Landmark Restoration In UNESCO Territory

A very special development project has just been unveiled in the UNESCO World Heritage candidate town of Briançon, in the Southern French Alps. The project is a remarkable renovation of an historic former Silk Mill called La Schappe, which dates back to the 1840’s. The renovated is being undertaken by developer SPACE France, who are specialists in the Briançon-Serre Chevalier region. Erna Low Property has been appointed as sole UK sales agents.

The renovation of La Schappe will be an extraordinary project on a truly grand scale. From 1842 until 1932 the building was a working silk mill and has since been employed as a hospital, school and used by the local fire department. Plans for the project have been drawn up by an Italian architect Alex Rovagna, who originally studied La Schappe as part of his university thesis.  Today he is very close to realising many years of hard work, along with his dream of seeing La Schappe completely renovated.

La Schappe will be transformed and extended with two dramatic modern extensions which echo the silk cocoon, creating a landmark building. La 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, a traditional covered market and a 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 is just a short walk from the gondola lift providing rapid access to skiing and the mountains.The Briançon/Serre Chevalier Region has recently been acquired by the Compagnie des Alpes, who view the area as a destination of significant importance. Substantial investment is planned for the region’s ski infrastructure, with considerable growth predicted to follow.  The Compagnie Des Alpes already has an impressive portfolio and was responsible for the spectacular rise of La Plagne and Les Arcs, along withthe creation of the massive Paradiski ski area.

Bertie Sanderson, Director of Erna Low Property, says “La Schappe offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a charming region rich in culture and heritage, which is 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 the 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.”

L-R: Colourful terraces within the ramparts of the vielle ville; The high-altitude town is enfolded by the even higher surrounding peaks.

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 here all year round, whether you want to ski the powder, climb the peaks or immerse yourself in the classic French café culture. We have been lucky to have received 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 lift infrastructure, UNESCO candidature and the town council’s wish to see inward investment which will supply both quality accommodation and services which 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 Sales information please contact Erna Low Property Sales Team on Telephone +44 (0) 207590 1624
Email: property@ernalow.co.uk
Website: www.ernalowproperty.co.uk/spacefrance