The Farmhouse – Mas de la Coutettaz

All aspects of this hotel exude charm and history, while retaining plenty of style. From the stone and wood exteriors of the buildings (the oldest of which was built in 1771) to the lovingly cared-for interiors with restored and original details, lots of thought has gone into this hotel. Most of the activity takes place in the main farmhouse, and guests are greeted by original, time-worn stone steps near the front desk and a grandfather clock, which open into a spacious lobby. The space is like a sophisticated country living room from another time, with heavy wooden antique furniture rubbing up against contemporary tan upholstered armchairs set about oriental carpets. The hotel’s restaurant consists of one communal table lined with candelabras and oil lamps underneath a wood-beamed ceiling, while the bar is a perfect place to relax with a cocktail on the antique leather chairs next to an open-hearth fireplace. Guests here are predominantly couples, though families and small groups are also welcome.

Tucked back off of a quiet road just outside of the lively little downtown area of Morzine, walks to the center of town take just 10 minutes. Popular spots in town include the Bec Jaune Brewery (10 minutes on foot) and the Tibetan Café (a seven-minute walk), though there are plenty of small shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the quaint streets. Golf Les Gets, an 18-hole course open during the summer months, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Winter is the biggest draw in the area, and Morzine sits within the Portes du Soleil ski area, a sprawling collection of 12 resorts on both sides of the Swiss and French border. The Pleney ski sector begins just outside of town, with beginner and intermediate slopes, and the lift is just a three-minute drive from the hotel, while the more challenging slopes around Avoriaz are a 25-minute drive. The closest international airport is in Geneva, Switzerland, and takes an hour and 15 minutes to reach by car.

Guest rooms come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, and the design and decor varies from room to room. All rooms have a cozy and rustic chalet ambience, and styles range from the Victorian Old Kitchen Room to the ornate India Room, with its giant elephant wall tapestry. All rooms are tasteful and charming with original details like hardwood floors, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and stone walls. Beds are comfortable, with duvets and lovely handmade blankets (depending on the room). All rooms feature gorgeous antique furniture, including desks, end tables, wardrobes or dressers, and nightstands. Some rooms include additional contemporary chairs, creating an eclectic, inviting atmosphere enhanced by tastefully chosen drapes and wall art that ranges from simple, quirky sketches to carved country hearts. Bathrooms are contemporary across the board, though they still retain rustic elements, like slate tile floors and wooden baseboards in The Grange. Bathrooms in The Old Kitchen, the Atelier, and other rooms have free-standing soaking baths as well as walk-in showers, while others have generous walk-in showers only, and all bathrooms are stocked with high-end L’Occitane toiletries. Each room has a fact sheet with details about the particular room’s history, and rooms like the Family Suite, The Mazot, and The Atelier are among the rooms that can accommodate small groups or families.

There aren’t many on-site features here, as this hotel is more of an inn, but meals are some of the most spectacular on offer in the area. The breakfast menu changes almost daily, and dinners are excellent, with multiple courses as well as after-dinner coffees and chocolates. Dinners are open to non-guests with advanced notice, space permitting, and the menu is international, including pre-dinner canapes. The hotel’s bar is a truly intimate place for a coffee or cocktail in the evening and has an extensive wine list. There is a library and sitting room just off of the bar with a TV, DVD collection, and games, which some guests may welcome as there are no TVs in the guest rooms. The hotel is also available (and quite popular) for weddings and events, and the owners get a special mention for their willingness to go out of their way for any guest. Airport transfers can be arranged with advanced notice and there is free on-site parking as well as free transfers to ski slopes in the area. Wi-Fi is also free in public areas of the hotel but guests should keep in mind that during certain times of the year, seven-night minimum stays are required.