Here at House of Coco we loving skiing, some members of #TeamCoco more than others. When we do don our ski wear (we still look cool, honest), we like to do it in style and never compromise on luxury. Skiers and luxury-seekers with a passion for architecture need look no further than the new Designer Dream Collection; a collection of incredible properties with impressive design credentials across Europe and the USA’s most exclusive ski resorts, launched in time for the 2016/17 winter season by luxury ski chalet specialist Alpine Guru.
The collection itself has made it easier than ever for holidaymakers to find chalets that pack serious wow-factor when it comes to architecture and interiors, perfect for those in search of a unique escape on the slopes this year. From the former Zermatt home of renowned architect Heinz Julen, to a 17th century Piedmontese farmhouse with distinctive ‘cave-luxe’ interiors, the collection offers a variety of unique, opulent stays. All can be booked at www.alpineguru.com, with highlights of the collection outlined below:
Cave-like luxury at 17th Century Piedmontese farmhouse- Baita 1697, Sestriere, Italy
Hidden in a small hamlet linked by cable car to Sestriere is Baita 1697, a truly unique 17th century farmhouse conversion for up to 10 adults and 8 children. Lovingly transformed by acclaimed interiors designer Lucy McCullough over the course of two years, the farmhouse manages to blend its historic roots with truly modern interiors. Vaulted stone ceilings give the farmhouse a cave-like feel with a luxury edge, with sumptuous sofas, contemporary artwork, sliding terrace doors and Euro/Asian artefacts from the owner’s travels giving it a distinctly modern feel. Each of the six bedrooms (including a dorm room for kids) have been individually designed by different carpenters and feature reclaimed timber, a copper bathtub and plenty of unusual furnishings. There’s even a roof terrace complete with fire pit, hot tub and incredible mountain views.
Price: From £1,190 per person based on 10 adults sharing, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and 4 course dinner on six nights per week. www.alpineguru.com/chalets/italy/pragelato/baita-1697
Outrageously opulent Bond-esque retreat- Chalet Zermatt Peak, Zermatt
Jutting from the mountainside in one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts in Chalet Zermatt Peak, a truly jaw-dropping property built by renowned interior designer and developer Paul Bowyer- offering a level of luxury and service difficult to beat anywhere else in the Alps. Accessed via a private tunnel (in true Bond style), the property’s interiors scream elegant opulence; walnut floors blend into Brazilian stone and Italian marble-clad walls, a handmade Murano crystal chandelier offers ambient lighting and giant floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer incredible views of the famous Matterhorn.Five lavish en-suite bedrooms boast designer bathrooms, dressing areas and private terraces, with the top-floor gallery bedroom housing a glass-roof for incredible bed-time star gazing. There’s a state-of-the-art spa, spacious ski room and walk-in wine cellar.
Price: From £4,300 per person per week based on 10 adults sharing, including Michelin-standard private chef, Champagne reception, daily breakfast and afternoon tea and evening meals 6 nights per week. www.alpineguru.com/chalets/switzerland/zermatt/chalet-zermatt-peak
Live the design dream in Deer Valley- Ski Dream Home, Deer Valley, Utah
An immense labour of love from architect Michael Upwall, Ski Dream Home is a vision of grandeur located atop Little Baldy Peak; built to withstand the elements without scrimping on style. Montana Moss rock fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and Brazilian walnut floors feature throughout, along with handmade rugs from the Far East, custom-made cabinetry and luxurious fabrics including mohair, satin, leather and suede. Custom designed lighting by Adaptive Design Group and furnishings from Ralph Lauren and French Heritage add to the sophisticated effect, whilst low wooden beams maintain an intimate atmosphere. With a whopping 14,000 square feet of living space spread over three floors, plus 6 beautiful designed bedrooms, there’s more than enough room for up to 12 adults and 4 children; there’s even a chill-out area with DJ booth, dance floor, bar, cinema room (complete with 124-inch screen and stadium seating), extensive spa, outdoor pool and not one but two private wine cellars.
Price: From £7,700 per person per week based on 12 adults sharing on a self-catering basis, including driver service. www.alpineguru.com/chalets/united-states/deer-valley/ski-dream-home
Heinz Julen’s hidden riverside loft- Backstage Luxury Loft, Zermatt
The latest creation from Zermatt’s famed architect and designer Heinz Julien is the Backstage Luxury Loft- an unusual take on the usual ski-chalet style, located in a quiet residential area of Zermatt overlooking the river. Accommodating up to ten guests in five bedrooms, the Loft encompasses an industrial-meets-luxury style; think high ceilings supported by steel pillars, ornate chandeliers, stainless steel appliances, chic glass dining furniture winched to the roof and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the space with light and expertly framing unobstructed views of the Matterhorn. Heinz himself has custom-made every item of furniture in his Zermatt studio. All five bedrooms boast sleek en-suite bath or shower rooms, and the quirky ‘chalet’ also offers a home cinema, impressive glass-walled hot tub and a nod to the building’s original 700-year-old barn structure; a room-within-a-room, encased in glass.
Price: From £2,230 per person per week based on 10 sharing, including Champagne reception, daily breakfast and afternoon tea, gourmet dinner 6 nights per week and use of spa at Backstage Hotel. www.alpineguru.com/chalets/switzerland/zermatt/backstage-loft
Other properties included in the Designer Dream collection include:
McClain Flats Estate, Aspen– An exceptional single-floor property for up to 12 guests, designed specifically to make the most of its stunning mountain views with floor-to-ceiling windows and innovative indoor to outdoor living spaces. Priced from £9,835 per week.
Chalet Rock and Love, Tignes– A chic hippy hangout from Guerlain Chicherit with funk 1970s inspired décor, including Wurlitzer style jukebox, VW Camper van beds and a pool table crafted from the shell of a Mini. Priced from £7,900 per week.
To view Alpine Guru’s full Designer Dream Collection, please visit www.alpineguru.com/2016/11/designer-dream-collection.
To book any of the properties featured, please contact Alpine Guru at www.alpineguru.com or call 0203 004 8750.