A new home for Sawday's Special Self-Catering Places in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

Fly down Serre Chevalier's slopes or kayak, bike and hike in summer. Inside the village chalet: space, a piano and blissfully helpful owners

Cross-country skiers whizz from this lovely old farmhouse in Les Alberts village through the Vallée de la Clarée; the downhill mob find nearby Montgenèvre and Serre Chevalier; in spring, a multitude of flora and fauna reveals itself to hikers, bikers, kayakers, horse riders. Jo and Jacqui's family house has thick walls, arched doors and fabulous vaulted ceilings, while modern uplighters illuminate Jacqui's bright artworks and there are colourful rugs, throws and cushions galore. Groups relish the multitude of spaces: the cavernous living room with central pillar, piano and wine cave; the sociable, south-facing kitchen; the minimalist dining room. The master bedroom comes complete with carved armoire and original doors; there's also a self-contained double and twin at ground level; other twin rooms hide under the eaves. Children can ping-pong in the woodstore or scramble in the playground while parents relax on the terrace. Jacqui organises anything from ski mountaineering to a private chef – and also bread deliveries. Les Alberts is so charmingly small that not even a bakery exists in the village!