La Ferme du Gran Shan

The property is in Villard sur Thônes, not too far from St Jean de Sixt, gateway to Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz. Gran Shan will appeal to family groups and groups of friends or colleagues, to sport fanatics and those who prefer a more pampered holiday experience all year round. Kids are well catered for - in fact, it's difficult to try and think of a group who would not enjoy staying at this property, unless only a property on the piste will do!

About the property...

The owners have carefully thought through the needs of their future guests and reconfigured the interior of the farm to maximise the potential for enjoyment for their guests. They have stamped their own personalities on the property, while respecting the main structure of this traditional Savoyard farm building. The results of all of their efforts are spectacular!

Many of the original doors, shutters and wooden walls of the original building have been reclaimed and repurposed, local craftsmen have carefully and seamlessly blended in repairs and newer materials materials where necessary. The displayed collection of old tools and farm equipment discovered during the renovation project has pride of place overlooking the main communal space. Clever use of lighting creates atmosphere and ambience throughout, and emphasises the beautiful structure of the building itself.

The ground floor spa area has views to the outdoors and houses a long jacuzzi with a central groove and counter current machine to enable swimming., as well as a sauna and a shower room.There is a games room, a home cinema, a kit room with boot warmers and direct access from the parking, a cave a vin with plenty of space for wine tasting, and a home office/ quiet space. Kids will adore the dorm room under the eave, with alcove beds, ski-themed decor, and a few surprise toys and games too! In fact there is plenty of space for adults and kids to spread out and play throughout the property.

The first floor main communal space houses a lounge, the open plan kitchen, dining area and home office, all wrapped around a gorgeous stone fireplace, to ensure that when groups want to get together and chat, cook and eat, they can do just that, next to a roaring fire. A further three en suite bedrooms are also located off this space.

Outside there is plenty of parking, there are two large terraces, a petanque court and outdoor dining and relaxing spaces. Walks and sledging are possible from the door, and the views from the terraces and all of the indoor rooms are beautiful all year round. Take in the panorama down towards the Thônes valley and up to the picturesque Aravis mountains.

About the area...

Skiers of all abilities will have access to 220km of pristine pistes across La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Manigod, with something for all abilities - the weekly flood-lit descent in La Clusaz is a must!

The local ESF ski school holds lessons for beginnners on the piste close to the chalet, and cross-country skiers will find great terrain at Lac des Confin and the Glieres plateau, just a short drive away.

Non-skiers will have no time to be bored either, with an ice-skating rink and cinema in La Clusaz, as well as sledging, snow-shoe walking, dog-sledding and sleigh rides. If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation, let your cares float away in the heated outdoor pool at La Clusaz, while the snow falls gently around you.

In the summer, there’s so much to do in the La Clusaz area, you’ll wish you’d booked for longer. Walking or biking in the mountains is a pleasure, and all the hard work is done for you if you take the ski lift to the top and bike or walk down at your own pace - pick up a map of trails at the tourist office in La Clusaz.

Adrenalin junkies can try paragliding, canyoning, climbing, mountain-biking or white-water rafting. Via ferrata is a great family day out, with children as young as eight able to explore the mountains safely on iron walkways, secured to a harness.

The beautiful medieval town of Annecy is less than 30 minutes drive away. There are several excellent golf courses and the lake, the cleanest in Europe, is a great place for swimming and water sports, or just hire a boat and explore some of the peaceful lakeside beaches.

What next?

If you can picture yourself enjoying the high life at La Ferme du Gran Shan, check our calendar for availability. We will be happy to hold your dates for you for 24 hours, but don't leave it too long - a self catering chalet in  the Alps like this is a rare find!