Our Oldie Lovelies

Sleeping in a building that can trace its heritage back throughout the centuries is truly special - some Aficionados’ members have been hotels since the time of Mozart, others recent conversions like a convent originally built in the year 1689 or heritage haunts that have played host to Counts, Queens, Bishops and the 18th century entrepreneurs of the day. 

This flawed heritage in all its beauty is what gives our hotels of style that lived-in feeling, of history reignited in a way that’s utterly palatable to the modern nomad. Peeling back paint layers like an onion, these hotel buildings bare all, exposing their wonderful scars of time. Nothing is straight - the walls lean out, the floors slant, beams are warped, and doors need a little nudge to function. There’s beauty in imperfection.

Many started life as stables, the village tavern, a palace or convents, and some have always been a hotel. Gorgeously blemished, characterful and comforting, slip into bed with history and amigos, fear not; these flawed walls have seen it all, and thankfully, they don't talk.

Hotel Weißes Kreuz, Vinschgau, Italy

Date of Birth: 1236

An architectural smörgåsbord of modern design and history, this hotel spans the centuries being at home at the heart of the ancient commune of Burgeis (Burgusio). With parts dating back to the 13th century and a family tree of pedlars residing on this spot back in 1871 – no wonder then, that sweet heritage anchors within these renovated walls.

Schloss Freudenstein, Eppan, Italy

Date of Birth: 1275

Sleep under the romance of medieval frescoes, sweep down labyrinthine corridors, lord it up on the lofty ramparts or stroll through the Mediterranean garden, admiring the ivy-clad castle backdrop. This noble 12th century residence breathes high-romance history from its turreted silhouette; inside modern-day touches keep today’s queenly visitors in regal style.

Arthotel Blaue Gans, Salzburg, Austria

Date of Birth: 1373

Abstract, traditional and contemporary elements fuse in this aged culture kid, and the original drinking haunt of Mozart, who was born just a few streets away. Decked in a fabulous collection of private abstract and statement artworks that could rival an east-side art gallery, Blaue Gans has also been a popular foodie destination for centuries.

1477 Reichhalter, Lana, Italy

Date of Birth: 1477

A wonderful charisma of Alpine heritage and aged presence purveys across this characterful rethink of the mountain villa of salvaged originality created by the local architect Zeno Bampi and designer Christina von Berg. An unassuming beauty whereby imperfection narrates the interior design of raw simplicity framed in a restful palette, Reichhalter embraces the cornerstones of its former life and the history pleasingly commands attention.

Monastero Arx Vivendi, Arco, Italy

Date of Birth: 1689

Once the home of devout Sisters, its aged cloistral heritage has been recast following an exacting narrative of preservation, reframing the monastic aesthetics, creating a contemporary spa hotel for the modern nomad. The wellness resort, set within the original seven-metre-high boundary walls of the herb-scented monastery garden, sings from the minimalist hymn sheet with clean lines, glass frontages and pillared facades covered in Vicenza stone, while interiors build on the existing patina; bedrooms are a soothing palette of raincloud greys and creamy-whites.

Son Brull, Mallorca, Spain

Date of Birth: 1726

Nestled in the foothills of northern Mallorca, the magnificent honey-coloured property was originally built as an ‘alqueria’ (an Arabic farmhouse) in the 12th century during Mallorca’s Arab rule, before becoming a pillar of the Christian faith in the 18th century when it housed a Jesuit monastery. Today after a long and considerate restoration, it is a sustainable, eco-conscious hotel wrapped amongst the citrus, olive, almond groves and vineyards of the 100-acre farming estate. 

Hotel Gasthof Hirschen, Bregenzerwald, Austria

Date of Birth: 1755

A love pot of heritage, art, culture, food and style – a Wunderkammer of familiar nostalgia for the nomads who seek roots and prefer to sleep with history. Once the resting spot for the passing royals and culturati of the day, this hotel clings passionately to its agrarian alpine heritage, a house that has been extremely loved by the owning family Fetz for more than 250 years.

Benedikta, Montafon, Austria

Date of Birth: 1836

The perfect amalgamation of old and new, this crafted private-hire venue with a handful of rooms gives traditional heritage a hug of chilled tranquillity and considered design. Once the house of her grandmother, owner Elisabeth merges tradition and homeliness with a modern outlook on comfortable living in the mountains.

Palácio Príncipe Real, Lisbon, Portugal

Date of Birth: 1877

The interior design of this noble palacio borrows from the building's lavish past curating the historical features and creating a clubhouse styling that makes this Palácio so excitingly familiar. Following a considerable restoration journey, modern boutique opulence marries the design narratives of ancestral architecture and decadence – a design chameleon of Grande dame meets urbane.