By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
From exposed concrete to velvet-upholstered dining chairs, sleek fireplaces to rich, wooden panelling, Nicky Dobree’s portfolio of luxury ski chalets serves to prove that your home on the slopes can be as tailored to your tastes as your city pied a terre or your country pile. While Dobree has covetable experience working on a range of different projects, from villas to contemporary hotels, it is chalet life that has inspired her most.
This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dobree while she was on location in the Alps, orchestrating the seamless delivery of yet another luxurious ski chalet. We chatted all things chalet design, from the functional to the beautiful, so read on to discover Dobree’s tips and tricks to help make your piste-side property perfect.
What drew you to ski chalet design initially?
The joy of the mountains really changes your routine. You become so immersed in nature that it changes your day. It feels balanced and mindful, from the physical activity to the fresh air and the uninterrupted time spent with friends and family. It’s unsurprising that now, as people have negotiated more flexibility from their employers or are encouraging remote working as an employer themselves, they have begun spending more time in their ski properties, finding that the allure of the mountains beats the relentless thrum of city life. People have different priorities now, and there is a simplicity in living this way. Yes, ski chalets can be all-singing and all-dancing, but the implicit immersion in nature brings an unbeatable quietness and the luxury of discretion.
What are some of the aesthetic principles you work on when designing ski chalets?
A more nuanced principle that I like to work on is that each chalet I design must have a sense of place. This often comes down to the materials we might use, including timber and stone. I like to let the local environment dictate the finishes we choose.
Next, it’s time to add a sense of elegant composure, a timelessness that makes a chalet feel like home. This involves the introduction of layering up, from soft furnishings to art and lighting. I love the balance of the rough, earthy timers and stones with these elements, like patterned wallpapers and upholstery.
On a broader note, I feel it’s important to invest in beautiful, high-quality, ethically made pieces in any property. It’s about building once, building well, and buying once, buying well. Working to this mantra, over my 20-year career, I have never had to replace anything in my clients’ homes.
How should you incorporate functionality into such a sleek and considered space?
Functionality is key, and environmental functionality is specifically important. Of course, you’re dealing with lots of snow around the peak season, so spacious boot rooms are crucial. When it comes to storage, it’s true that skiing is very much tied to the bulky, heavy equipment needed even at a basic level, so we often specify sleek, fitted cabinets for all the skiing paraphernalia. However, it would be the same for a house on the Mediterranean for a client who loves watersports, so ski chalets aren’t alone in these considerations.
I have always noticed the prominence of beautiful sitting rooms or lounge areas in your work – why are these spaces important?
The thing I love most about the living rooms I get to design in ski chalets is that they are often devoid of TVs. This kind of technology, from plasmas to game consoles, is relegated to darker, quieter spaces of ski chalets, from home cinemas to more modest entertainment rooms. Chalets are all about encouraging being together and lively conversation. I usually centre the living rooms I design on cosy-yet-imposing fireplaces, creating a warm environment in every sense of the term. This layout encourages loved ones to gather, treating these spaces as social hubs and hearts of the home.
Any frequent client requests over the years? Home bars, cosy seating for informal dining, sound systems, lifts to the ground floors etc
A good sound system, party rooms, home bars, cosy fireplaces and lifts are some of the most frequent requests I get when designing ski chalets. There is an enormous wellness element these days, too. A spa is no longer just a hot tub or a sauna, but a hammam or a massage suite.
We have also worked with clients on creating opportunities for different dining experiences within their chalets, including more casual set-ups for breakfast or quick lunches to exquisite rooms offering a semblance of private fine dining spaces in the world’s most luxurious restaurants and hotels.
Dog showers are also becoming more popular. We install them in the ski rooms to ensure furry friends get a proper wash before they reenter the house after a day on the slopes or walking in the mountains.
Art & Design Events to See This October
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
As the days get shorter and cooler, it’s time to retreat into the warm, inviting lobbies of London’s finest venues, museums and galleries to get your autumnal cultural fix. Whether you enjoy a solo skulk around the National Portrait Gallery with a podcast, a rollicking family visit to the Natural History Museum or a romantic stroll through the towering halls of the V&A, ’tis the season to wrap up warm and soak up the cultural delights that the capital has to offer.
Luckily, October is a time of great cultural importance, especially for the world of art and design, and alongside the programme of annual events that fall in October, including Decorex, Frieze Art Fair and the Goldsmiths’ Fair, there are a number of fantastic exhibitions to add to your ‘must-see’ list. So, this month, I’ll be rounding up some events for your cultural calendar, from decadent decorative arts events to eye-opening exhibitions and beyond.
Goldsmiths’ Fair
A bustling, glimmering celebration of all that glitters, Goldsmiths’ Fair is an annual selling and exhibition event that highlights some of the leading names in jewellery design today. The site of the current Hall, which is just northeast of St Paul’s Cathedral, has been home to the Goldmsiths’ Company since 1339 where two previous Halls once stood. The Hall’s Assay Office is where the hallmarking of fine jewellery began over 700 years ago, and where the painstaking task is carried out to this day. This year, the fair is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an integrated exhibition, 40 at 40, which showcases the work of 40 makers, each of whom is represented by an outstanding piece created after 1983.
Week 2, 4th – 9th October 2022, The Goldsmiths’ Hall
Frieze London, Frieze Masters and Frieze Sculpture
One of the most prestigious and lucrative art programmes in the world, Frieze takes place annually amongst the gently landscaped parkland of Regent’s Park. The many globally renowned galleries that show their collections at Freize’s purpose-built pavilions attract over 60,000 visitors across collectors, gallerists, fellow artists and of course, the general public. For contemporary art, get yourself a ticket to Frieze London, and for artwork produced before 2000 and antiquities, head to Frieze Masters. For a free-of-charge meander around Frieze Sculpture, head to the south end of the park’s Broadwalk.
Throughout October 2022, Regents Park
PAD London
Each October, PAD London takes over the leafy Mayfair square to showcase exquisite 20th-century and contemporary design from some of the world’s most sought-after galleries and designers. Amongst the design names to know taking part this year are Rose Uniacke, Galerie Scene Ouverte, Spazio Nobile, Sarah Myerscough Gallery, David Gill Gallery, Gallery FUMI and Carpenters Workshop Gallery.
10th-16th October 2022, Berkeley Square
Decorex
For the latest in interior design, Decorex is the very best place to seek out new trends, meet makers and gather inspiration for your next home decoration project. Set against the backdrop of the soaring Victorian halls of Olympia London, international design studios and makers gather to network, and meet new clients and customers. It’s a riot of colour, pattern and inspiration, especially if you attend a few of the interior design talks held throughout the week on topics from collecting design pieces to making a happy home.
9th-12th October 2022, Kensington Olympia
StART Art Fair
For emerging artists with fresh, booming voices and innovative approaches to their media, the StART Art Fair is a one-stop-shop. Harti, Illuminati Neon, Tommy Fiendish and a number of international fresh faces will be exhibiting, bringing punchy, political and thought-provoking art to the prestigious venue. Visitors will also have the opportunity to review the entries to the inaugural StART Martin Miller’s Gin Emerging Art Prize, where entrants were invited to create works to respond to the theme, transformation.
12th-16th October 2022, Saatchi Gallery
The Best Ski Resorts…But Not As You Know Them
By Amira Hashish
The new wave of ski resorts offers so much more than fondue and wood-heavy interiors. Catering to the lifestyles of those who care as much about the ethos of where they are staying as the slopes, some exciting brands are bringing unusual concepts to the world’s best mountain escapes. From a remote Japanese hideaway to Canada’s festival pinnacle and South Tyrol’s CO2 neutral getaway, it is worth dusting off your snow boots for these retreats…
Experimental Chalet, Verbier
For those seeking: Accidentally Wes Anderson vibes
What to expect: You can always rely on the Experimental Group for playful design and a focus on fun. Their chalet in the heart of the Verbier mountains comprises 39 rooms and suites, some with terraces, jacuzzis or panoramic views of the surrounding Alpines peaks and Mont Combin. This is far from the typical chalet style with minimalist design by Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi inspired by mid-century resorts. We can’t get enough of the deep jewel and sorbet tones, paired with lacquered wood. The farm to table bistro by the revered Parisian chef Gregory Marchand is an Alpine outpost of his London and Paris based Frenchie restaurants. It wouldn’t be Experimental without a signature craft cocktail bar, just the place for apres-ski. Meanwhile, French, tailor-made skin treatment brand Biologique Recherche is on hand for spa moments.
Book: experimentalchalet.com
Ginzan Hot Spring Fujiya Inn, Honshu
For those seeking: The ultimate slow skiing experience
What to expect: The opposite of the apres life, this is the place you go when you want to be completely off-grid…and breathe. Housed in a 350-year-old traditional Japanese style ryokan (a bit like an inn), six hours north of Tokyo, the former boathouse was designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma. It has a series of private hot tubs each varying in style and setting. A long soak in a well as the snowflakes gently roll in, followed by a home cooked seafood feast, could be about as zen as it gets.
Book: fujiya-ginzan.com
Faern, Arosa
For those seeking: Sociable wellness
What to expect: Faern, a collection of alpine resorts in Switzerland, is opening two new properties; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia. The lifestyle hubs have a focus on introducing cutting-edge wellness concepts alongside ski-in-ski-out access to the Swiss slopes. The name Faern has evolved from the German “Feiern”, meaning “to celebrate” so you can expect a healthy dose of joyful gatherings. Designed to feel like a home from home, holistic health and wellbeing merged with mountainous enjoyment is pivotal to the ethos.
Book: faernresorts.com
Four Seasons, Whistler
For those seeking: The hot ticket
What to expect: The twin mountains of Canada’s Whistler and Blackcomb are made up of an eye-watering 200 ski runs. They are having a moment after scooping the title of best ski resort in North America by the Condé Nast Traveler’s annual reader choice awards. As well as being family friendly, the destination has a reputation for festival lovers. Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is one of the biggest queer-focused ski weeks globally. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival is also held here. For those seeking a luxurious retreat, make a beeline for Four Seasons Whistler. Following a major renovation in 2019, this is a luxurious urban take on the traditional mountain lodge, tucked away in Whistler’s Upper Village. As well as the soaring views and open fires there are several heated outdoor pools and plenty of spots to get pampered.
Book: fourseasons.com
Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel
For those seeking: Ultimate luxe with experiential surprises
What to expect: In the heart of Les Trois Vallées, the classic French châteaux is given a distinctly Aman twist. Rising four storeys above the village of Courchevel 1850, it is directly on the Bellecôte Piste and is quite simply the epitome of chic. Being Aman, there are plentiful experiences to quite literally elevate your stay including sunrise hot-air balloon trips, helicopter rides or paragliding sessions. Don’t expect the traditional focus on fondue when it comes to cuisine. The Nama restaurant is a celebration of Japanese gastronomy.
Book: https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-le-melezin or ask for a BBB intro info@bbb1.squareballoon.co.uk
FORESTIS Dolomites, South Tyrol
For those seeking: An environmentally friendly escape
What to expect: Mother nature is celebrated in all her glory in this beautifully designed retreat owned by a young local couple called Stefan Hinteregger and Teresa Unterthiner. From the architecture and interior to the cuisine and spa, there is a big focus on a limited carbon footprint with no compromise on style or comfort. The CO2 neutral building uses 100% renewable energy, produced by its very own plant and wood heating system, while the exteriors and interiors are created using local South Tyrolean suppliers and eco-friendly materials. Surrounding the hotel are the felled trees which are used as fences, with two new plantings made for each tree used. There are 62 luxury suites, all with panoramic views of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites with a restaurant helmed by Chef Roland Lamprecht, a native of South Tyrol. Ski-in, ski-out winter sports are part and parcel of this idyllic escape.
Book: forestis.it
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
For those seeking: Maximalist magic
What to expect: This iconic Aspen hotel has been doing its thing since 1889. That doesn’t mean it rests on its laurels though. Always at the forefront of cool collaborations, its latest is with Felix Roasting Co., the Ken Fulk-designed coffee shop which is causing a buzz on Instagram. Think peacock velvet banquettes, pink fringed slipper chairs, and Murano glass chandeliers. Soaking up its colourful history in super sumptuous surroundings is part of the draw. Ask the concierge about the time Hunter S. Thompson held court there during his run for sheriff.