Projects
Chalet Hibou, Chamonix
This five bedroomed, south-facing chalet located in the coveted Les Moussoux area of Chamonix was ageing badly after 25 years, and in need of a complete overhaul.
The all-wooden building was reconfigured to create a stunning home across three floors, which includes an open plan living room, cosy TV and games room, bar, sauna, pool & spa, as well as five meticulously designed ensuite bedrooms.
Colour was key, as was making sure every space within the property exuded opulence and tranquility. The vast windows looking out to the mountain range offer an unparalleled backdrop and so making the most of these views was my main aim.
When an entire property is taken back to its basics it gives an opportunity to recreate it in the best way but also a whole raft of problems become apparent providing huge challenges. Once these were overcome it allowed for an amazing transformation.
Have a look at some of the before and after photos here.
Chalet Pelerins, Chamonix
Originally built as a Canadian style log cabin, one of only two in the valley. From the outside it gave the impression of a beautiful chalet, however its interior sadly did not live up to this. The over-use of wood and mixture of finishes made it feel dark, dated and fussy - badly in need of a makeover.
My clients wanted a more contemporary and stylish feel. Working with the best elements of the chalet’s original features I reconfigured the space to maximise the light, introduced clean lines and surfaces and replaced the heavy wooden balconies outside with glass. This enabled the view to became the focus with a lovely relaxed feel inside enjoying the wonderful views up to Mont Blanc.
Have a look at some of the before and after photos here.
Chalet Les Bois, Chamonix
This chalet was the original farm, on the same property as the barn and had been converted 15 years before. A lthough it had some wonderful features, the use of space was not being maximised. I was asked to reorganise the layout to create six bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. I created a completely new floor from a small mezzanine and relocated the living areas from the ground floor upstairs to take full advantage of the views.
On this new floor I created an open plan living room, dining area and kitchen and installed a double sided fireplace. Inspired by the theatres of the West End I built a cinema finding original vintage French theatre seating.
Again, by adding glass to the gable ends of the property allowed the light and views to be maximised.
All three properties, the barn, chalet and mazot, have been featured in interior magazines, used as locations for films, modelling shoots and TV programmes and are marketed in the high end of the rental market.
Le Petit Mazot, Les Bois
In addition to the main chalet, I was engaged to renovate its Mazot. Historically, Mazots were small stone and wood buildings originally used by alpine farmers as a safehouse to store valuables away from the main farmhouse. From a basic interior I created a three bedroomed chalet.
For each property in Les Bois, I designed and managed the renovations for the entire project. Working with original features of stone and wood, I created new spaces, maximised existing ones within the ancient wooden structures. Each property was adapted to fully appreciate the magnificent surroundings with cosy and luxurious re-imagined spaces inside.
Arts & Crafts House, Hove (East Sussex)
The property was entirely renovated, adding on a double height extension and conservatory to the main house and constructing a separate two-bedroomed coach house adjacent to the main house.
To be able to explore the 1920’s arts and crafts style with its amazing choice of fabrics, wallpapers and furnishings was such a delight. I have tried to incorporate the beautiful original features of the house and find ways for the new extensions to complement them, using my signature bold colours.
This project is still ongoing, more pictures to follow once complete.
South African Farmhouse
Set in the beautiful countryside of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, this farmhouse was constructed overlooking the farmlands towards the start of the Drakensburg mountains.
The brief was to create a three-bedroomed home, a two-bedroomed guest cottage and various other accommodation options. The richness of the red African soil lead to bold colours being chosen to complement the stunning landscape.
Unique guest accommodation was created by repurposing a vintage caravan and shipping container, set in their own tranquil locations on the property, each offering a unique vista.
Chalet Bibendum, Les Bois
The renovation of a 300-year-old barn in Les Bois, one of the oldest villages in the Chamonix valley. The cavernous building was in its original state and had been used to store hay and animal feed for the adjacent farm. It was quite simply an empty barn except for a huge Boerne chimney, an 8m high stone edifice which was used for the baking and curing of meats for the whole village.
The chimney was adapted and repurposed into a cosy snug with banquette seating around a fireplace and wood burning stove. A hidden doorway was discovered leading to a cellar which allowed me the opportunity to create a bespoke sauna in the vaulted room below. Upstairs the wooden timbers of the entire gable end were glazed allowing the spectacular views of the mountains to be seen. A terrace was created at the front of the chalet to further take advantage of the stunning Mont Blanc panorama. The beautiful old wood and stone features gave a wonderful base to work with to create a magnificent residence.
