It’s that time of year when you have just returned from one sublimely luxurious ski trip and the mountain blues are starting to rear their unsightly heads. Don’t tell your husband but you might have just made a spontaneous call to your friends in high places to help quash such feelings. They have just let you into a little secret that will be ready for your favourite week next year. 

You proudly declare the words La Ferme to the eagerly awaiting dining table. You wait for the concerned squeals from your mother in law about staying on a farm and the joy from your tractor obsessed five year old. Let memories go of when Henry jumped in more than a muddy puddle on the school trip. Also try to forget that time when Caitlyn decided to make friends with the goat that really didn’t want to make friends with her. Besides, Granny did not grow up in the countryside nor is she about to become at one with it. Luckily you have been introduced to possibly the most glamorous farm your family will ever lay eyes on. You might just have to pack a few toy tractors for Henry instead. 

With nerves a little shredded after packing the entire Robinson clan into two cars, you are Chamonix bound. Your only saving grace is knowing that upon arrival you will be greeted by an oasis of calm and charm. Rustic wood, brushed stone, ambient lighting, decadent fabrics and a fireplace that has been waiting for the depths of winter to arrive. 

Upon reaching the end of the idyllic lane, your 200 year old chalet is waiting for you with open beams. You and the chalet staff both know that the peace will be shattered as soon as your husband releases the children from their seats. At this point you can usually feel the tension rising. You know that rooms need allocating, the master bedroom needs finding, the car needs unpacking and salopettes and ski socks need to be dug out in anticipation of what tomorrow brings. However, let us silence such feelings. 

La Ferme’s versatile bunkroom comes complete with four adult size bunk beds. There will be no arguments over who gets top bunk on this luxurious holiday. The children have already discovered the playroom on the mezzanine level and you seem to have blinked and missed the miracle the staff have just performed in unloading all toys and bags. The car has even managed to park itself. Back inside, Granny has made friends with the chalet host and the stocked bar and is contentedly enjoying the panoramic views of Mont Blanc over a G&T. 

With four double ensuite bedrooms, there is a sumptuous room for everyone. You’re feeling rather taken aback by quite what a harmonious start to the Robinson holiday this has been. You might even have time to fully embrace letting go and sink into the outdoor hot tub. It has been a while since you have had some serious you-time. Go on, you deserve it. 

With the subtle chink of china signalling supper time for the children, fears over peas rolling across the floor and contrived stories about all the strongest skiers eating their greens, can be assigned to holidays gone by. With last week’s pre-arrival menu consultation with La Ferme’s talented chef, you know that you’ve found peace. There was even rumour of a teddy bear’s picnic for the last day of ski school.

With bedtime and the setting sun on the horizon, it’ll soon be time for you to join Granny at the bar. The Sonos sound system is lulling you into the pace of life you crave from the mountains and La Ferme is ready to nurture you.  

Located only a few minutes from the slopes and the adjoining beginner area, tomorrow can be worried about tomorrow. For now, your only focus needs to be on arrival canapés and champagne around that roaring fire. 

There is a reason why this was promised to be your favourite week of the year.