Chalet One - history

Some years ago.....

Chalet One - history

 

Hi I'm Andy and back on the 10th of October 2010 I signed on the dotted line and bought Chalet Number One (as it was called). I could write a book about my adventures since.

I'm told Chalet One used to be a Mazure with a large barn attached. Looking at the video on the home page you can see the tall part of the building that used to be the barn. The smaller stone clad part of the chalet has six doors on one elevation. The purpose of this part of the building was in effect as a stone built safe shared by six families - hence the doors.

Most of the village buildings would have been constructed from timber and there could be regular fires resulting in the loss of one or more homes.

A stone built Mazure would survive the fires keeping the families valuables safe.

The buildings fell into disrepair (see the photo on the right)

In 1993 Chalet Number One was opened, having been renovated from the wreck by Lloyd and Sarah Rogers. Named because it was the first chalet accommodation for the newly opened ski station of Sainte Foy.

In 2007 the Rogers sold to Nick and Nicky Brake who had moved over from their Morzine base. Over a couple of years the Brake's renovated Chalet Number One to form the basis of how the building is today.

In 2010 I started my French adventure.

Firstly I renovated the basement turning it from a damp couple of rooms to a cosy staff bedroom. One bedroom got a new wet room and plastic baths were replaced with metal, a large expanse of old external timber wall cladding was replaced after insulation was added. A new range stove and single oven and a myriad of fridges, freezers and a commercial dishwasher were added or replaced.

To date it has been non stop with new beds, a huge TV, carpets and a redecoration throughout including new original art.

From 2010 to 2017 I operated as a catered chalet, with invaluable help from various seasonaires and the support of many guests.

With no one really knowing how Brexit would impact I took the decision to close and enjoy the chalet as my home in the Alps.

I love the old place and have, while it has been closed, renovated my own apartment.

I have now decided to reopen as self catered accommodation for winter and I look forward to sharing my home with you.

 

A La Mazure ruin
The Chalet

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People     CHALET ONE

  • Absolutely fantastic week in Sainte - Foy and Chalet One, a lovely chalet, sunshine (a bit) and snow! Thanks a million guys.

    Mark, Debbie, Alexa & Sebastian
  • "...we found Sainte Foy to be one of the finest resorts that France has to offer; combined with the warm welcoming atmosphere, you can't fail to fall in love with the infinitely fabulous Chalet One. The only problem was, at the end of the week, we just didn't want to go home."

    Oliver and Claudia
  • The chalet is beautiful! We had an exciting week with lots of snow, having arrived with 'green', and then had deep snow and avalanches! I am a ski novice and so the experience was all new. Many thanks again for sharing your gorgeous chalet.

    Julie
  • Hello from Canada! We had such a wonderful time this past week - food, snow, atmosphere, comfort... all there in spades! One of our best ever ski holidays! Andy: Chalet One is one of the most beautiful houses we have ever stayed in, and so very cosy. We feel so lucky to have been able to enjoy the whole Sainte-Foy experience :)

    Lucile, Roger and Sonia
  • All in all one of the best week's skiing ever - it was seriously cold which meant the snow was as good as I've ever known (including Canada!). On Col Grenier it was thigh deep at the far end - unbelievable. We also found the way down to the village of Le Monal - the top lift had been closed since the last snowfall and there was just one other set of tracks! Sunny, perfect powder, beautiful views and all on our own - it just doesn't get any better. Chalet One was as good as ever - what a great place you have. Terence and Richard were suitably impressed by both the chalet and the skiing and will definitely be back.

    James, Terence and Richard
  • I hope you don't mind me emailing you - we are part of the party who stayed at Chalet One for the New Year week. The chalet itself was beautiful and spotlessly presented. The facilities were brilliant - even just the simple fact of endless hot water from our wonderful shower made a big difference. All the little touches - bottles of water, chocolate to take up the slopes, the REN complimentary toiletries - added to our very enjoyable stay.

    Neil and Claire
  • "We had the very best time. Chalet One is bursting with character, so cosy and comfortable. It was all such a treat. What a great place it is, and it all ran like clockwork, all so comfortable, buckets of hot water, roaring fire in the evening. A really great week, it ticked all the boxes for all of us. "It was so good, and hopefully we will be back for more.... James and Tom were toying with the idea of sneaking out for a bit of powder if there is a window in the bookings and the snow is right - but for the moment, it is back to reality...."

    Jeni & James
  • We had a wonderful week thank you, it couldn't have been better! The chalet is beautiful, a historical gem, and so comfortable. Ste Foy proved to be the kind of resort that I didn't know existed - in my opinion better than any other. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope we can get the family together for another visit. I can't think of a better skiing holiday.

    JEREMY