Nestled within the Italian Alps, a lavish ski chalet has emerged as a coveted offering, gracing the market at a staggering €24 million (£21 million), marking its place as the region’s most illustrious listing. This opulent 13,000 square feet residence, adorned with a helipad and an array of lavish amenities, boasts an unrivaled view of the iconic Matterhorn, elevating the property’s allure to affluent buyers seeking the ultimate alpine retreat.
Recently unveiled on Savills, this distinguished property underwent five years of meticulous and lavish renovations, rendering it an exquisite haven for affluent travelers willing to indulge in the lap of luxury, with rates soaring into the tens of thousands of pounds for its exclusive privileges.
Perched 100 meters above the charming village of Cervinia, just south of the Swiss border, this historically listed edifice preserves its original stone façade dating back to the 1930s, a time when it was frequented by the Italian royal family.
Spanning six floors, the abode, named Chalet La Fenice (Italian for the phoenix), boasts an impressive ensemble of amenities, including seven opulent en suite bedrooms, some adorned with private balconies, a state-of-the-art gym, a private cinema, and an exquisite wine cellar. The property further dazzles with its ski room, multiple open fireplaces, and an atrium graced by a Swarovski chandelier.
Formerly owned by John Harrison, a prominent figure previously associated with Amplitude Capital, the chalet underwent an extensive transformation after his acquisition in 2015. Spearheaded by an esteemed Italian architect specializing in high-altitude luxury properties, the renovations included the excavation of a basement with the assistance of a specialized team escorted by police from Turin. This cavernous space now hosts a stunning 10-meter indoor pool adorned with panoramic windows offering breathtaking vistas of the neighboring peaks. Accompanying this luxurious feature is a Turkish bath and treatment rooms catering to the guests’ indulgence.
Harrison disclosed to Bloomberg that post-renovation completion in 2021, the property has garnered substantial interest, with multiple offers flooding in. Primarily rented out to holidaymakers, the chalet commands fees of up to €65,000 for a six-night stay, offering skiing opportunities for approximately nine months annually in the surrounding area.
Guests at this exceptional retreat enjoy access to the nearby village of Cervinia, renowned initially as an ancient climbing village before evolving into a premier skiing destination in Italy. Additionally, they can conveniently traverse to the popular Swiss skiing haven of Zermatt via a cable car, enhancing the allure and accessibility of this unparalleled alpine sanctuary.
