In Valchiavenna, 4 ancient 18th century barns have been transformed into charming chalets, truly unique in Lombardy, amidst breathtaking views, infinity calidariums and romantic wood-burning fireplaces.
The story of Res Albert begins in the mountains north of Lake Como, in the province of Sondrio, where a Swiss entrepreneur falls in love with some typical rural stone buildings, struck by the unspoiled nature and the wonderful 180° view of the surrounding valleys, and restores them with the aim of living there with his family.
The name results from the union of “resort” and Presalbert, the bucolic locality where the chalets are based, located at an altitude of 1200 meters and about 8 km from the center of Chiavenna, which can be reached along a small paved road immersed in the woods or, in case of snow, accompanied by snowmobile.
The Res Albert chalets are the symbol of Valchiavenna hospitality made up of authentic flavours, breathtaking views and the millenary culture of our craftsmen.
Three chalets surrounded by nature, which seem to come out of a fairy tale, but which reveal, as soon as you enter, a modern renewable technological heart at the service of the environment and an interior design made with precious materials, from wood to soapstone, completely handmade by craftsmen and artists of the area.
In 2020 the management of the small widespread resort was entrusted to Carla together with her daughter Sara and son-in-law Stefano, a passionate Chiavenna family who have been taking care of the guests who arrive in this paradise ever since.
The resort is made up of 4 structures, the Panorama chalet, the first one you meet upon arrival which is divided into 2 structures, Atmosfera and Armonia, which are located a little further up, and the Calidarium, so called because it is inspired by the tradition of Roman spas. A wonderful wellness lounge with Jacuzzi in precious Serpentine stone from nearby Valmalenco and mountain views, chromotherapy, fireplace and wi-fi, which can be booked by guests for exclusive use (yes, it’s worth the trip!). And from May to October, you can immerse yourself in the outdoor wooden tub with heated water, also taking advantage of the solarium area and the hand-made shower in local soapstone.
To welcome guests outside each structure, we find original warriors in iron and Murano glass that light up in the evening, a prelude to the refinement that awaits visitors in each chalet. Inside everything is, in fact, made to measure, from the solid wood floors with colored Murano glass inlays to the hand-sewn boiled wool blankets, from the stone bathrooms to the Skantherm stoves and hybrid Jolly-Mec fireplaces, which work both with pellets and wood.
The typical rough textures of the mountains contrast with the fine design of the furnishing accessories such as Worn armchairs, Sonos speakers, Flos, Artemide and Davide Groppi lights, and Smeg appliances (each chalet has a kitchen and private bathroom with shower).
A stay at the Chalet Res Albert contains, at its best, all the uncontaminated charm of Valtellina and in particular of Valchiavenna, an area between Italy and the northern states which became rich in the 16th century thanks to its trades and is now famous throughout the world for its delicious products such as bresaola, here called “brisaola”, goat violin meat and cheeses matured in crotti (local caves), pizzoccheri and polenta taragna, as well as its excellent red wines.
To fully enjoy the experience, before going up to the chalets, it is a must to stop at MatLab, a renowned delicatessen store in Chiavenna, where Matteo and Mattia will prepare a dinner based on local delicacies (do not miss the deer bresaola, bitto and bresaola crepes, Terabionda craft beer and Vertemate dessert wine). It is an extraordinary experience, at sunset, to taste them in front of one of the large windows of the chalets heated by the warmth of the fireplace (and if it is needed of the heat pump).
While in the summer you can have an aperitif outside on the comfortable panoramic deck chairs and prepare a lunch in the sun by taking advantage of the gas barbecue or the more traditional piòta, a soapstone slab traditionally used in these areas for cooking.
And if you wish to stay in bed all day, a steaming mocha “with a view” awaits you, together with the complimentary welcome kit composed of honey made with the bees of the chalets and the delicious butter Biscutin de Prost biscuits, while, if you feel like visiting the surroundings, Carla and Sara will recommend the most beautiful panoramic paths and the gems of the area such as the marvelous Palazzo Vertemate Franchi.
The Secret
Even Leonardo Da Vinci was struck by the particular charm of Valchiavenna of which he wrote in the famous Codex Atlanticus, in particular when describing the suggestive Acquafraggia waterfalls, a few km from the chalets, among the most beautiful in the Alps.
Useful Info
Chalet Res Albert
Località Presalbert
San Giacomo Filippo, Sondrio
Tel. +39 351 9027288
Atmosfera and Armonia from 240 euros per night for two pax, Panorama from 290 euros per night for two pax (minimum stay 2 nights)
