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!

The property...

The owners have lovingly and painstakingly restored and cleaned up this old farmhouse. 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 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.

At the same time the owners 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! The beautifully displayed collection of old tools and farm equipment discovered during the renovation project has pride of place overlooking the main communal space, and would be a credit to any Savoyard museum. Rather than throw out all traces of the farm buildings origins, the owners have cleaned things up and displayed them instead. 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.

What next?

Take a look at the photos and the plans and it's easy to imagine your family or group spending time together at "the farm in the big field". It may not be in the centre of a resort, but we feel it would be almost impossible to fail to have a fabulous holiday while based in this stunning property. If you'd like to be one of our guests, check your dates on our availability calendar - we can hold your dates for 24 hours while you finalise your plans!