'We transformed a historic Savoie chalet into a dream home'

The village of Mâcot-la-Plagne, between Courchevel and Mont Blanc in Savoie, is a picture-perfect setting only 15 minutes’ drive from the ski slopes. 

It has a boulangerie and café, a small supermarket and, of course, a town hall, opposite which stands Maison Lennox, home of British couple Nicola and Simon Braggins.

From the outside, it has the appearance of a modern home that sits perfectly within the mountain landscape. 

The overhanging roof withstands the regular snowfall, while the wooden shutters guard against the wind in winter and the heat in summer.

Inside, however, the property has some very surprising features.

“This is a traditional Alpine building,” says Nicola. 

“It was designed to house animals in the basement, with the family living above and a hayloft up in the roof. 

“The lower ground floor was previously where they stored cheese, wine and fruit, and it also used to house a pear press. It still has the original vaulted ceilings and a stable-style door set below ground level.”

Historical background

Little else remains of this once-humble space, however – it has since been converted into luxurious accommodation. 

“One older neighbour asked if she could have a look at our apartment because when she was a young girl the house belonged to her grandparents,” says Nicola.

“She remembered that she was sent down there regularly to collect the cheese, and she was always terrified by the mice and the dark of the cellar. 

“When she visited, she was obviously blown away by the transformation!”

Built from stone, the house dates from 1865. Its walls are one metre thick and were originally designed to safeguard livestock and produce.

These days they ensure that the apartment is cool for guests during hot summers and warm in the coldest winters. 

Nicola and Simon fell in love with the property the minute they walked through the door, in April 2018.

“When we first saw the house, one of the reasons it appealed was that most of the work had been done,” says Simon. 

“The previous owners had bought it as a total wreck then gutted and renovated it completely in 2010.

“However, the cellar only offered basic accommodation with a sink, fridge and microwave. 

"I spent the Covid lockdown learning all sorts of building skills, from cementing and rendering to restoring shutters and painting fine details, to bring the house back to its original condition.

“This came as a delight to the neighbours, most of whom seem to have lived in the house or visited over the years!”

Apartment and terrace

The couple also installed a full kitchen in the apartment, while outside they had a terrace built above the existing garage that connects to the first floor balcony. They also landscaped most of the front and rear gardens.

Nicola and Simon live in the main house, which is 183m² with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor. 

The first floor has a kitchen-diner and lounge with a log burner, and is surrounded by a balcony.

The second floor, formerly the hayloft, now has two large bedrooms, another bathroom, and stunning mountain views. 

“The top floor is the only bit of the house that looks like a traditional mountain chalet with all the exposed beams,” says Nicola. 

“Having guest bedrooms on the ground floor took a bit of getting used to, but having the main living area on the first floor means that we really get to enjoy the views. 

“It’s also great for Simon who, after 27 years in the Foreign Office, retrained as a photographer; he never gets tired of capturing the sunrises and sunsets over the mountains, with all their changing colours.”

Distinct seasons

Both Simon and Nicola had travelled extensively and lived in France before they met.

“Like many people, we had always thought about setting up home here some day, and potentially offering some kind of holiday accommodation,” says Nicola. 

“Originally we considered moving further south, but we realised you only get the summer season there, whereas you get very distinct seasons in the Alps. It’s roasting hot in the summer and freezing in the winter.

“When it snows, clearing the driveway is one of our dreaded tasks: it’s a two-hour job so we need to be up early for that!”

The former pear press still has three very old fruit trees that provide pears and quince. Simon and Nicola have had to learn how to maintain and care for these trees, particularly as heavy snow and wind can damage them.

It is all part of the ongoing maintenance of the property, they say.

“Next on the list is finishing the seemingly never-ending task of repointing the original dry stone wall that borders part of the garden and driveway,” says Nicola.

“It’s 100 metres long so it will take a while!”

Despite the upkeep, they agree it is a wonderful place to live, especially given its history in the community.

“We have yet to meet anyone who doesn't love it here,” says Nicola. 

For more information, visit the Maison Lennox website here.