Farnhaus, a mountain retreat in Dorf Tirol

Heritage Reimagined in the Tyrolean Alps

Farnhaus sits in a historic meadow where ferns once carpeted the earth. Owners Stefan and Franziska, a former restaurateur and a photographer, transformed the upper levels into two minimalist retreats that honor their family heritage. The design language is defined by the "fern" motif—translucent room dividers, moss-green tiling, and tactile velvet upholstery—creating a connection to the South Tyrolean flora that feels both modern and deeply rooted.

The interiors celebrate raw materiality and precision. Each 44-square-meter apartment features custom-built furnishings in local chestnut and a layout that maximizes the visual flow toward the valley. Large-format windows serve as living canvases, intentionally omitting televisions to prioritize the "social currency" of the view.

A large private terrace extends from each unit, equipped with minimalist lounge chairs and a dining area for four. It is the ultimate vantage point for observing the Adige Valley’s shifting light. The surrounding grounds transition from manicured Alpine lawns into wild forest trails, providing an immediate connection to the Dorf Tirol hiking network. Guests are invited to pick fresh herbs from the family garden.

What we love

We love how the clean lines and wide-plank floors pull your focus straight to the mountains, making the whole apartment feel like a quiet, sunny lens on the Alps. It’s got that cool, unfussy photographer’s vibe where everything is intentional, but you still feel totally at ease kicking back on the sofa. Having Stefan and Franziska share their hospitality roots through a curated wine service is such a treat. Make sure to grab their local food map and head to a nearby Alpine hut for the best Tyrolean dumplings you'll ever have.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Dorf Tirol sleeps up to three guests per apartment. The primary bedroom in each features a king bed with regionally made linens and an integrated en-suite bathroom finished in signature green tones. A high-quality sofa bed in the living area accommodates an additional guest or child. The kitchen and dining zones are condensed to maintain the sense of a cohesive, uncluttered sanctuary.

Experiences

The hosts' background in high-end hospitality ensures a stay that is impeccably curated. Guests receive the South Tyrol Guest Pass for regional transit and cable cars. Stefan can provide local insights into the region's best "soulful" spots, while the nearby Schloss Tirol offers a dose of cultural history just a short, scenic walk away.

Good to know

This is a family-run property where sustainability is woven into the infrastructure. Organic, locally sourced personal care products from the "Not Just Bodycare" line are provided, and a daily fresh bread service is available. While the mountain location feels remote, the house remains easily accessible by road. A bicycle and motorcycle garage is available on site for those exploring the Dolomites on two wheels.

Amenities

Fully equipped kitchen, espresso machine, dishwasher, organic toiletries, wifi, guest pass, on-site parking, bicycle garage, underfloor heating, bed linen provided

Around

Located just above the village of Dorf Tirol, the property is positioned between the urban pulse of Merano and the wild peaks of the Nature Park Texelgruppe. A short, vertical journey via the nearby cable car transports guests to the high-Alpine Muthöfe farms. Merano, a 10-minute drive away, offers a sophisticated blend of Belle Époque architecture, thermal baths, and botanical gardens. While a car is recommended for reaching the Dolomites' further reaches, the local bus and cable car network makes car-free days entirely feasible for the culturally inclined wanderer.