If you haven’t spent loads of time skiing around the Alps, chances are the word “chalet” isn’t a part of your regular vocabulary. Yet this trendy mountain home is no longer an architectural style found exclusively in European skiing locales.
Chalets (and chalet-lookalikes) have cropped up in mountainous regions worldwide—and homebuyers are taking notice. What was historically a modest hut for Alpine herders has now become a high-end, Airbnb-worthy home with plenty of rustic charm.
We interviewed several home and design experts to get their take on what design elements make up a chalet and what you might expect to find should you ever choose to buy (or rent) one. Here are five things you’ll likely see in every chalet no matter where they are.
1. Chalets are mountain homes
The history of the chalet originates in the Alpine regions of Europe, mainly in the snowy areas of Switzerland and France. Initially, chalet referred to simple huts used by sheepherders.
As tourism in the Alps grew in the 19th century, these huts evolved into cozy mountain lodges. Then chalet-style homes emerged, combining Alpine charm with local influences.
Eventually, chalet architecture made its way to the U.S. via European immigrants settling in mountainous areas or an otherwise high-alpine region.
“While these homes originated in the Alps, they’ve started to expand to vacation destinations around the globe, like the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Rockies,” says Mallory Micetich of Angi (formerly Angie’s List). “These homes are designed for snowy and inclement weather.”
You’ll find chalets in the Rocky Mountains (think Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico) and the Appalachians (which stretch from Pennsylvania to Alabama across 13 states).
Today’s chalets are often highly coveted properties, retaining the essence of their rustic Alpine roots while offering modern comfort amid stunning natural landscapes.
2. Chalets are designed for snow
Although you might find the rare chalet elsewhere, the majority of them will be in an environment that’s similar to the Alps—snowy, high altitude, and a bit wild.
Chalets are built for harsh mountain weather. And their roof shape, in particular, is designed with winter elements in mind.
“The A-frame structure of a chalet home and its stable gabled roof allow for heavy snowfall to easily fall off the home,” says Micetich. “The rising heat within a home and the slope of the roof are key elements to helping prevent roof damage from snow.”
Another key component of this snow-safe design is the overhanging eaves, which also keep the sides of the home safe from moisture.
“The eaves allow the snow and rain to fall to the ground at a distance from the siding and foundation, protecting them from damage,” says Micetich. As a result, chalets are well-equipped to withstand the harsh winter conditions and maintain their structural integrity.
3. Chalets are made of wood
A big part of the charm of these mountain homes is that they are built almost entirely of wood.
“The wood construction is a defining feature for chalets, but more importantly is the timber structure, which is a true defining element,” says Joshua Zinder, managing partner of Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design.
“Typically, wooden planks are cobbled together, similarly to a log cabin but with timber framing,” adds Micetich.
This architectural style integrates robust, oversized timber components, typically joined together without hardware, forming a lattice-like framework filled with stone, brick, or other building materials.
This emphasis on wood in chalet design not only adds to the rustic atmosphere but also allows the home to blend in with its natural surroundings.
4. Chalets feel historic
Regardless of when they were built, chalets often retain a lot of that old-world alpine charm in their design, and because of this, they tend to feel old—even if they aren’t.
“The layout includes a large gathering space with a large hearth or fireplace and a high, exposed timber ceiling,” says Zinder. “The main spaces often enjoy large open views with a patio or porch, which further develops this dynamic connection to the landscape.”
Another way chalets bring the outside in is via large windows to views of the surrounding mountains or forests. These windows bring in abundant natural light and create a flow between the interior and the outdoors.
5. Chalets are cozy
In case it wasn’t obvious, chalets are the epitome of coziness. Open gathering spaces centered around a hearth, expansive views of nature, and some warm, natural choices in interior decor all work together to create a space you won’t ever want to leave.
“The dramatic pitch of the roof lends itself to an equally dramatic interior,” says designer Devin Shaffer, of Decorilla. “A typical chalet interior will have finishes that blend polished materials with rustic wood elements. No matter where a chalet is located, if you balance the rustic with the luxe, you’ll master the look!”
As they spread to new locations and evolve in design, chalets continue to encapsulate the spirit of mountain living, offering a charming retreat for people seeking refuge in winter landscapes.
This post was originally published on www.realtor.com
