new type of luxury: a beautifully restored cabin in a totally unspoilt location
Chalet F'Net in brief
A beautifully restored chalet d'alpage – step through the wardrobe into a magical snow-filled wilderness via our chauffeur driven all-terrain vehicle
Sleeps 4/5 in the chalet, with further space for 2 in an apartment in a farmhouse just down the hill. The chalet has two double bedrooms and a sofa bed; the separate farmhouse suite has one double bedroom
Optional evening suppers are available, with vegan and plant-based food on request
Located a short ATV ride from the Plancerts drag-lift to access the Les Houches ski area; if you are adventurous you can ski directly down to the chalet from the piste. The Bettex station, accessing the Saint-Gervais/Megève Evasion ski area, is a five minute drive down the mountain
Wood-fired hot tub in the winter season
Concierge/chef resident on site
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Saint Gervais-les-Bains is only five minutes down the mountain. You will find one of the most elegant-but-real working spa towns in the French Alps. Evoking memories of Audrey Hepburn drinking kir royales in Charade or perhaps David Niven racing an open-top car in calfskin gloves round switchback turns, Saint Gervais is linked to ultra-chic Megève (if magnums of rosé and Euro-pop at the Folie Douce are your bag.)
L’Equipe F’Net, however, have recently become converts to uphill skiing. Brave the bouncy ATV ride from the front door; it’s like a snow coaster. From the Plancerts drag lift just above the chalet you can ski the super-cute – and super under-rated – resort of Les Houches, famed for 360 degree views of Mont Blanc and the Chaîne d’Aravis. If the snow coaster hasn’t got your blood pumping enough, bomb down the notorious Kandahar run. Each February you can watch the World Downhill Ski Championship.
Adventurous skiers can take the gin and tonic express from Geneva directly to Les Houches, pick up some skis at the Prarion télécabine and off-piste down a tree lined snow meadow into the chalet back garden – but blue run bunnies can stay on the piste and get a ride home.
CONCIERGE AND CHEF on Site
The start of the ski season will see the Devoy duo behind the scenes to make your stay perfect. The concierge/chef team live in the petit mazot next door and are there to chauffeur you and your luggage the final few hundred metres from the car park to the front door in our specially adapted tracked ATV.
Unwind your muscles after the Kandahar in the wood fired hot tub, fired up and ready for you on your return from the mountain. If all the skiing is too much, have a look on the Chillderness App for walks and fun things to do on your doorstep.
Evening suppers and parties are available by arrangement, including vegan and plant-based dining. We can cater for any dietary requirements.
“The chalet on the edge of the world”
Cosy Mountain Magazine
A RETREAT DE LUXE
This 19th-century chalet d’alpage has been renovated by David and Anjana Devoy, known for their Curved House project in Clapham, London, featured on the TV show, Grand Designs. They have brought the same sense of passion and style to this project. The chalet has been featured in Marie Claire Maison, Grazie and Biba, as well as on French design show, La Maison.
The outside of the chalet has been sensitively regenerated with antique Alpine timbers and stonework. Inside, old world wood and furs, stoves and bathtubs have been given a quirky modern spin, while retaining their romantic charm.
The cabin has two bedrooms, one in the former hayloft with a free-standing copper bath, and the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom on the ground floor. There’s also a wood-clad hot tub, perfect for romantic winter evenings.
Just down the hill, we can accommodate larger groups with an additional suite, sleeping a further two, in a recently restored farmhouse.
CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
The chalet has a bio-ethanol fireplace in the master bedroom suite, a revolving wood-burning stove and additional heating, including underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. Amenities include a hairdryer, iron and board, linens and towels.
The kitchen has a Nespresso capsule coffee maker, double Miele oven, refrigerator, gas hob and toaster, with a selection of pantry items. The dining area has a monumental wooden table.
There is a growing selection of books and games and DVDs, as well as a television with DVD player on which to play these films. Please be advised that there is no television network, though 3G works reasonably well, depending on your network provider.
Location and getting there
The chalet is located above the village of Saint Gervais-les-Bains, close to Chamonix and only 15 minutes’ drive from the A40 autoroute.
During deep winter, the final few hundred metres are inaccessible by car. The concierge can chauffeur you and your luggage up the hill with our specially adapted tracked vehicle.
You are also welcome to walk or sledge the remaining 400m up and down the hill to the chalet.
