Friday Fun: I’d Rather Be Skiing

You probably know by now that, other than a chateau, my favourite place in the whole wide world is a ski in/ski out chalet, preferably with champagne, fondue and a hot tub to ease those weary muscles. This is where I would like to be this winter – and every winter!

The glacier in Banff, from Jasper Collection.

A more rustic chalet look on Lake Tahoe, from Lake Tahoe Getaways.

Room for books and a reading chair, from Chalet Contemporain.

Love the sofa and view in this one, plus I’ll keep the dog. From Pinterest.

This one is on booking.com, Odles Lodge, Brix – if I book, do I get to keep the man as well? Preferably making me a cup of tea rather than just admiring the view.

No curtains, I hear you exclaim. But the skiers go by so fast, they wouldn’t even see you. From Casa Tres Chic.

As I said, I could live there all year round, but it’s doubly attractive in the snow… From BoutiqueHomes.com

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating today and tomorrow – may you be spending next Christmas (at the very latest) in your favourite place, with your favourite people, anywhere in the world!

Friday Fun: Fireplaces and Christmas

There is something a bit samey about Christmas decorations especially in the English-speaking world in the northern hemisphere. But I might allow myself to be converted if there is a fireplace. I can imagine myself sitting in front of it and reading all the lovely new books I have bought for myself for Christmas (and the rest of the year).

Plenty of warmth and reading by candlelight in this Ideal Home picture.

American Christmas ideas, from Good Housekeeping.

That bench in front of the fire would be ideal for dividing up the books into piles, don’t you think? From Grandin Road.

A move away from the traditional colour scheme, the wood panelling adds some cosiness despite the lack of a rug. From Veranda.

Finally a household that understands a good reading chair is a must in front of a roaring fire. From Christmas.365greetings.com

Friday Fun: Cosy Backgrounds

Now that the nights are drawing in and I’m hibernating in the house with no chance of going skiing (I am not overly fond of going running in the rain), I’ve noticed that all my Teams and Zoom meeting backgrounds are starting to look remarkably chalet-like. So here are some cosy rooms with fireplaces that my colleagues almost started envying…

The white tulips make you think of spring, but the open fireplace says Christmas stockings to me. From OneKinDesign.com

Isn’t that leather chaiselongue just made for reading? From cabinlife.com

In summer I like it bright and airy, but there’s nothing like some glowing fire and candlelight in the dark in winter. From BrotherTedd.com

This rustic one is for rent on location-france.fr, with or without guitars.

The grandest and least cosy, but I’m sure there is a fireplace in there somewhere – and the view! From OneKinDesign.com

Friday Fun: Cosy Fireplaces

Now that Christmas is over, our thoughts naturally turn to partying with friends at a chalet high up in the mountains after a great day of skiing. Well, mine do anyway, if I had all the time and money in the world. Of course, my kind of partying involves a cosy fire, great views, delicious food and pleasant discussions about books, art, music and theatre.

Having had a stove in our house in France, I can vouch it is a wonderful way to warm up the room. No fireplace is complete without a pet, of course. From Home Building and Renovating magazine.

Ah, even better with a cat… From Bill’s TN Paradise.

A more minimalist Scandinavian feel to this one, from songbirdblog.com

Great Christmas atmosphere at this property in Northern Ireland, from Property Pal.

This picture seems to have been taken in summer, which is just wrong. Tom Cruise’s former property in Colorado, from Adelto.co.uk

Ah, this one allows everyone to sit around the fire! French chalet from Design Mag.

The typical wood-heavy chalet look in Megeve, from Chalet Chatel.

We can’t see the fireplace in this picture, but I’m sure it matches the view. Chalet in Zermatt, from Luxury Ski Chalets.