Stevie King catches up with Andrew Beale of specialist ski property agency Free Spirit Alpine and discovers the route to chalet design success
With sales offices in both Meribel and Mayfair and a brand new office open this season in Val d’Isere headed by agent Anna Barber - ski property specialists Free Spirit Alpine combine the expertise of three fully licensed estate agencies, together with hands-on investment knowledge and expertise of the Alps region, but their ‘white style’ expertise doesn’t stop there, as Managing Director, Andrew Beale explains:
“We recognise that many clients who buy a Ski Chalet or apartment from us will more than likely want to renovate or improve an older property, as well as decorate and furnish a newer one to their own specification because all clients are individuals. Time and physical distance can make this process rather daunting without professional help. Because of this, we took the decision to partner with an experienced Chalet design team whose interior designers can help take the headache out of furnishing a property from a distance as well as making the whole process enjoyable and fun.”
The design team, Andrew explains, work closely with individual clients to help realise their preferred design look, be it contemporary or traditional. “There’s no “house style” per se,” he adds, “nor one size fits all furniture package, simply because clients are individuals. Instead, furnishings and fabrics are sourced from across Europe e.g. Minotti sofas and beds from Milan, Vossen towels from Austria and Andrew Martin furniture from London. Our service also extends to designing and commissioning of bespoke pieces of furniture from local craftsmen in cases where a client wishes to have something unique to their chalet.”
Because early space planning is an essential part of the design process, designers use the architect’s scale plans to ascertain what furniture is needed and how it will fit in. Adds Andrew: “This means the moment you get the keys to your chalet, the team will be there, the same day, to help you move in. You can choose the degree of involvement you wish from the start. For some, this means walking into a fully-installed chalet with curtains hung, beds made, logs stacked and a selection of personally chosen DVDs waiting to be played. It’s entirely up to you. Designers are happy to meet personally on site or discuss the design process by phone and e-mail. Modern technology allows easy communication with clients all over the world.”
To find out more about property sales and interior design services, Andrew and the Free Spirit team can be contacted on +44 (0)1244 351011 or visit: www.freespiritalpine.com
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