Piste Perfection: Inside Fadi Salameh’s Dreamy Chalet | The Escape
An encounter in the French Alps contributed to the extraordinary Black Pearl chalet, perched amidst the Lebanese mountains
Fadi Salameh’s Faraya home is awe-inspiring. His striking chalet known as the Black Pearl effortlessly fuses elements of historic European design with contemporary codes, resulting in a captivating space that brings together three generations of the Salameh family. Now, Natasha Salameh, Fadi’s daughter, offers us a tour of this remarkable family residence.
With each step through the corridors, a sense of supreme escapism unfolds. Vibrant nights in the discotheque are balanced by tranquil afternoons in the mountain-facing outdoor pool. This is where the homeowner’s dream of an action-filled retirement has become a reality, as he divides his days between the in-house shooting range and golf course with time spent on the surrounding ski slopes.
Fadi grew up in the Lebanese mountains and harboured a lifelong dream of returning there to retire in his homeland. He purchased a plot of land early on but it took several years for his vision to become a reality. The design of the Black Pearl pays homage to the Salameh family’s cherished skiing holidays, particularly in Courchevel, a favourite destination for the avid skiers. Natasha fondly recalls the morning when her father stumbled upon the breathtaking Chalet Art 1850 during one of his strolls near the ski runs.
The residence encapsulates the essence of old-world alpine luxury with a touch of refreshing simplicity: “Struck by the facade, my father walked straight in and enquired who the architect was,” says Natasha. “He made contact with them, but it took several years of convincing before they finally agreed to visit the land my father had in mind for our own chalet.”
Built from the ground up, the project was pioneered by designer, Jenny Ehrmann, and architect, Bernard Taillandier. Together with Fadi, they filtered the spirit of Courchevel into Faraya. Architecturally, the Black Pearl is marked apart from the other chalets in the resort: “Chalets the world over tend to carry an aesthetic that feels unaltered by time,” says Natasha. “My father wanted to avoid clichés and emphasise modern design with a nod to tradition.” The architects employed an understated material palette that revived mountain home aesthetic traditions with modern-day minimalism. Discarded pine panels were recovered from the European Alps and treated before being brought to Lebanon while the stone and metal were imported from Italy and Switzerland.
The property stretches across 5,000 square metres and the living space clocking in at 3,400 square metres. The home features views of striking woodlands and mountain panoramas that illuminate the six-bedroom abode and contribute to a harmonious interplay with the natural elements that run throughout the home. Towering archways bring equilibrium to cosy wood-beamed ceilings, while artful lighting solutions enhance the distinctiveness of each space. The incorporation of wood panelling and rough stone also fosters a seamless integration between the indoor and outdoor areas, while clean lines and judicious use of colour cultivate a profound sense of calmness.
Against this backdrop, Fadi’s acquisitions from auction houses and vintage markets around the world offer a source of intrigue and delight to house guests: “My father has a real passion for art and design objects that is evident throughout our home,” says Natasha. “He spent a decade travelling between Milan, Paris and New York scouring the auctions for antiquities and rare furniture pieces.” A set of vintage wooden skis, once used by the Swiss Army, are mounted upon the wall while other historic pieces include a set of 16th-century Spanish armour and an early 18th-century billiard table. “We invited an Italian metalwork artist to respond to our environment,” says Natasha. “You can encounter unexpected bronze detailing by him throughout the home but his most impressive accomplishment has to be our bronze-finished dining table which is overhung by a highly contemporary light installation. It’s become the centre point of our family gatherings and offers up some of the most impressive views.”
The Black Pearl lends itself to an elevated existence for this family. The outdoor infinity pool gazes out towards the slopes, conjuring memories of bygone moments in Courchevel while the shooting range, golf course and cinema offer endless opportunities for entertainment. There’s even a nightclub, home spa and arcade area which contribute to the authentic après-ski experience. The address offers the Salamehs supreme privacy with the luxury of being just moments away from all of the action. “It’s a ski-in/ski-out resort which means that inhabitants can open the doors and find themselves on the slopes within seconds,” says Natasha.
“In August the mountains spring to life as the Lebanese drive up to Faraya from the city,” says Natasha. “Children play outside and everyone rides around on bicycles.” Fadi knew when he first purchased this plot of land that Faraya is a destination to be enjoyed year-round. The winter months draw in the skiers but summer is when the city dwellers race to escape Beirut’s humidity. While Fadi prefers the peace and quiet of the off-season, his daughter enjoys Faraya when it’s bustling with activity. She shares, “People come to ski here between December and March, and it’s a chance for us to catch up with family and friends. For me, Christmas time at the Black Pearl is magical. Gathering by the fire while it snows outside, the smell of wood, and the chance to be together recalls those childhood holidays that we loved so much.”
Photography by Pulse Production. Styling by Nour Bou Ezz. Words by Laura Cherrie Beaney.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s July/August 2023 Issue.