alpine property, de internationale makelaar in de Haute Savoie in Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel, Samoens, Chamonix, Megeve, La Clusaz, Annecy

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HET PROJECT

(ne)When one of the Alpine Property team saw a hand written 'Property for Sale' sign on the side of the road between Morzine and Samoens they were intrigued. At 1550 metres and with no services or amenities for several miles, this spot was a far cry from the busy tourist filled streets of the two towns to either side. The alpage that they found following a short walk off the steep and winding road merely served to reemphasise this contrast. With no apparent water or electricity connection and just a basic wooden stove for heating and cooking, the small building took the concept of 'rustic living' to the extreme. However, the property's allure was more obvious still; whether it was the prospect of complete and utter isolation or the spectacular mountain vistas from every angle, the charmingly traditional 'mini-chalet' had an undeniably romantic appeal. Acting immediately, Alpine Property's unique local knowledge and the fact that they had a team living and working in the area helped convince the traditional French owners to sell the alpage with them.

The Fitzegerald-Baron family had been shown a number of different properties by Alpine Property on their October visit to the Portes du Soleil before they were shown the alpage. With three teenage children, they were keen to buy somewhere from which they could indulge in their love of the outdoors and adventurous pursuits on short family holidays. Although they had looked at a range of properties including more conventional chalets, the family were keen to find somewhere with real character and which perhaps offered them some sort of a challenge. When they were shown the alpage it was love at first site. The fact that the main road was cleared during snow falls meant they could drive up during the winter months, yet the distance from any town and the need to carry their own food and water to the door provided the challenge and escapism that they were after.

Alpine Property arranged a second viewing and meetings with the owners and a notaire whereby the Fitzegerald-Barons could discuss the possibility of installing a future water connection. Following translation help and advice from Alpine Property the family made an offer for the alpage which was accepted and they duly signed the Compromis du Vente in December. When the Acte du Vente was signed in April, the property was theirs and they could begin making the modifications they had planned to make the place more habitable. The final act Alpine Property performed was to show the family how to ski in and out of their new mountain retreat!

Since the purchase, the family have set about adding a few more home comforts to the alpage's four rooms and small kitchen which they can enjoy on their frequent visits. Although any external development such as adding windows is not allowed as the property is in a conservation area, Alpine Property has helped them to make a water connection, something that is most welcome when they get snowed in during winter visits! However, the family are quick to stress that they don't see the property (which they have affectionately called 'the Shed') as an investment, but rather a family home that will be passed down through the generations. So it seems that the family shall be snow-shoeing and skiing from their front door, paragliding from their front garden and watching the Tour de France on the road next to them for some time yet.

Best Part

"Our first night in 'the Shed' was incredibly surreal - we just couldn't believe we were in such a romantic, spectacular and characterful setting and that it was ours!"

Worst Part

"Although being so far from town does have its obvious advantages, the isolation means that we have to make sure that we have all the supplies we need, and we have to carry them from the road to the alpage."

The Alpine Property Part

"Aside from all the legal and translation advice we received from Alpine Property, we were amazed by all the 'little things' they did for us - from putting us in contact with local builders to actually putting on skis and showing us how we could ski right into our home from the mountains!"

Enjoy a few of the Fitzegerald-Baron family photos below...
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