Self-catering

Snowgums - Self-catering apartments in Hautes-Alpes

36 chemin de Mas de Blais, 05100 Briançon, Hautes-Alpes
Provence - Alps - Riviera, Francia

Pippa Curtis

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+33 (0)6 78 39 65 73(mobile)

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Pippa tells you where to find wild flowers, babbling brooks and butterflies... and hike, bike and swim. Magic for families

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Next to the apple and pear trees, Pippa has created a lovely spot in the garden from where you can soak up the views. You'll catch them anyway from this charming old farmhouse, whose rustic walls and vaulted ceilings house two big apartments. Find cheerful covers on pale pine beds, cotton rugs on tiled floors, jolly towels in shining showers, brightness, comfort and joy. The cupboards spill novels and games, there are cots and high chairs for the asking, and the cable car is a two-minute drive. Raised in Australia, Pippa has that charming, relaxed manner you would expect and makes a stay here memorable. She and her daughter have a deep love for the outdoor life and will point you in the direction of hundreds of walks, from gentle saunters by the river to treks from one mountain refuge to another. What's more, you're five minutes from the World Heritage listed town of Briancon (beautiful squares, a super pool). Pippa buys local produce for the welcome pack and is totally involved with village life. Brilliant all round.

Caratteristiche

Wheelchair access: At least one bedroom & bathroom accessible.
Limited mobility: At least one bedroom & bathroom accessible without steps.
Children welcome: Suitable for guests with children aged 3 and over.
No smoking: Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Credit cards: Credit or debit card payment accepted.
English spoken: Host speaks English, whether perfectly or not.
Air conditioning: Some, if not all, bedrooms are air-conditioned.
WiFi: Wireless internet access available.
Pets welcome: Please let the owner know if you want to bring pets.
Public transport: Within 10 miles of a bus/train station.
Working farm: Or vineyard.
Owner has pets: Animals living on the property.
Swimming pool: On the premises.
Bikes available: On the premises to hire or borrow.
Tennis court: On the premises.
Vegetarian meals: Available on request.
Licensed premises: Alcohol may be served.
Cash only: Credit or debit card payment not accepted.
Dogs welcome: Dogs welcome in some public rooms.
Handpumped ales: Pub serves four or more handpumped ales.
Wine list: Pub serves eight or more wines by the glass.
Food all day: Food is served all day long.
Babies welcome: Suitable for guests with a baby or toddler under 3.
Hot tub: Available to all guests, but may require booking.
Garden: Grounds for guests to explore.
Breakfast: Available, but may come at extra cost.
Self check-in: Guests can arrive here and check in independently.
EV charger: Electric vehicle charging point.

Attrezzature

Electricity included

Open fire / woodburner

Microwave oven

Central heating

Mobile reception

Television

Barbecue

Dishwasher

Cooked meals available

Washing machine

Restaurant within 3 miles

Shop within 3 miles

Pub within 3 miles

Relaxation areas

Breakfast available

Breakfast included

Oven

Hob

Spa on site

Bar on site

Free parking on site

Free parking nearby

Paid parking nearby

Local points of interest from Pippa Curtis:

Punti d'interesse locali da
Pippa Curtis:

Briancon old town, UNESCO world heritage listed, fortified cobbled streets, bursting with atmosphere and character, street theatre, events & medieval festivals in season.
Thermal spa (10 mins) - internal and external thermal pools, jacuzzi, fountains, whirl pool, plunge pools, music dome.
Winter - in the heart of ski valley Serre Chevalier (250kms of pistes, 1200 - 2800m, all levels), snowboarding, sledging, relaxing, snowshoeing, husky sleigh rides, ski boot room, sledging slope opposite the house, free ski bus to the highest cable car
Spring, summer, autumn - excellent local swimming pool + long slide (5 mins), swimming lakes, Italy (15 mins), hiking, cycling valleys or Tour de France passes, kayaking, climbing, BBQ/ relax in large garden, safe bike storage.
Facilities - feather pillows and duvets, great games cupboard for all ages, toys + Wendy house for children, everything for children and babies, wifi throughout, excellent showers, optional chef prepared main meals - highly recommended!
Travel - Gatwick Turin with BA, 2 hours drive to here, other airports too, direct Eurostar London Lyon (then train or hire car), or overnight train from Paris, or TGV to nearby Oulx with connecting bus to bring you to Briancon

Punti d'interesse

Guest feedback

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"We came for just three nights - not nearly long enough to experience the wonders of the area (although we packed in what we could!). THANK YOU for the use of your wonderful house and also for your hospitality, not to mention your advice and tips. We had a lovely time at Pippa's quirky, homely place in the magnificent Hautes Alps. Our host was charm itself and gave us so many helpful tips to fully enjoy the area - it made it feel like a home from home. We loved it here and are already planning our return. "

Kathryn - LONDON, United Kingdom

Agosto 2017

"We had a delightful stay at Snowgums - skiing and enjoying the apartment, its garden and wendyhouse, the dog and cat and Pippa's company (and her child care when we needed it). Natalie (chef) home cooked meals were also terrific. We loved the fact that skiing was made easy - with the shuttle bus running pretty much straight outside the house; the sports shop "Outlands" allowed us to just kit up and drop off clobber on a daily basis and the slopes, ESP ski school and French bakery were just 3 minutes walk from the sports shop. This makes all the difference with 3 quite young children. "

Tania - Basel, Switzerland

Febbraio 2017

"A very lovely apartment, that was well equipped and clean and so very cosy. Pippa was very helpful and the perfect host. Our children enjoyed the stay very much and we hope to be back for another visit soon!"

Lee

Dicembre 2016

"A wonderful apartment! We had a great time thanks to Pippa's hospitality and her advice to make our stay comfortable and exciting. We enjoyed all the activities that we did in such amazing scenery! The children at first did not want to have a mountain holiday, but in the end they liked the week at Snowgums the most and it won the prize for ‘ the best week’ of our summer holidays!"

Corry - Sint Pancras, Netherlands

Luglio 2016

"A haven of peace in an idyllic spot. We were made very welcome, the apartment itself was perfect, and just the right distance from Briancon to afford a tranquil experience without being too far away from amenities. Thoughtful provision of cheese, milk and fresh bread was waiting for us on arrival, and would definitely recommend the specially prepared 3 course meals from local chef Nathalie to eat in. "

Sarah - Moulton, Northampton, United Kingdom

Giugno 2016

"Pippa and her daughter gave my daughters and me a very warm and generous welcome.. A chocolate box, breathtaking view at every turn and then such beauty both in the streets of this wonderful area, but also here inside wonderful Snowgums. Pippa, your eye for charming detail is superb. We have loved this cosy apartment, a refuge after venturing out to explore. It was an easy 10 minute walk through the village to the free shuttle bus that takes you to up to ski at Chantmerle. A trip to the Thermal Spa is not to be missed and Natalie's food is delicious. All highly recommended!"

Belinda - Sydney, Australia

Gennaio 2016

"It must have been quite a gamble, but Pippa Curtis has created a characterful apartment that is entirely in keeping with the traditional farmhouse it occupies, and with all the necessary facilities. She and daughter Becky are fabulous hosts and have deep knowledge of the famous skiing, mountain biking, hiking and climbing that makes Briançon such a draw, and much of the cultural history too. She pointed me at the wonderful Vallée de la Clarée and even left a copy of Emilie Carles' book A Wild Herb Soup by my bed! A wonderful experience."

Settembre 2015

"A year on I am thinking back to our lovely holiday last year and wanted to wholeheartedly recommend Pippa's lovely Apartements and amazing welcome. Myself, husband and 2 girls, 13 and 8, had a lovely relaxing stay .. Lots to do in the area .. Briancon old town, an amazing walk up to the glacier, white water rafting; lovely food in the local restaurants; quiet times spent reading ... And I padding! In the apartment ... So nice I struggled to drag them all out at times! Pippa and her daughter are lovely company and so helpful. We had a lovely week to remember. "

Lucy - Tring, United Kingdom

Agosto 2015

"Beautifully refurbished comfortable apartments in an ideal location near Briancon with very hospitable and helpful hosts Pippa and Becky "

Agosto 2014

"Snowgums was a wonderful place to stay to explore Briancon - the apartment was spacious and very comfortable. Charming hosts were very welcoming and knowledgable - we had a wonderful stay and could not recommend Snowgums highly enough. "

Luglio 2014

"We came for the Alps, the mountains and the biking, but what we found was much better - the two of you! What a joy to have been able - no lucky! - to experience the welcoming atmosphere you have created at Snowgums. We hate to leave, but wait, we get to come back in two weeks! Yahoo! Becky & all the puppies were such a bonus!"

Luglio 2014

"Boy, were we lucky to find this place! At the center, but off the road and away from crowds. We came to hike, and Pippa was the perfect guide - where to go for a variety of scenery, what were the best trails – even pointing us to a side trail through wildflower meadows instead of a far less dramatic main trail – as well as lending us the needed jackets, hats & gloves when we weren't prepared for the cooler weather. Pippa lives downstairs from the apartment we rented, and chatting with her at the end of the day (and getting advice for the next day) added a personal touch to our accommodations."

Luglio 2014

"My 5 yr old son and I had a truly wonderful time at Snowgums. The accommodation within Pippa and Becky's beautifully renovated farmhouse is homely, authentic and practical. The love, thought and huge amounts of energy and determination it has taken to create 'Snowgums' has achieved a unique and very special holiday retreat. Pippa's knowledge of the area is bountiful and even without a car we were able to experience some of the activities on offer. Five mins walk to the bus stop and then a free 10 mins bus ride to the ski slope. My 1st visit to the Alps & I am uplifted by the experience :-)"

Marzo 2014

"A wonderful week walking up high in the mountains and staying at Snowgums - great advice from Pippa allowed us to manage without a car and do everything we might have wished. A fantastic week to clear out all the cobwebs, I hope we can do it again, maybe in the skiing season next time."

Settembre 2013

"We spent a wonderful two weeks at Snowgums. It's in a fantastic location with easy access to stunning mountain walks and to the thermal baths in Monetier. The apartment was bright, cosy and comfortable, and Pippa was exceptionally welcoming and full of helpful advice and tips about the area. We would definitely recommend it!"

Agosto 2013

"The apartments are full of character with a large garden full of toys for the children. The skiing is incredibly extensive and easily accessible and Becky and Pippa make every effort to make you feel welcome, and to offer help and advice."

Marzo 2013

"The apartment was great. We needed to do a bit of work while we were away, and there was adequate wifi and plenty of table space to set up our laptops. Halfway through the week a couple of friends joined us and there was certainly plenty of space for the four of us. The kitchen was well equipped and we felt completely at home in the place. We are snowboarders and had a brilliant time on the slopes - there were no queues, the snow-park is a lot of fun, and there is plenty of fun, off-piste riding. "

Marzo 2013

"We loved our stay here so much we are already planning a return trip. Pippa and her daughter Becky were welcoming and made us feel at home the minute we arrived. The accommodation is charming, clean, well equipped and warm despite the minus temperatures outside. Don't miss out on a visit to the thermal baths at Montier les Bains swimming in the dark with the snow falling was amazing and try out the Ski Nordique in the nearby Vallée de Clarée. Great walks down by the river from Snowgums and ideal for dog owners. Merci Beaucoup Pippa et Becky !"

Dicembre 2012

"We love staying here - it is beautiful, easy to get around, the skiing is great - either end of the season! and the kids are made to feel totally at home by Pippa!"

Dicembre 2011

"My 2 young daughters (5 and 7) and my husband had a wonderful stay at Snowgums. It was just what we were looking for - quiet, cosy and charming. The appartment is in the lower section of the building with it's own entrance. We could hear the sound of a trickling stream and it was within walking distance to Briancon. There were lots of things for the girls to do there - beside playing in the wendy house, we went hiking, swam in the beautiful lake nearby and my husband got to do some amazing cycling through the mountains. Pippa's welcome was also lovely - we had some lovely food and wine to set us up when we arrived. All in all, the perfect place for a small family wanting a mountain get-away."

Luglio 2011

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