Haus Moosberg

Lakeview Living in the Austrian Mountains

Its angular form rising from a verdant hillside overlooking Austria’s Lake Traunsee, this bright, triple-level retreat takes in the lake and the mighty Höllengebirge mountains from its oversized windows and generous, wraparound terraces.

Clean-lined and sophisticated, the contemporary structure showcases a sharp combination of oversized glass and creative wood styling. Lake and mountain views greet guests from the gleaming, glass-enclosed living room’s façade, and the open-plan space is made cozy by its wood-burning firebox and its warm, oak-clad kitchen and bar area. The panoramic dining area seats eight, with access to an al fresco dining terrace.

The home’s three double bedrooms reveal a brutalist bent, with their simple concrete walls and ceilings brightened by countryside panoramas from their wide windows and glass doors leading out to larch wood balconies. Beds are double, and there are two and a half bathrooms.

The outdoor area is primarily deck space, with more than 120-square meters of terraces, outdoor furniture and two on-site parking spaces. The house is built into a green hillside within the town, offering easy access to all goods, services and recreation opportunities.

Around

Picturesque and ideal for outdoor recreation, the house sits on the outskirts of the pretty town of Gmunden, with its waterfront esplanade and promenade along the lake’s shores. Gmunden’s Old Town is historic and charming, with several small squares lined with shops, bakeries and cafes. The public beach at Weyer is about 10-15 minutes walking distance or a quick minute or two drive from the house. Walkers and hikers can hit the trail to Grünberg, Laudachsee, or Katzenstein from the house, and there’s a pathway directly along the lake’s shores as well. More serious mountaineers can trek up the Traunstein, known as the region’s “guardian.” And mountain bikers and road bikers alike can ride the challenging elevation changes.

Water sports on the lake include sailing, wind and kite surfing, waterskiing, kayaking and rowing, with equipment rentals available. Gmunden is also known as a potters’ town, and ceramic studios and art galleries line the streets, with an annual pottery market each August. Winter brings snow and the opportunity for outdoor recreation such as snowshoeing, skiing and skating.

Location

Lake Traunsee, Gmunden, Austria. Nearest airports: Linz (30 miles), Salzburg (40 miles), Munich (100 miles), Innsbruck (125 miles)

Best time to visit

Year round, depending on activity