The Most Unique Hotel In Morzine – The Farmhouse | Here’s Why
The Farmhouse is a small boutique hotel in Morzine that offers a truly unique holiday experience. It occupies a very special building in the centre of the village with a very unique history. Dating back to 1771 the building has taken on many roles over the years and guests can now stay in a former prison cell.
The Oldest Building In Morzine
Tucked away in a beautiful 18th-century manor house, The Farmhouse is much more than another hotel in Morzine. The property was built in 1771 and has had just three owners ever since.
On the outside the building is a stunning stone walled house with white wooden shutters set against a spectacular backdrop of Alpine serenity. On the inside, alpine design and luxurious detail combine stylishly around authentic features, original slate floors and ancient beams.
The Rich History Of The Farmhouse Hotel In Morzine
Antoine Plagnat, a local Morzinoise and influential figure in Morzine’s slate mining industry originally built the house. Long before tourism took over, Morzine owed much of its early development to slate mining and Antoine amassed a small fortune from it. Being home to such a family, The Farmhouse became an important building in the valley. The house was split in two, with one side for the household, and the other side for his 60 cattle.
Antoine lived in The Farmhouse for 25 years before selling it to the Baud family of lawyers and solicitors, which at one time included the town Mayor, who’s family occupied The Farmhouse for the next 200 years. As the family grew the different parts of the house were established:
- A seamstresses workshop – now the office
- A cobbler’s shop – 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 created by the Mayor – now a bedroom called ‘The Cell’. Evidence of the bars that were once on the windows can still be seen.
- The ‘Old Kitchen’ room, would have been the main kitchen from 1901 to 1980, taking the place of the traditional cooking area which would have been the fireplace (now found in the bar).
- The breakfast and dining room were where 60 cattle were kept in the winter and the trough 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.
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.
The Wonderfully Unique Bedrooms, Including An Ex Prison Cell
The hotel has 11 unique en-suite bedrooms which are carefully styled with inspiration drawn from a wide arena. The bedrooms are split between the main house, converted barns and a traditional Savoyard mazot in the garden. From a former prison cell to a seamstresses workshop; every room tells its own story, with quirky features that hark back to artisan times. All rooms benefit from high quality bedding, towels, dressing gowns, slippers and L’Occitane toiletries in the luxurious bathrooms.
The rooms at The Farmhouse are the most unique rooms of any hotel in Morzine. There is an interesting story behind every room and here are just a few to whet your appetite!
Atelier
Secluded in the garden and exuding buckets of vintage charm, This spectacular room was once a carpenter’s workshop and spans the top floor of the barn 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. The room also features a fantastic 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 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 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.
A Dining Experience You Won’t Find Elsewhere
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 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. Dinner is accompanied by wines from The Farmhouse’s own wine cellar with Pre-dinner drinks, canapés, and post-dinner coffee and chocolates being enjoyed in the bar.
In the morning, guest 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.
Right In The Centre Of Town but Very Private
The Farmhouse has one of the best locations of any hotel in Morzine. Occupying a very special location being very central yet tucked away in a quiet spot. This unique location offers our guests the best of both worlds being just a stones throw from the hustle and bustle of the bars and restaurants but far enough away not to be disturbed by them.
The road is also very quiet but it is very easy to get to the hotel from the main road. The central location of the hotel also makes it very quick and easy to get to and from the lifts.
Stunning Views Of The Surrounding Mountains
It’s well known that the views from The Farmhouse are spectacular. Antoine Plagnat knew how to pick a spot when he built the house back in 1771. Occupying an elevated position atop a small plateau overlooking much of the village, it really is a special spot.
Thanks to Monsieur Plagnat’s good taste, our gardens offer the perfect spot to relax in and take in the scenery with far reaching views up towards the cliffs of Avoriaz. The view from the garden is so good that many couples choose to tie the knot here every summer.
Lovely Staff To Look After You
The team at The Farmhouse are just as unique as the building itself. Dorrien, his wife Di and manager James go above and beyond to make sure each and every stay at The Farmhouse is exceptional.
The Farmhouse is managed with English charm and hospitality, offering a personalised service with superior standards across the board. From the cup of tea or coffee brought to your room each morning, to the ski advice and private shuttle service to the lifts, the team at The Farmhouse have a wealth of experience and passion to share with you.
So What Are You Waiting For?
The Farmhouse truly is a very special place, a discreet hideaway with a wonderful atmosphere of warmth, comfort and authenticity. With a fantastic building full of history and French charm combined with exquisite food, exceptional service, a beautiful view and 11 special bedrooms, we hope you’ll agree that The Farmhouse is the most unique hotel in Morzine. If you’re interested in booking a stay with us then click here to explore your options.
