Emma Watson's 1m chalet

Sep 8, 2008, 9:55 GMT

02/11/2008 - Emma Watson - Burberry and Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008 - Arrivals - National Portrait Gallery (United Kingdom) - London, England © Solarpix / PR Photos

Emma Watson has bought a French ski chalet for £1 million.

The 'Harry Potter' star - who is said to be worth £10 million - gained control of her finances on her 18th birthday in April and decided to splash out on the chalet in the popular resort of Meribel, France.

A source said: "The house is Emma's way of celebrating her excellent exam results at school and finally getting her hands on some of her hard-earned cash.

"She worked really hard this year and didn't have much of a birthday party so this was her present to herself."

The actress - who plays Hermione Granger in the popular film franchise - now plans to have the property renovated and wants to throw a lavish housewarming party once the work is complete.

The source added: "Emma has received some pretty sound advice about money. She always wanted a ski chalet and she's having a great time doing it up. She's looking forward to having friends to stay."

Emma speaks fluent French as she was born in the country and lived there until she was five.

Earlier this year, the teenager was placed 55th on The Sunday Times Rich List 2008 - The 100 richest young people.

She is rumoured to be earning £2.5 million for her role in the sixth film 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince', upped by studio bosses after she threatened to pull out of the lucrative franchise to attend university.