For our extravagant weekend in the Swiss Alps (W*141, out now), we needed an aptly indulgent setting, which came courtesy of ski accommodation specialist Mountain Exposure. The Heinz Julen loft in Zermatt - once the private home of the eponymous architect, fabled for his sumptuous parties – mixes New York loft-style glamour with the village’s traditional wooden architecture, to dramatic effect.
A double-height living area with floor-to-ceiling windows maximises the spectacular views over the slopes and village. Inside, there are concrete floors, warm wooden textures and Julen-designed furniture, including a luminescent, floating table, suspended from the ceiling, which makes a striking centrepiece. This can be lowered or raised according to your wishes.
The chalet, which sleeps six people in three spacious bedrooms, is currently available for bookings and is one of a fleet of stylish properties owned by Mountain Exposure in Zermatt. Also in its portfolio is another Julen-designed property, the beautiful, wooden Heinz Julen Penthouse, as well as further catered (under the Michelin-starred guidance of Gerry Kirwan), and self-catered chalets around the village.
Conceived by passionate skiers and snowboarders, Hugh Marcelin-Rice and Donald Scott, Mountain Exposure was established with a vision to combine the magic of Zermatt with high quality personal service; a promise well kept. Now it has over 64 luxury beds on offer, as well as around forty further for the busy ski season, all carefully supervised by the company’s interior designers, Cassie Westbrooke and co-founder, Scott.
‘Our vision for the design of our properties is to provide the ultimate experience for any given interior concept. So, be it traditional cosy chalet, post-modern Alpine deconstruction; city-Alpine fusion, designer or antique, or combination of the two, Mountain Exposure can suit every type of taste’, says Scott.
Once the private home of the eponymous architect - fabled for his sumptuous parties – the chalet mixes New York loft-style glamour with the village’s traditional wooden architecture, to dramatic effect
A double-height living area with floor-to-ceiling windows maximises the views over the slopes and village
Inside, there are concrete floors, warm wooden textures and Julen-designed furniture, including a luminescent, floating table, suspended from the ceiling, which makes a striking centrepiece
The table can be lowered to coffee- or dining table-level, or raised to the ceiling, according to guests' needs
The chandelier in the main living space is another Julen design
The gallery level
The gallery level with living area and hot tub
The chalet sleeps six people in three spacious bedrooms
Throughout the chalet, there's an abundance of wood, in keeping with the surrounding architecture
Plenty of glass ensures a good flow of space, but curtains can be drawn for privacy
The Heinz Julen Loft is just one chalet in Mountain Exposure's extensive Zermatt portfolio
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