Winter is coming… and with it, thoughts of being back on the ski slopes, tucked away in a luxurious chalet with those we love. And what better than to have your own double-height, double-plot chalet completely re-designed according to your own tastes.
Nestled away in the popular ski resort of Verbier, Switzerland, the newly constructed Chalet Les Étrennes has six custom-designed bedrooms with ensuites, a cinema room, hammam, hot tub, laundry and ski room, and multiple terraces from which to take in the views.
Commissioned by a senior English banker, Nicola Hulbert Interior Design has just completed the remodelling of this fabulous chalet. The chalet’s owner had recently bought the adjacent plot, enabling him to extend the existing building and create an outstanding lateral entertaining space to use all year round.
Working alongside a local architect, Nicola reconfigured the floor plan to add a large kitchen extension and a luxurious master bedroom suite. In addition to the existing 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main reception area has a soaring ceiling height of over 4.5 metres, and after the relocation of a chimney, a galleried study has been added.
Nicola sourced all interior furnishings from the UK including the furniture, fabrics, linens, china, glassware and cutlery. Going one step further, art was procured from London galleries and everything delivered to shippers before being driven out to Switzerland.
On arrival, a crane was used to lift all the major items through the plate glass doors into the chalet. According to Nicola: “There was a potential for a logistical nightmare in buying everything in the UK, so we had to be incredibly well organised chasing suppliers for guaranteed dates for the delivery.
“We were lucky in tracking down English craftsmen who were able to create bespoke pieces, such as the beautiful walnut dining table that seats 14.”
Detailed measurements were taken of every window, fabrics were sourced from companies including de Le Cuona and Mulberry, and curtains and blinds were custom made in Gloucestershire and driven out to Verbier to be installed by the makers.
Careful thought has been given to all aspects of the project, including the kitchen layout, the lighting design and practical details such as the ski/boot room with individual storage lockers, baskets and boot warmers.
Other new features installed include a hammam and an outdoor hot tub with spectacular views of the mountains.
Having spent part of her earlier life in Verbier – she’s fluent in French – and a frequent visitor since, Nicola relished the opportunity to return professionally to a resort she loves. The project took almost two years from inception to completion, but: ‘We had the loveliest client with whom we collaborated very closely to ensure we created exactly what he wanted. Everyone is delighted with the result.”
Nicola’s brief was to not only design a comfortable home for the owners but also to create a chalet that worked for its keep when not in family use. The chalet is available to rent through Bramble Ski.
The chalet’s owner was delighted with the results: “We felt Nicola listened carefully to what we wanted to achieve, interpreted our input creatively and then executed the plans to perfection. It has been enormous fun working with her and the outcome exceeded all our expectations.”
Nicola Hulbert Interior Design specialises in high-end residential design for their clients and excels at sourcing custom-designed furniture and finishes. All her colours and fabrics are chosen individually to match each piece of furniture and soft furnishing throughout. The company offers everything from project management and consultancy, to designing practical layouts for your home or office.
Nicola Hulbert Interior Design
T: +44 (0) 020 8871 1600
M: +44 (0) 7768 616 477
E: [email protected]
www.nhid.co.uk
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