The Farmhouse Media Kit
Contents
- Welcome to Morzine’s most charismatic hotel
- An Alpine legend with a fascinating history
- A sublime dining experience
- Signature rooms
- A skier’s heaven in the heart of The Portes du Soleil
- A giant natural playground in Summer
- The perfect venue for a mountain escape wedding
- Extraordinary corporate trips and events
- Practical information
- People
Welcome to Morzine’s most charismatic hotel
Nestled away in a beautiful 18th-century manor house in the quaint old quarter of the French Alpine town of Morzine, The Farmhouse is much more than a hotel. It is a discreet hideaway, with a wonderful atmosphere of warmth, comfort and authenticity.
On the outside, the building is a stunning stone walled house with white wooden shutters and spectacular views across the town towards the Avoriaz mountain range; on the inside, alpine design and luxurious fabrics have been blended stylishly around authentic features, original slate floors and ancient beams.
British owned, and operated for now nearly 30 years, The Farmhouse is managed with English charm and hospitality, offering a personalised service with high standards across the board. From the heavenly breakfast each morning, to the ski itinerary advice and private shuttle service to the ski lifts, the team at The Farmhouse ensure every stay is exceptional.
The facilities include a private bar with an open fire, an atmospheric flame-lit dining room in the former cattle stables, and a sitting room complete with piano and unique book and board game collection. Gardens surround The Farmhouse, and offer a secluded spot for a bride and groom to be wed against a spectacular mountain backdrop in summer.
Carefully styled with inspiration drawn from a wide arena, the bedrooms are split between the main house, converted barns and a Savoyard mazot in the garden. From a prison cell to a Cobbler’s workshop and seamstresses workshop; every room tells its own story, with quirky features that hark back to artisan times.
Come rain or shine, Morzine is considered an Alpine mecca for adventure. The resort is a popular destination with skiers and snowboarders in the winter, and cyclists, hikers and nature lovers in the summer.
The Farmhouse is unique in every way, with a special feel that quickly persuades guests to step back from the world and enjoy the best things in life.
An Alpine legend with a fascinating past
The Farmhouse is the oldest building in Morzine. Its intriguing history features some of Morzine’s most influential figures at the time.
The property has had just three owners since it was built in 1771 by Antoine Plagnat, a local Morzinoise and influential figure in Morzine’s slate mining industry. Long before tourism took over, in the years spanning the 18th to early 20th century, Morzine owed much of its development to slate mining. In fact, there is still one mine in operation to this day.
During this period, Antoine amassed much wealth from mining and was able to build The Farmhouse, which became an important building in the valley. The house was split in two, with one side for the household, and the other side to house his herd of cattle in the winter months, probably 60 head!
Antoine and his family lived in The Farmhouse for 25 years and then sold it to the prominent Baud family of lawyers and solicitors, which, through the war years and more, included the Mayor of the town. The family occupied The Farmhouse for the next 200 years and as the family grew the different dwellings of the house were established:
- A seamstresses workshop – now the office
- A Cobbler’s Workshop – now a bedroom called ‘Cottage 1’
- A Mazot, created, as was the tradition throughout the Alps, to store family valuables and grain – now a bedroom by the same name
- A carpenters workshop, which is where the bench in the breakfast room originated from – now the ‘Atelier Suite’
- The town’s prison cell created by the Mayor, during his residency – now a bedroom called ‘The Cell’. Evidence of the bars that were once on the windows can still be seen.
- The bedroom known as ‘Old Kitchen’ , would have been the main kitchen from 1901 to 1980, taking the place of the traditional cooking area which would have been on the open fire, in what is now the bar.
- The breakfast and dining room were where the 60 head of cattle were kept throughout the winter months and the trough, just outside, in the garden was built in 1860 for cattle.
- The Blue Room would have once been the family’s main sitting room, accessed by 5 doors, from the surrounding bedrooms and hallway.
Dorrien Ricardo, who remains the current owner, leased The Farmhouse to run as a hotel in 1993 and purchased the building shortly after. The house has been lovingly cared for, with the original farmhouse features – dark wooden beams and slate flooring mined from the mountains of Morzine – left wonderfully exposed to maintain the charm and identity of the house.
Dining at The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse’s kitchen has an excellent reputation for delighting guests with fresh, seasonal food that’s either home-grown in the garden, or sourced from local artisan producers from across the region. The chef cooks delicious, flavourful dishes with truffle oil, Alpine beer and wild mushrooms, using core ingredients following the seasons, such as rich game, artisan cheese and fresh fish.
In the winter months, dinner is a relaxed, yet indulgent 4-course affair served in the atmospheric flame lit dining room. Seating is restaurant style; guests can dine as a family, join tables with other guests or enjoy an intimate evening for two.
Dinner is accompanied by wines from The Farmhouse’s own wine cellar, where ancient stone is lined with bottles of some of France’s finest vintages. Pre-dinner drinks, canapés, and post-dinner coffee and chocolates, can be enjoyed, by the fireside, in the bar.
In the morning, skiers head down to the dining room where a hearty hot breakfast is served.
Summer stays are usually on a B&B basis, and guests enjoy generous helpings from the bountiful continental buffet. In the summer months, The Farmhouse also hosts lunches in the gardens and pop-up dinners, often with a themed menu created by an exciting chef from Morzine’s budding food scene. During these fun and stylish events The Farmhouse welcomes non-resident guests.
Signature Rooms
The 11 stylish bedrooms blend rustic charm with indulgent fabrics and luxurious bathrooms. Each bedroom is individually designed around the original features of the house, with its own artwork, quirky ornaments and antiques. All rooms benefit from high quality bedding, towels, dressing gowns, slippers and L’Occitane toiletries in the bathrooms.
The rooms are split between the main house, the converted carpenters and cobblers shop and a traditional mazot (tiny Savoyard chalet) in the garden. There is an interesting story behind every room, with the four signature rooms being some of the most fascinating, as well as the most luxurious.
Atelier
Secluded in the garden and exuding buckets of vintage charm, Atelier is often chosen by the bride for the bridal suite, and makes a stunning photographic backdrop for the morning dressing of the bride.
This spectacular room was once a carpenter’s workshop and spans the top floor of the cottage in the garden. Its private entrance and wooden staircase open into a spacious, light and luxurious bedroom with ancient wooden beams.
There is an open plan bathroom area with an antique roll top bath and working marble washstand. There is also a lovely walk in shower. There are windows on every side with stunning views and two doors onto a south-facing balcony.
Cell
This intriguing room was once the prison cell for the town, and evidence of the bars that were once on the windows can still be seen.
In contrast to its humble origins, guests who check into the Cell, are now greeted by rich colours and fabrics, along with a cosy en-suite bathroom, with a large inviting bath that’s perfect for a post mountain soak.
This downstairs room can be configured as a twin or double, and faces out onto the garden and the old water trough.
India
A decadent room with a sunset view over the mountains of Avoriaz, and a huge floor-to-ceiling tapestry of rich colours and exotic textures hanging above the bed.
The beautiful Indian colour scheme was inspired by travels in India by the owners of The Farmhouse, Dorrien and Di. The room boasts under floor heating throughout and a deep red bathroom houses a large walk in shower.
A balcony overlooks the garden, Morzine’s old town and the mountain range beyond.
The Mazot
This room can be found secluded in the garden, in a traditional Savoyard mazot; a tiny wooden chalet originally used to store valuables such as the family Bible, house deeds, best Sunday clothes and the grain for the following year’s harvest.
The Mazot is a popular honeymoon hideaway and gives couples complete privacy in a perfectly romantic setting in the far corner of the garden. A small sheltered balcony which attracts the evening sun is perfect for sundowners.
There is an en-suite shower room exquisitely designed in slate colours and chrome, and a small mezzanine can house a single bed, creating a lovely hideout for a child (suitable for ages 10-13).
A Skier’s heaven in the heart of The Portes du Soleil
Morzine is the best access point for the Portes du Soleil ski area, which is one of the largest in the world with over 600km of groomed piste, and endless possibilities for off-piste adventures. The Portes du Soleil ski pass opens up 12 resorts spanning the Franco-Swiss boarder between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. With such an expansive area of varied terrain, skiers of all abilities return year after year to continue exploring.
Expert skiers test their skills on the 33 black runs, the steep and fast 1100m descent of the World Cup run in Avoriaz and the moguls at the infamous Swiss Wall, before making fresh tracks in the many off-piste havens accessible from the extensive lift system.
The area is a freestyle paradise, with an abundance of snowparks and boardercross courses attracting novice to world pro skiers and board riders. The freestyle zones of Avoriaz include the legendary Burton created ‘Stash’, a freestyle natural playground in the trees, with wooden rails, boxes, jumps and enough obstacles to keep freestylers entertained for hours on end.
Children are well catered for with nursery slopes accessed directly from Morzine centre and the Pleney area’s beginner zones, which include magic carpets, child-friendly drag lifts, gentle beginner slopes and a mini park, complete with a giant penguin to high five, all designed especially for children.
Morzine offers world-class ski tuition, from the huge ESF operation to smaller independent outfits, so whether you’re looking for a first week in ski school or your own private off-piste guide, its always possible to find something that matches your needs.
The Farmhouse keeps ski holidays hassle free, with private shuttles to and from the ski lifts, and tuition, lift passes and ski hire pre- arranged when required. The experienced team know the resort inside out and are on hand to share their knowledge of all things ski related, as well as the best lunch spots on the mountain.
A giant natural playground in Summer
Morzine is a growing summer destination, offering a lively town with a summer calendar of events and festivals, access to The Portes du Soleil mountain range via an extensive summer lift system and a wealth of outdoor activities. The knowledgable team at The Farmhouse can help with itineraries, equipment hire, activity bookings and guides.
The famous mountain passes and cols around Morzine have hosted the Tour de France more than 20 times since 1975, and regularly stages the Critérium du Dauphiné, along with a number of Cyclosportives, including the gruelling Morzine Vallee d’Aulps, which covers 150 km and over 3900m of vertical ascent. The Farmhouse is ideally positioned for cyclists of all levels and abilities to test their skills and enjoy the stunning scenic roads that the area is known for.
If downhill trails are more your thing, The Farmhouse is a short a pedal to the Pleney and Super Morzine lifts, which offer access to the huge Portes du Soleil biking area, one of the biggest in the world and linking up 4 internationally renowned bike parks. Treelined singletracks in the forest, swooping routes through Alpine meadows with manicured jumps and berms, and a 90km enduro loop; the terrain is so varied and unlimited, that there’s enough to keep everyone happy, from beginners to the most experienced riders.
For both disciplines, on road and track, there’s no shortage of experienced guides, rental shops and technicians in the village, and we are happy to point guests in the right direction for their specific biking needs. Secure bike storage is also available on the premises.
Morzine is ideally located for hiking. You can start many beautiful hikes straight out the front door of The Farmhouse, or take advantage of the summer lift system to get some elevation and witness the panoramas of the Portes du Soleil, which sweep from Mont Blanc to Switzerland and Lake Geneva.
For adventurous types, the gushing river Dranse runs through Morzine and allows thrill-seekers to get their kicks plunging through rapids of canyoning down waterfalls. Rafters are rewarded with spectacular views from the river, which include deep gorges, overhanging boulders and unusual rock formations as the Dranse heads down the valley to feed into Lac Leman.
A more relaxed way to enjoy the water, is to head over to one of the area’s mountain lakes. The majestic Lac Montriond is a fantastic swimming spot, with an additional paddling lake and beach for families, plus a rental outfit for paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking.
The Farmhouse is becoming a popular spot for Alpine yoga retreats. The itinerary usually involves morning and afternoon yoga sessions in the house gardens, along with mountain or water based activities such as walking, wild swimming or paddle boarding in the area’s beauty spots, and is fuelled by a menu of delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients.
For day trips by car, Morzine is well positioned for exploring the sights of the Haut Chablais; as well as Chamonix, the access town for Mont Blanc tours; and the stunning Lac d’Annecy. It’s also possible to explore the villages, beaches and restaurants along the shores of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), including the beautiful medieval town of Yvoire.
The perfect venue for a mountain escape wedding
The Farmhouse, with its timeless charm and mountain views, is a truly idyllic setting for a wedding. Couples can choose between a white winter wedding with warming log fires and a candlelit reception in the stone walled dining hall, or a summer wedding with an outdoor ceremony in the pretty garden against a stunning mountain backdrop.
The Farmhouse is tucked away in a stunning Alpine village, yet remains highly accessible with Geneva airport (and frequent UK and European flights) 1.5 hours drive from the hotel.
The house can be booked for exclusive use and offers the bride and groom limitless possibilities for styling their special day. Formal or informal, quirky or vintage, what it becomes is entirely up to the wedding couple. Many couples have chosen to extend their wedding day by taking over the house for a short holiday, tagging on mountain activities and sightseeing to the wedding itinerary.
11 splendid bedrooms are available to the bridal party, including the stunning Atelier bridal suite. This spacious, light and luxurious room with ancient wooden beams and an antique roll top bath, has a gorgeous vintage feel, and looks stunning as a backdrop to the dressing of the bride. Located in the barn in the garden, the bride has her own entrance and can enjoy complete privacy.
The chef will ensure the food and drink complement the wedding perfectly. From intricate canapés, to informal buffets in the garden, to 7 course sit down banquets, the chef will work with the wedding couple to design a menu to suit their tastes and requirements. Every mouthful from the kitchen uses only the finest ingredients, led by the seasons and locally sourced where possible. Wine can be selected from The Farmhouse’s own cellar or sourced independently, with help from The Farmhouse if required.
The Farmhouse works with Morzine’s finest wedding suppliers and photographers to ensure every wedding is bespoke and designed with exceptional quality and creativity across the board. The front of house team are professional, friendly and attentive, with every effort made to ensure the wedding couple glide effortlessly from ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond.
Key facts
- Exclusive use of The Farmhouse and gardens for up to 120 guests
- 11 luxurious bedrooms, with space for up to 32 guests (depending on bedroom arrangements)
- Use of the stunning Atelier room for the bridal suite
- Summer or winter venue
- Marquee available for larger parties in the garden
Extraordinary corporate trips and events
The stylish spaces of The Farmhouse combined with the many possibilities of the mountains make a winning combination for ski trips, exceptional board meetings and client entertainment.
The property offers luxurious accommodation, with plenty of space for meetings, an atmospheric dining room with large ‘banquet’ style table, and a relaxing bar area with an open fire.
Located in the centre of Morzine, but tucked away in a quiet spot, The Farmhouse feels both exclusive and discreet. Corporate groups have booked the house for weeks at a time to host a mixture of client events, workshops and personnel incentive trips.
The Farmhouse team offers a personalised service and a wealth of local knowledge, with the organisation of lift passes, lunch restaurant bookings, ski hire, mountain guides, activities, airport transfers, wine tasting and live music all handled in house. Food menus and wine pairings can be bespoke to your group and decided before the trip.
Key facts
- 1.5 hours from Geneva airport, which has frequent flights from London and most major airports in Europe
- Exclusive use of The Farmhouse and gardens for up to 120 guests for events
- 11 luxurious bedrooms sleep up to 32 guests depending on bedroom arrangements
- Wi fi throughout
- Huge array of mountain activities in summer or winter
- Marquee available for summer events in the garden
Practical information
Hotel Name
“Mas de la Coutettaz” but commonly known as The Farmhouse
Website
www.thefarmhouse.fr
Social media
Instagram: @thefarmhouseinmorzine
Facebook: @TheFarmhouseMorzine
General Manager
James Wakelin
Owner
Dorrien Ricardo
Number of rooms
11
Facilities
Dining room, private bar, sitting room and gardens
Children
All ages are welcome and Morzine is an extremely child-friendly resort. The Farmhouse staff can assist in the arrangement of childcare at an off-site crèche located 100m from the hotel, babysitters and nannies and recommend ski schools.
Rates
Contact info@thefarmhouse.fr
Opening dates
Winter opening dates run from mid-December to mid-April
Summer from mid-June to mid-September
Contact details
Hotel Mas de la Coutettaz, “The Farmhouse”, 429 Chemin de la Coutettaz, 74110 Morzine, France
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 79 08 26
Mobile: +33 (0)6 83 86 55 49
Access
1.5 hours drive/transfer from Geneva airport, which has flights from most UK and European airports
8.5 hours drive from Calais ferry port/Eurotunnel
People
James
General Manager, James has long been familiar with Morzine and the surrounding regions, having first visited when he was 16 years old. From that point on James skied in Morzine most years. In August 2008, just before the financial crash, James decided to leave the rat race and quit his career in financial services.
Many people still joke about the timing of his decision, but this was very much luck rather than judgement! When deciding what to do next after the world of finance, two ideas sprang to mind, Morzine and skiing. Not knowing anything about ski seasons, James started his research. This led him to contacting Dorrien at The Farmhouse and the rest is history! James has been at The Farmhouse since December 2008 and now runs the business for Dorrien and Di.
Dorrien
Dorrien first came to the French Alps in 1982 to run a hotel in Chatel. This developed over the years to managing 15 hotels for a successful tour operator. Dorrien left this business in 1993 when presented with the opportunity to lease The Farmhouse from the owner. In 2000, Dorrien was able to purchase The Farmhouse and he has never looked back. Dorrien met Di in Morzine and they married in 2009 at The Farmhouse. Dorrien enjoys skiing, ski touring, walking, cycling and hiking in the mountains.
Di
Di has had a base in Morzine for over 20 years. Since meeting Dorrien over the garden fence she has become very much a part of The Farmhouse. In the summer months Di is passionate about The Farmhouse gardens and decides on all the fruit, vegetables and herbs to be planted for the year. If you are an early riser you might spot Di up at Lac Montriond going for her daily morning dip. Otherwise, you will find her having her coffee under the cherry tree in The Farmhouse garden overlooking the church along with the hens and her cat, called Mimi.
