Vipp’s latest guesthouse: a minimalist mountain retreat in Austria

I’m glued to coverage of the Winter Olympics at the moment and dreaming of a holiday among majestic snow-covered peaks. And Montafon Haus, the 14th addition to the growing portfolio of bookable guest accommodation from Danish design brand Vipp, would fit the bill perfectly. Perched high in the Austrian Alps, amid soaring mountains and forested slopes, it extends the company’s approach of integrating its furniture, kitchens and lighting into radically different settings. The result is a beautiful blend of minimalist Scandinavian style and local character, with lots of soul and a strong sense of place.

Located in the village of Vandans, within the 39km-long Montafon Valley in Austria’s westernmost Vorarlberg region, the house dates from 1836 and passed through generations of the same family before beginning a new chapter with Vipp. The area’s centuries-old building traditions, shaped by the harsh realities of Alpine life, are evident in its thick outer walls, pitched shingle roof and insulating timber cladding, all of which have been carefully retained and restored.

The interiors, too, are rooted in the local landscape and agricultural vernacular. Like many Alpine houses, it’s spread over three storeys, with the ground floor once used to shelter livestock and living quarters occupying the two levels above. Echoes of this past remain in almost every room, with original window frames, gnarled beams and wooden panelling alongside contemporary steel elements and newly added picture windows gazing over the spectacular mountain scenery.

The house is entered through a heavy, hand-carved front door, worn by time and fitted with a small brass doorbell. It opens into a large hallway, whose raised ceiling and open-tread steel-and-timber staircase allow natural light to flood throughout. An inlaid octagonal Montafoner table, only made by a handful of local craftspeople, immediately anchors the space in the region. It’s paired with a special-edition version of Vipp’s aluminium-framed ‘Swivel’ chair, upholstered in a beige woollen fabric adorned with Alpine motifs that was chosen specifically for Montafon Haus. 

Separated from the hallway by a small internal window (a remnant of the former layout), the kitchen is centred around a stainless-steel island unit from Vipp’s recently launched ‘V4’ collection. It’s designed to develop a soft patina over time and sets up a striking contrast with the rustic timber found throughout the house.

Next to the kitchen is an inviting wood-clad dining area whose star feature is a large black-stained table. This is flanked by a built-in bench that wraps around two sides of the room, plus four more special-edition ‘Swivel’ chairs, this time with black powder-coated frames that tie in with the other pieces.

The adjoining living room features Vipp’s ‘Chimney’ sofa, sculptural pouf and aluminium-legged, marble-topped coffee table, their clean lines and neutral hues offset perfectly by the rich tones and visible knots of the wooden panelling behind. Fluffy sheepskin cushions and a deep-pile rug provide layers of warmth and cosiness, while candle wall sconces cast soft pools of light.

There’s another lounge area on the landing of the first floor, where a pair of curvaceous Vipp ‘Lodge’ chairs are positioned by a contemporary fireplace and discreet built-in storage cupboards. A long window with a cushioned bench seat extends along one wall; there are also doors to three bedrooms, a desk and chair, and a second staircase leading to a fourth bedroom above.

The bedrooms themselves are calm, cocooning retreats, with soft linens, timber walls and smart ensuite bathrooms clad in wood and dark stone tiles. Three of the four feature traditional Alpine seelenfensters (‘soul windows’), which sit high up near the ceiling and were said to let the soul depart. The other is tucked under the eaves at the very top of the house and was once used for storage, its low doorway and wonky, pockmarked door providing charming reminders of the building’s history. 

The house also has a sauna, hidden at the back of the ground floor with sweeping views over the slopes behind. The local area, meanwhile, offers five skiing and snowboarding areas with reliable snow conditions, plus an array of hiking and cycling trails in summer.

Book a stay at Montafon Haus here. Rates start at €625 per night for up to eight adults, with a minimum three-night stay.

All photography courtesy of Vipp