Words: Anna Galbraith
The colder months and their chilly weather bring with them a paradox of sorts. You want to escape the hectic last-minute shoppers and bright lights of the city, but don’t want to retreat so far that you miss out on family celebrations. But there’s a snow-laden, greetings-card-worthy middle ground.
Namely, a palatial winter getaway in which you and your family can celebrate Christmas. So, whether you’re in the market for the chocolate-box luxury of a chalet in the Rhône-Alpes, or the grandeur of an exquisite 18th-Century estate, we’ve scouted out the best properties that will have you setting down your smartphone and scooping up your ski poles this season.
For an architectural gem: this Canadian chalet
This angular Québécois property won the 2014 Prix Nobilis for architecture.
Interiors at this Québécois property
Interiors at this Québécois property
Interiors at this Québécois property
For those looking to buy outside of Europe, this chalet is perched sky high on a 500-metre promontory overlooking the majestic Saint Lawrence river, 90 minutes northeast of Quebec City.
It promises achingly romantic views, stunning interiors, and the chance to spend your winter evenings gazing out at some of nature’s most glorious landscapes.
Good to know:
Location: Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec, Canada, Guide price: £964,093/$1,257,943, Agent: Christie’s Real Estate, Key features: Skiing access; panoramic views; award-winning design.
For hitting the slopes: this Swiss chalet
Exterior shot of the Gryon chalet
A stunning chalet which opens directly onto the slopes, this five bedroom property is located at an altitude of 1450m on the piste from Les Chaux to Barboleuse.
Laid out over three exquisitely decorated floors, the property is also kitted out to cater perfectly for days spent on the snow, with state-of-the-art ski-in ski-out facilities, a mountain room and a clothes/boot drying area.
Good to know:
Location: Gryon, Switzerland, Price: £2,458,810/$3,226,490, Agent: Knight Frank, Key features: Sauna; ski-in ski-out; games room; reception room.
For the ultimate party venue: this Scottish castle
Exterior of Ackergill Tower
For those looking to entertain in style this winter, Ackergill Tower is a 15th-Century Scottish castle set in 30 acres of its own grounds — and it’s ready to cater for you and up to 200 guests.
In the evenings, you can head to the Smugglers Inn pub and even make use of the vast ceilidh hall for an New Year’s Eve to remember.
Good to know:
Location: Ackergill, Wick, Scotland, Guide price: £3,900,000/ $5,115,658.35, Agent: Knight Frank, Key features: Europe’s largest treehouse; Victorian walled garden; woods and private gardens; ceilidh hall; Smugglers Inn pub; 6 cottages; shooting and fishing rights over adjoining 3,000 acres.
For Christmas card-worthy scenes: this mountainside chalet
Exterior of chalet in Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes
If your idea of heaven is a private corner of a snowy mountainside, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot than this impressive chalet hidden away to the north of Megève.
Surrounded by trees in a secluded spot in the village of Choseaux, the chalet is also fitted with a bar area and cellar.
Worried about your guests getting home after indulging in a little too much vin chaud? Never fear: there are extra rooms aplenty.
Good to know:
Location: Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, Guide price: £8,608,677/$11,292,064, Agent: Knight Frank, Key features: Skiing access; wellness spa; bar; wine cellar; staff bedroom attached.
For a slice of real estate history: this Irish mansion
Exterior of Luggala Mansion, Leinster, Ireland
Interiors at Luggala
Views from the Luggala Estate
Interiors at Luggala
Here is your chance to grab a slice of real estate history. Some of the most significant names of the last century — from Seamus Heaney to Michael Jackson — have been drawn to Luggala, an 18th-Century estate.
The house boasts all the trappings of a grand castle, but on a miniature scale, and guarantees picture-perfect festive scenes, complete with grazing deer, with principal rooms looking across a sweeping lawn towards a beautiful private lough.
Good to know:
Location: Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, Guide price: £8,608,677/$11,292,064, Agent: Knight Frank, Key features: Skiing access; wellness spa; bar; wine cellar; staff bedroom attached.
Looking for some more international property inspiration? Here’s what you could buy for the price of a Mayfair flat around the world…
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