Meet the Gite Owner: Gareth Marshall, Simply Morzine
In the latest of our series of Q&As with gite owners in France, we chat to Gareth Marshall of Simply Morzine – a small family company specialising in winter and summer holidays in the French Alps.
Q: How long have you lived / owned your gite in France?
We bought the land and had our chalet built in 1996. A real ‘grand design’ and dream come true.
Q: What do you love about France?
Proper winters & summers in the Alps. Great food & wine. Amazing activities & stunning scenery. Such a range of landscapes & climates. Distinct regions with their own individuality & identity.
Q: What made you choose the region in which you have settled?
Arguably the best skiing in Europe and France’s number one summer alpine resort. Very friendly and hospitable locals. Easy access and short transfer from Geneva airport, or under 9 hours drive from Calais.
Q: Tell us three things you like best about your Gite Location
On the piste and short walk to the village centre & all amenities. Luxury – purpose-built with no expense spared. Food & wine – it’s the highlight of any holiday.
Q: What one thing would your previous guests say about your Gite?
Informal luxury with high level of personal service & attention to details.
Q: What is your favourite attraction near to your Gite?
In winter it is ski hosting with our guests and at the end of the day, skiing right back to the chalet with them for well-earned afternoon tea & cake! In summer it is seeing our guests take advantage of the fabulous award-winning ‘Multi Pass’. Simply Morzine guests have free & unlimited access to some amazing local activities including the swimming complex (with 50m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, flume & various children’s pools), 10 immaculate tennis courts and pedestrian use of all mountain (ski) lifts which opens up the mountain for endless family adventure & exploration without strenuous ascents. Just amazing for toddlers and teenagers alike!
Q: What’s the oddest thing about the French culture that you’ve experienced?
French bureaucracy, social charges & high taxes!
Q: Which do you prefer and why – Entrecote Frites, Fish ‘n’ Chips or a good curry?
A difficult choice as I love all 3! If I had to make a decision it would be curry, having been force-fed Indian food by my father from an early age!
Thanks Gareth. See the Simply Morzine site here: http://www.simply-morzine.co.uk/