Iconic House, a company formed by two brothers, has opened its third luxury property called Le 1550, which is located in the stunning French town of Courchevel. Le 1550 Courchevel is perfectly positioned and takes full advantage of the altitude and enormous expansive skiing terrain, which is only minutes from the Chalet.
For this feature, Jeremy Webb takes a close look at what this luxury hideaway has to offer.
The ethos of Iconic House is to offer luxury accommodations that come with the benefits of services akin to staying in a hotel. The company acquired three properties in 2021 and opened L’Étoile des Baux in Les Baux-de-Provence and Les Bords du Lac in Hossegor in 2022. Le 1550 is now open to provide guests with a home away from home with the benefits of a Chalet Manager, Chef and some excellent facilities. The location is exceptional, too, nestled in the world-famous ski town of Courchevel.
Iconic House is the brand created by Thibaud Elzière, a French tech entrepreneur, and his brother Robin Michel. They aim to revolutionise the traditional hotel industry by offering the first private collection of luxury holiday rentals, with services worthy of the best hotels and a wide range of local experiences for guests.
Courchevel in the French Alps is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world. The towns of Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, and Courchevel 1850 constitute Courchevel, and the end name refers to their altitudes in metres.
The Chalet Le 1550 is next to the slopes in the centre of Les Trois Vallées, in the unspoilt hamlet of Les Brigues in Courchevel 1550. The brothers are avid skiers, and the Chalet’s position was a determining factor in purchasing it. The property has three floors, eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and many other facilities that make your stay wonderful.
Thibaud Elzière said, “We purposefully chose Courchevel 1550, the traditional heart of the resort with a family-friendly feel: it reflects our values and Iconic House’s philosophy, in contrast to the showiness of Courchevel 1850. The Chalet’s location perfectly embodies our vision of authentic and unpretentious luxury.”
Robin Michel added, “It was vitally important to us that this new property should boast all the strengths of Iconic House’s collection: an incredible property, exceptional amenities, a real sense of originality, bold aesthetic choices and a focus on art and local artists. We were inspired by the idea of going off-piste, driven by our love of adventure and the great outdoors, and a desire to do things differently.”
Atelier Giffon, a Lyon-based interior design agency, has been instrumental in the look of Le 1550 following nine months of renovations and the addition of an extension which blends sympathetically with the original property.
The Chalet is homely and welcoming, perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes or staying in and using the facilities.
A professional kitchen and dining area are pleasingly cosy, providing the ideal place for breakfast. A fireplace built of granite, hewn from Mont Blanc, weighing nearly 7 tonnes, is the Le 1550’s centrepiece in the large, inviting living room. Huge picture windows overlook the mountains, encouraging you to sit and relax.
A heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room bring much-needed pampering and wellness. If you have to exercise pre or post-skiing, use the fully equipped gym or stretch in the yoga studio.
Younger members of the party will love using the Kids’ Paradise. The ultimate playroom, featuring climbing holds and a colourful mural to create “a den for little explorers”.
The Chalet’s amenities and services include an incredible ski room where you can get ready before hitting the slopes, just metres away. A cosy home cinema with a giant screen allows you to gather and enjoy a film, and then for the adults; there is the L’Épicerie (an XXL take on the traditional hotel minibar found in the kitchen).
When you arrive, the keys to Le 1550 are given to you by Alison, whose family has lived in Courchevel for generations. She takes pride in providing the highest level of service for which Iconic House is renowned. Detail-oriented, Alison loves sharing her favourite spots and creating haute-couture stays for you.
Robin Michel said, “This winter, our guests can spend a day skiing with Yorick Vion, the legendary mountaineer who climbed Annapurna without assistance, no matter what their level, turn a childhood dream into reality by driving a huge snow groomer, enjoy some dog sledding or treat themselves to an exclusive signature treatment featuring everlasting flowers in the chalet’s treatment room.”
Le 1550 accommodates twenty people across the eight bedrooms, all with en-suites. In your package, you get a Chalet Manager, spa & gym, daily breakfast, a Mini 4×4 car to use for your stay, and, of course, daily housekeeping.
If you want to learn more about Le 1550 or other Iconic House properties, please visit https://www.iconic.house/le1550.
Read more travel news, guides and reviews here.