Chalet Alyssa in Klosters, Switzerland

The chalet is like no other property in the mountains, the charm and history of the place ooze through the walls.

This property is set in grounds of 2300m² and is extremely private, bordering extensive farmland and accessed via a secluded private road that’s guarded by stone lions. To the front, the uninterrupted views stretch out to the Gotschana peaks and Prättigauer valley below. During the summer, the fields to the front of the property are actively used by cattle and in the winter, it transforms into a nursery slope, “Heid”, with a small button lift to the far side of the chalet.

Built shortly after World War II by Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza, the chalet is the result of decades of affectionate reworking, with owners adding their own touches and personalities to the property. It’s a chalet that is constantly evolving with the current owners adding artwork and making subtle changes all the time. As you pull up to the chalet, you immediately sense the scale of the place: ten bedrooms, all varying in size from the gargantuan master-suite with multiple balconies and the largest bathroom around through to smaller children’s bedrooms, each with its own distinct style.

Entering this rental on the ground level, there’s a large hallway with exposed wooden beams, solid stone flooring and antique rugs. This floor houses the main kitchen, staff areas along with a spacious television room, wellness area with massage room, sauna & hammam and some of the smaller bedrooms.

Up the ancient wooden staircase, the first level contains the main living space with a colossal drawing room and pillared 270° open fireplace. Decadent sofas and high backed arm chairs line the room along with a grand piano, telescope and countless other artefacts, books and candles. It’s the most inviting room – utterly elegant and completely homely. Round to the far side of the drawing room is the dining space, a large self-contained room that is accessed via two double-size doors that can be left open to create an even more spacious room. At the far end of the dining room is a grand stone fireplace, intricate French doors and windows which line the side of the room and provide access to the wrap-around terrace. The creaking wood floors throughout formerly formed the hull of an ancient ship and provide yet further narrative in the story.

Level one also has a club / office room with deep cosy sofas and a large antique desk. To the side of this is yet another terrace where guests can relax in complete privacy. Finally, there’s a traditional Swiss kitchen or secondary dining area with a wood oven that can be used for indoor barbecues and preparing local delicacies.

The second floor forms the main accommodation area with six bedrooms, five of which are en-suite and one making an ideal children’s bedroom or interconnecting family room.

Up again to the third floor is where the master suite is located, with panoramic views, two fireplaces and a bathroom that is larger than the bedrooms in most chalets. Here, there’s a freestanding roll top bath, 180° views and a dressing area – not to mention four balconies.