CALL OF THE
MOUNTAINS Oonagh Turner talks to ski chalet interior designer Nicky Dobree to discover the key to alpine luxury
48 The London Magazine
THE HIGH LIFE
Clockwise from above: The terrace of a recent project by Nicky Dobree overlooking the mountains in Les Houches, France; in the resort of Saas-Fee, Switzerland, Dobree creates a cosy effect with sheepskin rugs around the fireplace; the aerial view of the stairs in Saas-Fee; Ferme de Moudon, Dobree’s own chalet in Les Gets and the project featured on Grand Designs
PHOTOGRAPHS: PHILIPVILE
C
redited as the ultimate tastemaker for alpine luxury, Nicky Dobree has come a long way since her days as a London townhouse designer. An appearance on Grand Designs, following her journey with her ski retreat in the French Alps, catapulted her to international success. Now, almost 20 years later, she is the go-to name for elegant winter home design, with international clients requesting her services in Whistler, Verbier, St Moritz, Val d’Isère, Meribel, Chamonix and beyond. Dobree’s enduring love of the mountains and alpine culture, coupled with her enthusiasm for the slopes as a keen skier, provided the impetus to take the luxury chalet market by storm. “There is something magical about a ski chalet in the mountains,” she says. “That feeling of returning to a cosy retreat after a day on the slopes is one of life’s great pleasures.” Close to the designer’s heart is the farmhouse that started her on this journey, Ferme de Moudon. “It was a project that involved the conversion of a 300-year alpine farmhouse in Les Gets, described by Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs as ‘the ultimate James Bond pad’. Going
through the process of renovating it was hugely challenging but the rewards were enormous,” she says. What was initially a place to escape city life became a design sensation, televised with over 10 million viewings worldwide, setting the benchmark for contemporary luxury chalet design. “I still have to pinch myself every time I go through the front door. Immersed in nature there is magic and charm to Ferme de Moudon that frees the spirit,” she says. Having grown up in Paris and Vietnam, and travelling extensively, Dobree’s inspiration comes from all corners of the globe. “For me, travel is a continuous source of inspiration and location hugely affects the design decisions you make,” she says. Not only does the location impact the design flow of the space, but the material selection too. “I like to use timber in the mountains, as well as mixing stone, bronze, glass and lacquer. I also love leather, be it on a wall, a fireplace or a balustrade. It’s the layering of these materials and textures that creates richness in a chalet.” Sustainability is another priority for the designer. “One of the mantras that I grew up with was buy well, buy less and buy once and I have carried this forward into my interiors,” she says. “I buy pieces with longevity in mind. I will invest in quality products and timeless design.” Dobree uses natural materials such as timber, marble, stone, linen and wool sourced locally where possible, as well as local craftsmen. “We also buy antique or vintage pieces to furnish the spaces wherever we can.” So how to adopt Dobree’s high end chalet finish in your own winter home? It’s all in the finishing touches. “Use rugs, artwork, and period antiques to give the place soul and don’t forget an antler or two hung over the dining table or as a warm
