Farnhaus

If nature, modernist design and simplistic luxury tick your style boxes these two holiday apartments redefine what self-catering is all about. When you have the drama of a wide, impactful view of South Tyrol, you need the softening of a minimalist environment. At Farnhaus, the undulating valley unfolds before you in a melodious patchwork of greenery, mountain silhouettes overlaid in the distance.

Located in Tirolo / Dorf Tirol in northern Italy, just above Merano and Tyrol castle, Farnhaus overlooks the dreamy Meran valley basin stretching out on to the entire Adige Valley.

A fine choice for the setting of two stylish apartments, enclosed by the nature of forests, Farnhaus is simple, pared-back and swathed in natural materials, making room for those sweeping valley views that will captivate curious nomads who come to this lush corner of South Tyrol.

Quietude and seclusion are defining characteristics of these two hideaway apartments, sitting on the site of a fern meadow; today fronds of greenery dictate the colour-pattern inside with hues of sage, forest and of course fern-green dusting velvet sofas, bathroom walls and curtains, flawlessly complementing the alluring outdoors.  

Family-run with care and consideration, the two apartments are curated with comfort in mind from high-quality mattresses and regionally made bed linen – good sleep is practically a given here – to the locally crafted furnishings and well-equipped kitchens.

Hosts and husband-and-wife team Stefan and Franziska know a thing or two about hospitality – the apartments were once part of family holiday lets and then a successful Michelin-star restaurant and in a wonderful evolution, we introduce a new stylish transition for the now: Farnhaus.

Here at Farnhaus, life is deliberately pared-back and simple, and the two apartments reflect this with a minimalist aesthetic that makes way for interaction with the view, from floor-to-ceiling windows and on sunny days, the wide, generous terrace which allows you to sink into a chair and become one with the panorama. Farnhaus has just two apartments, neither of which have TVs – the view offers more than enough drama.

Alongside the pared-back style, homely comfort is another defining factor, with extremely comfortable beds and seating area, almost to the detriment of the lush surroundings of South Tyrol – guests feel so at home that they find it hard to leave! Of course, this is the ultimate compliment to Stefan and Franziska for creating the perfect ambience. 

Set above the spa town of Merano and overlooking an undulating valley that rolls out before you, Farnhaus is in an enviably quiet location. Walk from the apartment to the trails that form networks along the Texlgruppe mountain range discovering waterfalls, lakes and authentic mountain hut restaurants to keep you refuelled. Down below Farnhaus, 12^th century Tyrol Castle sits ready to be explored with its gothic frescoes and arches, stained glass windows and South Tyrolean Museum of Culture and Provincial History. The town of Merano makes a pleasant few hours, strolling the cobbled streets or experiencing the healing waters at Therme spa, designed by Matteo Thun. 

The lovely thing about Farnhaus is that it’s been owned by the same family for several decades. And actually, within each generation, the building has evolved with the needs of each era. For example, Farnhaus started life as traditional restaurant with holiday apartments, ran by Stefan’s parents. In 2007, Stefan and his brother expanded the house into a gourmet restaurant that became well-known and was awarded a Michelin star for its excellent food. 

Not wanting to rest on its laurels, the house has evolved with new purpose, the restaurant has been converted into a residential home, with the two new apartments added. Now Stefan and Franziska live here, keeping it family-run and allowing it to have that welcoming atmosphere and personal touch which makes Farnhaus a cut above.