Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Himmlhof, St Anton, Austria


Himmlhof

Location
In the middle of town but set back from the main street in a quiet spot. About three minutes' walk to the lifts.

Character
Romantic Tyrol. In 2002 this former farmhouse, which had been a guesthouse since the 1960s, was gutted and beautifully renovated in traditional style, largely using reclaimed materials from old chalets and barns and locally sourced antique. The result is exquisite and upmarket, but homely. The rustic – painted wardrobes, wrought-iron fittings, chamois antlers – sits happily alongside the mildly exotic – rugs, gorgeous upholstery, a majestic Italian fireplace. The wellbeing area (with two saunas, a steam-room, an icy plunge pool and relaxation beds) is especially lovely.

Rooms
Each of the 14 rooms and suites – the largest of which sleeps five – is decorated individually, and guests – chiefly families and couples – like to return each year to "their" rooms. All have wooden antique doors, wood floors in the living area and carpet around the beds.

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