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striped kitchen and storage
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1/24 PHOTOS

Olivet

Le Chalet Olivet

A life-sized dollhouse on the banks of the Loiret River

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A Swiss chalet on the banks of a river in the Loire Valley? Located in Olivet, this authentic life-sized dollhouse, nestled right by the water, features a picturesque setting, striking aesthetics, and a unique history.

A life-sized dollhouse on the banks of the Loiret River

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In 2023, culinary enthusiast Alice Moireau, backed by her brother Émile, embarked on the ambitious renovation of this beloved chalet. Leveraging their local knowledge and creative flair, they revitalized the towering edifice, its whitewashed wood contrasting beautifully against the verdant landscape. The addition of a 350m2 aromatic garden, a riverside terrace framed by native flora like plane trees and cypresses, and a quaint pontoon conjures an idyllic impressionist tableau, inviting complete immersion into its serene beauty.

An unconventional house

The chalet, an extension of the garden - © Jade Deshayes.

The chalet, an extension of the garden - © Jade Deshayes.

Built in 1862 by the Swiss Delegation and showcased at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, the Chalet is a testament to authentic Swiss craftsmanship in woodworking. Later, it found its place on the banks of the Loiret, courtesy of a wealthy merchant, seamlessly integrating into the rural landscape as if it had always belonged there.

This charmingly proportioned Chalet initially housed only a single bedroom and its bathroom on the first floor. Alice cleverly designed a second-floor bedroom, a cozy retreat under the eaves. The house can accommodate up to 4 people, making it perfect for a rejuvenating getaway with friends or a small family. The kitchen and dining area on the ground floor, bathed in light from a skylight and equipped with all necessary accessories, reflect Alice’s passion for cooking and the communal joy it brings. Above, a splendid terrace connected to the Anemone bedroom and a gallery embellished with wooden sculptures lend the entire Chalet a quaint, retro-romantic allure.

The river
– as a picturesque backdrop

Here, life by the water unfolds in its entire splendor. The terrace, acting as a lookout at the garden’s edge, offers a mesmerizing backdrop: mornings are for stretching and water gazing; by noon, it’s the quintessential spot for a convivial barbecue; and come afternoon, it becomes a sanctuary for unwinding with a good book, sipping on a garden-fresh brew (choose from mint, rosemary, lemon verbena). As dusk approaches, the setting transforms again, inviting moments of tranquility. A quaint boat available for guests adds a ritualistic charm, perfect for a serene glide across the water, especially at sunset. For those eager to explore further, four bicycles are provided for the Chalet’s guests, making the village of Olivet and its array of shops just a leisurely ride away.

Immediate boarding - © Jade Deshayes.

Immediate boarding - © Jade Deshayes.

An impeccably seasoned setting

The ambiance of this place is a direct reflection of Alice’s unique aesthetic. With countless cherished moments spent in her family home, merely steps away from the Chalet, this environment has profoundly influenced her visual sensibilities, her appreciation for beauty, and her knack for infusing ordinary moments with a touch of romance.

Her inspirations for designing the Olivet Chalet? “I wanted to create a little gem by playing with styles, incorporating a slightly old-fashioned touch, a dollhouse spirit, and a rustic atmosphere,” she explains. Her friend and architect Monica Klink guided her with the right color and pattern references to assist her, especially in creating the famous kitchen with its highly graphic vertical lines and the mosaic-covered bathroom from floor to ceiling, “like a jewelry box.” The decor is conceived as an extension of the garden with light and spring-like tones, complemented by natural materials: wicker baskets, bamboo sun loungers, bedside tables, bistro chairs, etc.

Hundreds of carefully selected vintage dishes - © Jade Deshayes.

Hundreds of carefully selected vintage dishes - © Jade Deshayes.

And if there’s one deliberate choice that stands out, it’s her dedication to second-hand furniture, each piece meticulously unearthed: from the vintage clawfoot tub to the exquisite wrought-iron arabesque lamp, but also the outdoor ensemble she pieced together from discoveries sourced at a cherished local antique dealer, the Orléans flea market, or directly from private sellers.

The 3 things

we love the most

The iconic decor
The dollhouse spirit
The boat and bikes for exploration

Gallery

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See all the pictures

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Destination Olivet

Transports

Orléans Station

11 min

Restaurants

GlouGlou

13 min

Les Toqués

15 min

Narenj

15 min

Shops and Craft workshops

Besnier (bakery)

3 min

Thierry Muzard (butcher)

3 min

Covifruit (grocery)

4 min

Nature, Culture and Heritage

Orléans flea market

13 min

Château de la Ferté Saint-Aubin

24 min

Beaugency (village)

30 min

Château de Chambord

52 min

Le Chalet Olivet

186 Impasse de Plissay, 45160, Olivet, France

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Get inspired!

1.

Table set

2.

Bamboo deckchair

blue cushion with a beige background

3.

Blue cushion

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