Landmark restoration in Briancon, French Alps

UK developer ‘Space France’ announce the major renovation plans for an historic silk mill in the UNESCO candidate town of Briancon in the French Alps.

Erna Low Property is delighted to be acting as the sole UK sales agent for a very special development project launching this September in the World Heritage UNESCO candidate town of Briançon in the Southern French Alps. The project is a remarkable renovation of an historic disused Silk Mill called La Schappe, which dates back to the 1840’s, and is being renovated by developer SPACE France, specialists in the Briançon-Serre Chevalier region.

The renovation of La Schappe will be an extraordinary project on a grand scale. For ninety years, from 1842 – 1932, the building was a working silk mill and has since been used as a hospital, school and local fire department. The plans for this project have been drawn up by an Italian architect Alex Rovagna who studied La Schappe as part of his university thesis. Today he is very close to realising not only many years of hard work but his dream of seeing La Schappe completely renovated.

La Schappe will be transformed and extended with two dramatic modern extensions that echo the silk cocoon creating a landmark building. The Schappe is expected to be released in three phases into a mixed use residential and retail development of 23,000 sq metres (230,000 sq ft) and will combine 250 ‘loft style’ apartment suites with a four star hotel and spa, traditional covered market and museum celebrating the history of the building. La Schappe is perfectly situated just below the old medieval walled city and backs onto the beautiful Parc de la Schappe. It is close to the centre of town with its classic French shops, bars and restaurants and just a short walk from the gondola which gives access to the skiing and the mountains.

The Briancon/Serre Chevalier Region has recently been acquired by the Compagnie des Alpes who view this area as a destination of significant importance. Substantial investment is planned towards the region’s ski infrastructure with considerable growth predicted to follow. The Compagnie Des Alpes already has an impressive portfolio and were responsible for the spectacular rise of La Plagne and Les Arcs and the creation of the massive Paradiski ski area.

Briançon-Serre Chevalier is the collective term for thirteen villages that lie along the valley floor from Grenoble to Gap with the slopes rising up towards the north-east to give Serre Chevalier its name. The four main ski areas are Monêtier Les Bains, Villeneuve, Chantemerle and Briançon where the mountain stage of the Tour de France 2007 will feature. Serre Chevalier boasts an amazing 300 days of sunshine and is a full year round resort. The ski area is the fourth largest in France with high altitude skiing up to 2830m.

Bertie Sanderson, Director of Erna Low Property says "La Schappe offers a unique and rare opportunity to own a piece of history in a charming region rich in culture and heritage and rapidly establishing itself as a major league resort. As a leading UK ski tour operator and ski property sales specialist, we firmly believe that this region is in the throes of major transformation. La Schappe is spectacular and the renovation plans will undoubtedly position this historic building as the most exclusive in this region. This is an area poised for great change and growth – a superb time to invest in a truly all year round resort in the making."

Perry Gamby, Partner SPACE France says ‘”We are delighted to be presented with this opportunity in an area of such outstanding natural beauty and heritage. Unlike many mountain resorts it is a pleasure to be in all year round whether you want to ski the ski the powder, climb the peaks or immerse yourself in the classic French café culture. We have been lucky to have such a welcome from the local authorities whose vision entirely matches ours. This is a wonderful opportunity because there are so many like-minded people. The timing is perfect with large scale investment in the lift infrastructure, UNESCO candidate and the town council’s wish to see inward investment that will supply both quality accommodation and services that do the natural beauty of this region real justice.”

The apartments will range in size from 32 m2 for a mezzanine apartment to 146m2 for a 5 bedroom loft. Apartments are available through leaseback and classical freehold purchase. For the leaseback apartments, notary fees, mortgage fees and the mortgage interest during construction will be paid for by the developer. There is also likely to be a rental guarantee on offer – details yet to be released.

Prices will range from €150,350 to €705,000

For further information, visit ernalowproperty.co.uk/spacefrance