Matador Lodges

Old-World Glamour Meets Innovation in Rural Bavaria

This collection of dwellings on the outskirts of Grabenstätt was created by the owner of classic athletic wear brand, Windsurfing Chiemsee. It's a location that was designed for vacations, celebrations or retreats, nestled in nature in the Chiemgau region, between Munich and Salzburg. What makes it really interesting is the combination of old and new – the original villa divided into apartments, and the modern designer cabins dotted around its grounds. We offer a selection of five of its dwellings here.

The design of Matador Lodges combines old and unique with new and functional, and decor is made up of many pieces collected by the owner over the years. The cabins are distinct shapes, from a structure hovering over the pond to a leggy treehouse, and they're made with natural materials, as sustainably as possible. The owners embrace a style that we at BoutiqueHomes call simple luxury – created for lovers of luxury who don't necessarily expect five stars, and for lovers of modern architecture who also enjoy experiencing regional traditions.

This vacation home for rent in Germany is made up of multiple units that can be rented together or separately, and we are fortunate to be able to offer five of them here. Choose from two first-floor apartments inside the villa, each of which accommodates four guests and has spacious terraces overlooking the grounds. Alternatively, choose one of three cabins that each sleep two guests. The whimsical Treehouse is perched on 6m columns, reached by a freestanding spiral staircase, and boasts panoramic views. The Garden House has a large wooden terrace that's perfect for unwinding, while the Water House sits above the pond with lovely aquatic views.

If you really want to unwind, there is a Spa Cube on site with a sauna and a floating pool for two. The latter contains a dense solution of water and rock salt that allows the user to float weightlessly. Rates include free use of the sauna. Cool off in the natural pond afterwards, then relax on the sun loungers. Massage treatments are also available.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The apartments are child friendly, but the cabins are not. Pets are allowed in the cabins (but not the apartments) for a fee.

The villa apartments have Bora induction cookers and Smeg appliances. The cabins have small kitchens with induction plates. There is no restaurant, but a breakfast of pastries, regional cheese, sausage, jams, eggs, fruit and muesli is served daily (at additional cost), either in the breakfast room or delivered to your door. In the entrance to the villa there are two fridges filled with beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They're open 24 hours on an honor system. Private chefs are also available, preparing a wide range of dishes, including traditional Bavarian.

To make the setting as climate neutral as possible, the property was made (and the villa restored) using renewable raw materials. To off-set carbon usage, the owners support the reforestation project, Plant for the Planet. Natural cosmetics from the Viennese pharmacy brand Saint Charles are provided, beds are made by COCO-MAT from 100% sustainable materials, coffee pods from the local roastery Romanicum are compostable, and furniture is upcycled where possible.

This vacation home for rent in Germany is also available for events of up to 50 guests indoors and 70 outdoors. Two of the apartments and one of the terraces are great venues for smaller events. Please inquire for further details.

AROUND

This property is located on Lake Chiemsee, near Grabenstätt, between Munich and Salzburg. Chiemsee, aka the Bavarian Sea, is a vast freshwater lake in Bavaria, with four main islands: Herreninsel (with its must-see replica of the Palace of Versailles, Herrenchiemseee Castle); Frauenchiemsee (home toa Benedictine nunnery where the nuns make marzipan and a special liquor called Klosterlikör); and Krautinsel (named for its cabbage production in the Middle Ages, but now uninhabited). 

The Chimegau region, which surrounds the lake, is known for its abundance of recreational activities. Don't miss Kampenwand, the largest summit in the Bavarian Alps, which is great for hikers; the Waginger See, the warmest lake in Upper Bavaria, which is ideal for water sports; the Seeon Monastery in the middle of Lake Seeon, with its Renaissance frescoes; and the Natural History & Mammoth Museum at Siegsdorf, perfect for kids.

LOCATION

Grabenstätt, Bavaria, Germany. Nearest airport: Salzburg (22 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October.