What inspired the launch of Chalet Shop? 

Hannah spent eight years renovating, setting up and managing The Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive Virgin Limited Edition ski chalet in Verbier. Throughout this time, she experienced first-hand just how difficult it can be to source unique, high quality furnishings at reasonable prices in the Alps. After navigating countless international suppliers and complex delivery logistics, the idea for Chalet Shop began to take shape.

Back in the UK, a dinner with her close friend Sally, a fellow former chalet host and disillusioned lawyer looking for a fresh challenge- sparked a conversation that soon became a plan. They decided to take the leap, and Chalet Shop was born. They haven’t looked back since.

The mission is simple, to take the stress out of furnishing alpine properties. With most clients based in the UK or Asia, we understand the challenges of managing interiors from afar. The Chalet Shop offers a carefully curated selection of stylish, functional pieces, delivered directly to the chalet seamlessly.

Whilst discretion is key to much of what you do, what’s the most memorable project you’ve worked on?

 One of our most memorable projects was for a family who had owned a beautiful Swiss chalet for many years and were lovingly renovating it for future generations. It was one of our first large-scale chalet commissions, and we were involved in every single detail.

On delivery day, we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in. We shovelled snow to clear access, assembled furniture, made sandwiches for the team on an upturned cardboard box in the snow, assisted electricians, and scrubbed and cleaned until the early hours. It was an intense 24 hours, but by the end of it, we had built a brilliant relationship with our delivery team — many of whom we still work with today.

We also became great friends with the chalet owners, sharing a great bottle of wine together at the end of the day before collapsing, exhausted, onto plastic-wrapped mattresses for the night (first rule of installation: the mattresses stay wrapped until the very last moment).

That experience taught us so much about the practicalities of our installation service and has shaped the way we work ever since. Most importantly, we’re proud to know the chalet is now full of warmth, love and happy memories — and we’re still close with the family to this day.

Can you share insights into your collaborative process and how you bring a client's dream chalet to life?

Clear and consistent communication is at the heart of everything we do. We begin each project with a Teams meeting, during which we carry out a virtual walk-through of the property. Floor plans are usually to hand, allowing us to delve into the details and ensure nothing is overlooked.

This initial conversation is our chance to really understand the client’s vision. What do they want to achieve? What is their timeline and budget? Will the chalet be used exclusively by family or made available for rental? Is skiing the main focus, or is it intended as an all-year-round retreat? These early insights are essential, as they directly influence our choices around furniture, accessories and lighting.

Following the briefing, Sally and her design team begin developing mood boards, encouraging client feedback and collaboration at every stage. Once the majority of items are agreed upon, we create 3D visuals to help the client clearly imagine the finished space.

We then visit the property to ensure everything will work as planned. Once all is confirmed, Sally’s design team hands over to Hannah’s operations team — who take the reins in turning the vision into a beautifully finished reality.

When designing these spaces, what personal touches do you believe are essential to creating the ultimate chalet atmosphere?

For us, personal touches are everything. After more than 12 years in this industry, we can confidently say that no two projects are ever the same — and that’s entirely down to our clients. We take the time to really listen, ensuring their individual needs, style and lifestyle are at the heart of every design.

Often, clients want to bring a few familiar comforts from home into their chalet — and we’ve received all sorts of wonderfully varied requests, from baby grand pianos to tins of baked beans! It’s these thoughtful details that make a space truly feel like their own.

Artwork is a particularly powerful way to add personality. We’re currently working with a client who owns an incredible abstract painting of a snow-covered mountain, created by his father. It’s deeply personal, and we’ve designed the entire space around it, making it the true centrepiece of the room.

Of course, when designing rental properties, there’s a balance to strike. You can’t leave too many personal effects on display, but many of our clients keep a private box of essentials to bring out when they’re staying — from family photos and favourite mugs to slippers and sun cream. In many cases, they’ll also have a cave (the French word for cellar), where they store more personal items like a wine collection.

These small, familiar touches go a long way in creating that all-important home-from-home feeling — something that makes each return to the chalet feel special and unmistakably theirs.

 What are the biggest obstacles you face being in the UK and servicing a foreign market?

 In truth, we don’t see our UK base as a challenge — quite the opposite. The advantages far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Being based in the UK gives us access to a much broader range of products than we would have if we were located in the Alps, often with better value and higher quality. This allows us to offer our clients more choice, without compromising on style or functionality.

We also have a strong, trusted network of partners and suppliers on the ground in the Alps, with whom we’re in daily contact. This close collaboration ensures every project runs smoothly from start to finish. So while we may be UK-based, our reach is very much international — with a local presence where it matters most.

What’s your favourite spot for Apres?  

Given Hannah’s many years in Verbier, she still believes it’s hard to beat Farinet for a lively après-ski atmosphere. Sally, meanwhile, is a big fan of Le Rond Point in Méribel from her ski season days — a classic spot! 

 What’s your all time favourite lunch spot?

That’s a tough one! Sally rates the Hoadl-Haus in Axamer Lizum for its spectacular views and striking architecture. With vast retractable windows, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a beer and bratwurst, whatever the weather.

We recently returned from a trip to Les Gets, where we discovered a fantastic spot — Les Chevrelles. It’s a bit of a hike rather than a ski, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views, delicious omelettes, and chilled rosé.

As for Hannah, her favourite is La Marlenaz in Verbier. It’s only accessible by hiking or skiing off-piste in the winter, which makes it feel like a true hidden gem. It’s also where she tied the knot, so it holds very special memories — and they serve the best Swiss fondue around!

www.chalet-shop.com