Chalet Cannelle, Chatel, France

Chalet Cannelle (which translates as Cinamon) was originally built as an Abondance Valley farmhouse in the early 1800's. It was bought by its current owners (in 2012) who set about transforming this character property into a thoroughly comfortable alpine chalet to accept guests in both the summer and winter. Many of the original features have been kept intact but the property has also been modernised to offer six luxury bedrooms with en-suite shower or bathrooms. Today it can easily sleep 10 adults but also has the capacity for up to 4 children in extra beds, making a maximum of 14 guests.

The character of this old barn is especially evident in the main double height sitting room. Large sofas and vintage leather armchairs invite guests to relax in comfort. Settle down with a good book or enjoy the enchanting views of the glorious Mont de Grange and the Abondance Valley.

The owners, Lorraine and Andy, also manage the chalet and look after their guests (Andy is the chef and Lorraine runs the front of house operation). Their mission is to provide their guests with a first class stay experience and that starts with a high quality of catering. In fact, the dining experience at Chalet Cannelle is why many so many of their guests return each year, and the large dining table next to the open kitchen gives you the 'chef's table' experience every night.

Andy and Lorraine serve a varied menu for your stay, from contemporary French and Italian dishes, to shared banquet style dining for a Thai feast. Their inspiration comes from travels and adventures around the world, and they love nothing more than sharing these culinary experiences with their guests.

The Chalet Cannelle is positioned in a delightfully peaceful location, midway between the Portes du Soleil ski resorts of Chatel and Chapelle d'Abondance. The driver service allows guests easy access to and from the skiing and resort centre but to stay here you really need to love being away from it all, enjoying the silence of the natural surroundings.

The chalet is run, as much as possible, with care for the environment. Whilst having a hot tub is not an eco-tick, they reduce its impact by using active oxygen instead of chlorine (which is kinder on your skin and for the environment) and it is filled with hot water from the chalet's biomass heater (which uses wood granules from a local certified source). The chalet's electricity provider is green, and no oil is used on the property (the kitchen hob is run on gas). Even the drinking water is eco being locally sourced - a Soda Stream is used to carbonate it into deliciously sparkling, mountain-fresh water that is tastier than Evian!