Swiss you were here

It was on a day like that Shropshire-born Lucy Studer decided she'd had enough.

"My husband Andy always wanted to start a chalet business in Switzerland but I never thought it'd happen. But after one particularly taxing day I came home and said: 'let's do it!'"

Three years, and a lot of hard work later, the couple have opened Etoiles de Montagne, an architect-designed boutique chalet nestled in the Swiss ski resort of Haute Nendaz. Two hours from Geneva, in the heart of the 4 Vallees, the six-bedroom chalet is the perfect retreat offering luxurious accommodation and personalised service. It has a home cinema room, wine cellar and a private chef.

But how did the young couple make the leap from rat race to living the dream?

They met while studying at Loughborough University: Lucy graduating in product design while half-Swiss Andy left with a degree in international business.

Lucy, now 31, got a job as a mechanical engineer in Birmingham, and 32-year-old Andy commuted to Lincoln where he worked as a customer service advisor. They bought a house in Loughborough and carved out a life together.

"I guess we did the normal British thing: we went to university, graduated and got great jobs. However, we both felt that our lifestyle was unfulfilled. We worked all week and even took it home with us to do in the evenings and at weekends.

"Life isn't just about the money, it's about the activities you do and how you spend your spare time.

"As it was, we found it really stressful. We lived in Loughborough but commuted in different directions. The day started at 5am and finished at 7pm. By the time you get home you're so tired you go to bed and start again the next day," says Lucy, who grew up in Wellington, Shropshire.

Andy agrees: "I worked in an office for five years and I just couldn't settle. It wasn't for me and I didn't want to end up like some people I know who aren't in a job they love.

"I spent my childhood in Switzerland and really loved the lifestyle and being outdoors. I just couldn't get the idea of returning out of my head."

Lucy adds: "We were getting to the point where we were thinking of starting a family and found we couldn't imagine having enough time."

So, with the support of their families – Andy's retired parents live in Nendaz – the couple took the plunge.

"The community around here have really welcomed us and made our move here easy. We're lucky to have some family here. All in all, it's the best decision we ever made."

The chalet took about two years to build and they're currently putting the finishing touches to it. The first guests were welcomed in February and so far they've had visitors from as far as Argentina as well as Switzerland, France and England.

Inside it's rustically chic: furniture's from Heals, Villeroy & Boch bathroom fittings and Savoir Beds. There are interactive sound systems, flat screen TVs and a professional kitchen which hosts gourmet cookery and wine tasting courses.

"Ideas for the interior came from other chalets around here that are quite impressive. We wanted to combine British style with Swiss tradition," says Lucy.

However, it hasn't all been plain sailing.

"Seasonality was a bit of a problem for us when completing the build. There are very definite seasons here and the winter hit us hard and fast. It's fabulous for guests wanting to ski but we were left with a very pressured schedule for work."

"It's long hours and quite hands on, you've really got to love what you do," adds Andy,

"We wanted to open somewhere we'd like to stay at offering hotel amenities with home comforts.

"Lots of hotels offer a similar experience but don't quite match the same level of home comfort. If our guests need anything, we take care of it quickly."

In their spare time – as well as enjoying the great outdoors – the couple are also creating a home for themselves in a chalet at the other end of town.

Life, it seems couldn't be sweeter for Andy and Lucy: they tied the knot at the end of last month in a Swiss castle surrounded by family and friends.

"I do miss my family being here. You really notice siblings, nieces and nephews growing fast when you don't see them so often," says Lucy.

"I also miss Walkers crisps, magazines and Cadbury chocolate. Andy's always telling me Swiss chocolate is good but it's just not the same."

Ah, a girl after our own heart.

But Lucy says she wouldn't swap her new life for anything.

"We always wanted to move here – it's all about the freedom and the relaxed way of life. It's been a huge life change but for the better.

"We've been here three years, the lifestyle, the friends we've met, it's been fantastic."

Swiss we were there!