Obsessed with Swiss wooden architecture

Woodwork is a favourite avocation of the inhabitants of the Bernese Oberland and Le Pay d'Enhaut where they boast a lively tradition of carpentry. Confined to hiking rather than skiing the mountains, I marvelled at the splendour of these traditional houses, their symmetrical frontages and the intricately carved decorations adorning the façades.

Inspiration is abundant according to Pierre Jacquet, author of The Swiss Chalet. “The mountain chalet, and more particularly the Swiss chalet (and even more the Bernese Oberland chalet) was made to represent an idyllic way of life faithfully reflecting that Golden Age for which the Greek, Roman and Middle Age poets and artists have also yearned,” he wrote in his 1963 book.

He noted that in particular, the wooden dwellings built in the 18th century “played an essential role in - what was then - a new way of appreciating the relationship between man and nature”.

Personally I have a bit of an obsession with windows and doors...

Rougemont's most famous little chalet in the town center

C'è posta per te!

An uncanny trompe l'oeil

A peak from my balcony

A wonderful example of the local architecture built in 1703

Skiboots are stored away until my cast comes off

Colours and patterns

Inspiration in black and white

Hues of yellow and brown

It's as authentic as it can be

No-one home at the stables

Need to start shovelling soon

A romantic winter image