A 19th century basking in the glorious views that surround it
on the heights of Lac du Bourget in Savoie

Our opinion

The view of Lac du Bourget from the heights of the Sapenay pass is an incomparable spectacle: a long expanse of turquoise water lined with towering, wooded massifs. How could one forget that it was at the origin of "Le Lac", a famous poem which inspired the romanticism of the 19th century? Having watched over it for two centuries, this house has become imbued with the lake's magnetism. Despite being transformed over the years, decorated with care and endowed with great comfort, the property nevertheless continues to want time to stand still, as if it were the direct focus of Lamartine's verses. A trip to this foreland, where Savoie unveils its first peaks around its most beautiful lake, comes with the risk of never being able to leave.

Property owners’ take the floor

Why did you settle in this region, in this place and not elsewhere ?

We were on our way from Milan to Geneva and were passing through this region when we saw Lac du Bourget from the top of the mountain. We fell in love with the atmosphere, the colour of the sky, the lake, the vineyards, the cycle paths, and the cosy little restaurants. It was like a dream come true. A truly perfect place to have a home.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

It is a country mansion that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. The facade of the house, the tiles and the wooden windows are original. The house is surrounded by a large, grassy garden with a romantic belvedere overlooking the Lac du Bourget.

What is its history ?

An aristocratic family built the mansion at the beginning of the 19th century. The property was surrounded by farmland, vineyards and orchards. The property had many beehives and the honey and wine produced here was mainly shipped to Switzerland.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

The house is located on the Col de Sapenay at an altitude of 898 metres on the mountain of Cessens which borders the north-eastern shore of Lac du Bourget. It is surrounded by a large garden and offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains that surround it. All the rooms in the house have large windows to admire the view. The house was completely renovated by an interior designer in 2018. All the wall paintings were done by hand and every detail was carefully thought out. The property is surrounded by vineyards, two of which are within a ten-minute walk. The village of Chindrieux is full of waterfront restaurants and has a pebble beach with a swimming area and kayak and boat rentals. A babysitter or nanny can be hired on request as well as a personal chef.

Places you would personally recommend

The local butchers in Chindrieux sell very high quality meat and prepare takeaway meals. Guests can enjoy a real local experience thanks to the Caveau de Chindrieux which offers home deliveries of cheese and wine. By getting up early enough on a Sunday, guests can attend a sung mass at the Hautecombe Abbey. Atmosphère is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is not to be missed. You can also go for a dip in the nearby Lac du Bourget or visit the magnificent Lake Annecy which is thirty-nine kilometres away. You may also want to try wakeboarding with Christophe, our neighbour, who is a professional instructor. Aix-les-Bains is twenty-two kilometers away and the panoramic road which leads there via the Chambotte pass is breathtaking.

The house

360 M²

4000 M²

The entire property is available for filming and photo shoots. Accommodation and food can be provided. There are other guest houses nearby for any further requirements.

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