Harry Potter star Emma Watson has conjured up a £3 million profit after the ski chalet she bought in an exclusive French ski resort six years ago tripled in value.

The 24-year-old actress who has a £30m fortune, bought the luxury chalet in Meribel in 2008 for the ‘bargain’ price of £1 million. But demand for property in the alpine resort has increased so much that local estate agents say Ms Watson’s chalet is now worth between 3-4 million euros despite prices elsewhere in France plummeting.

Theo Camfferman, of Leggett Immobilier in Meribel said: “I know the chalet she bought and if she genuinely only paid £1 million in 2008 then she got a real bargain. It is worth between 3-4 million euros now.

“It is in a very sought-after location in Meribel, which is prized by celebrities and the wealthy because it is very private. Because there are environmental restrictions controlling development, demand is outstripping supply certainly in the more exclusive parts.

Emma looking chic in white shirt ( Image: Getty)

“It is a very pretty resort, unspoiled and certainly not sprawling and the scenery is spectacular. Snow is guaranteed because it is high altitude. Ms Watson is a keen skier and uses a local instructor who says she is very pleasant and unassuming.”

Situated in the heart of the famous Three Valleys, Meribel is made up of several villages between 1,100m and 1,750m above sea level – and it boasts some of the best skiing in the world.

It is due to host the sking World Cup finals in March and offers 600km of slopes that attract the A list.

Meribel tourism department spokeswoman Elizabeth Raiberti said: “Meribel has a long been the mountain base of royals and celebrities alike who enjoy the calm and discretion we grant our stars.”

Prince William, the Middletons and the Beckhams have all skied in the resort. Michael Schumacher also owns a chalet there and was skiing in Meribel with his teenage son when he had his tragic accident exactly a year ago.

After buying her property, Ms Watson, who recently wrote an open letter to Steve Carell after he showed his support for her He For She campaign, spent thousands having the chalet renovated.

Friends of Ms Watson said the purchase was a present to herself for getting straight A grades in her A Levels.

Ms Watson – Hermione Granger in Harry Potter – was born in Paris and speaks fluent French. She is a keen skier and has told friends she plans to invest more of her millions in property.

Source: mirror.co.uk