Villa Fluggi

Intro

Once the holiday retreat of a global media guru, this fabulous retro-design, five-bedroom holiday home awaits you here in perpetually sunny Merano.  A town gifted with natural delights – towering snow-capped mountains, thermal spa waters brimming with rejuvenating minerals and a veritable launchpad for forays into the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Imagine calling Merano home, if only for a few days or weeks. This design vacation let is gorgeous, a luxury haven the Villa Fluggi lets you immerse yourself in the smooth vintage of a lovingly curated private house, dotted with thoughtful mid-century design pieces, layered with love. A homage to all things 60s, the villa is testament to the style icons of not only the Alps but of Scandinavia and beyond and hovers comfortably in this time-zone with glimpses of bright colour, patterned tablecloths, tropical foliage and a range of low-slung designer seating from Eames to Dieter Rams in hues of charcoal greys, olive greens and oatmeal.

Wander down the light-flooded marble edged staircase for your morning espresso, catching rays on the covered outdoor veranda, perhaps easing into a Bättig chair to ponder the day ahead. Pad through the spacious, palm-dotted garden – don’t forget sauna time in the unique wooden cabin, intertwined with a palm tree. Or simply relax in the style-laden interior, observing the overflowing greenery from the comfort of a Florence Knoll sofa. Evenings bring the house to life under the ambient glow of subtle lighting. Situate yourself beside the well-stock Harry Thaler drinks cabinet or choose a bottle from the wine cellar and gather for South Tyrolean fare around the dining table edged by Thonet chairs.

Whether you’re travelling a deux, with family or as a house party group, this private house oozes classy retro style, and you won’t be able to resist its influence over you – how many residences do you know with a beer tap in the kitchen? Let your inner cool cat resurface - put a record on the Braun player and tune into the soulful groove of this vintage villa hero.

Rooms

With five bedrooms, Villa Fluggi can sleep up to ten people, quite the house party if that’s your vibe and the villa is certainly capable of providing an ultra-cool party backdrop with its ample designer seating, smooth lighting, filled drinks cabinets and wine cellar. Plus, the house’s sauna and access to Merano’s spas mean hangovers are taken care of. The nice thing about the configuration of the bedrooms is that each floor has its own reading room, thereby giving a large group breathing space and places for me-time. Other thoughtful touches include bathrooms stocked with South Tyrolean products made from mountain hay and Swiss pine.

On the ground floor, the minimalist double room comes with an ensuite and cutesy study space with a mid-century desk and low sofa seating.  The first-floor suits a family unit with two double bedrooms (or twins) plus a living room, reading area and playroom wrapped around by a balcony. A dark green tiled bathroom looks out onto the leafy fronds of the palm trees. The top floor overlooks the tiled rooftops of Merano and the greenery-clad mountains beyond. Up in the eaves, the design turns up a notch, with a playful canary-yellow tiled bathroom, modernist artwork on the walls and minimalist use of timber bed frames and cupboards.

Foodie

Spa

Being in Merano, the spa town with healing properties since the Habsburg era, means that rejuvenation is never far away. In fact, you only need to step into your private garden to experience an authentic Finnish sauna, heated by wood and uniquely sculpted around the surrounding palm trees. A private instructor is on-hand for early morning or dusk yoga in the verdant garden or for those wanting to explore the hills, a guide can take you up in to the mountains for fresh air and exhilaration.

Serious spa-seekers should head to the Miramonti spa, which can be arranged through the villa. A truly recharging experience, enjoy the startling infinity pool which appears to jut out from the mountains, the oh-so-aptly named ‘Relaxation House’ or succumb to a treatment using medicinal herbs, gathered from the hills.

Kids & Co.

The house is very well-suited to families, with well-thought out configurations for the rooms, allowing family units to take over the first or second floor. The first floor has a reading room plus playroom - plenty of space for little ones to break out. The mountains themselves provide a natural playground to expand kids’ horizons. Whether its ski school, mountain biking or swimming in icy lakes, the peaks and valleys of Merano are heaven for adventure-loving families.

For parents wanting some peace or simply a dinner sans enfant, a nanny can be arranged.

Location

Owners