After a long day skiing, you’re sitting laughing with friends ’round the fire, drinking mulled wine and decorating the Christmas tree, while Pepsi and Shirlie set the table for dinner. Outside, men in eyeliner throw snowballs at one another. Later, Andrew brings in the Christmas pudding, lit with sparklers…
…needle scratch.
Wait, that’s our Wham! “Last Christmas” fantasy again!
This gorgeous traditional chalet, located in Crans-Montana, the southwest part of Switzerland, would ensure a classic-music-video-perfect getaway for anyone, not just 80s pop stars. Well, anyone who can afford to drop approximately $9.2 million, that is.
With six bedrooms and seven baths in 4,230 square feet, there’s plenty of room for everyone during the holidays, even that heartless witch who gave George Michael’s brooch (and heart) away. There’s also 387-square-foot garage out back. Built in 1961 in the traditional style, and set on one-third of an acre, the chalet is currently used as a single residence but can also be separated into two apartments. It’s marketed by Keystar Properties in London.
A chalet is a type of house typical of the Alps. Built of wood, there’s a heavy, sloping roof, and wide eaves set on right angles to the front of the house. This is to support the heavy snowfall in the region. Originally, many chalets were seasonal farms for dairy cattle. The cows would be brought up from the lowlands, and the shepherds would live in the chalet and make butter and cheese. Then, the herders would bring the milk products, along with the cows, back to the valleys before winter. The chalets would be empty then.
Now, of course, such houses are in high demand for skiing adventures and other winter sports. Here, the owner can ski in and out from their own property, or walk to different slopes or the town center. This one is also just a short drive away from three famous golf courses, so also works as a summer getaway.
While many high-end ski chalets are modern in style, this one has the old-fashioned wood paneling and charming wooden cutout furniture. Yes, the furnishings and pictures are a bit Grandma-like, but no one is buying that. There are spacious living and dining rooms, as well as a huge terrace to make the most of the outstanding views.
The master bedroom is located on the main floor, and has an ensuite bathroom and a sauna. Below that are the ground and lower-ground floors, which contain a large dining room; the kitchen, with a separate larder and ironing room; and a staff bedroom with its own bathroom. French doors on this level open to the garden, which is surrounded by pine trees and larches. The lower ground floor contains another large ensuite bedroom with stunning views.
In back, there is a second freestanding building with two floors. The upper floor, level with the road, can garage two cars. Below that is a large open space with more French doors, which could be used as a playroom, gym, or converted into yet more guest accommodations.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to dream about raclette and men in eyeliner.