Haus und Hof, a small hotel in Austria

Ebony and Ivory

Three minimalist, open-courtyard homes stairstep down a verdant hillside outside Salzburg. High ceilings, ebony walls, blonde woods, and generous panes define the green-built, geometric getaways, each one distinguished by a particular theme. Book them individually or together as a three-unit compound connected by a vivid ivory zigzag of stairs and innovative, elevated plots of green lawn.

Each of these three thermal-powered cabins designed by Feuersinger is set apart ever so slightly by a theme to match its interior mood and styling. Each is furnished with designer pieces by Prostoria, Jan Kurtz, or Moormann, a chef quality kitchen, and an open interior atrium to brighten the living space and allow for private outdoor yoga, rest, and respite.

AROUND

The trio of homes sits some 30 minutes outside of Salzburg, within view of the Salzkammergut, Schober, and Schafberg mountains. Surrounded by Austria’s signature, deep green nature, the homes make an ideal base for enjoying all that the outdoor recreation the area has to offer. Hiking trails depart directly from the property, and mountain biking, swimming, SUPing, and golfing are easily accessed in summertime, with winter bringing snowshoeing, cross country and Alpine skiing, and other snow activities. The Salzkammergut region of Austria, a land of Alpine lakes, tall green peaks, and postcard-pretty villages is a UNESCO classified region. The breathtaking town of Hallstatt sits on the shores of Hallstatt Lake, with the massive Dachstein Mountains rising behind it.

An underground salt mine dates back thousands of years to its Bronze Age beginnings, and visits are possible, traveling deep into the hand-carved tunnels some 400 feet down. Also not to be missed are the ice caves of the impressive Dachstein mountain. The Giant Ice Cave boasts a suspension rope bridge, and the ice forms are over 20 feet high in places. Another elevated adventure is the FiveFingers overlook, a series of platforms offering spectacular panoramas over the dramatic landscape from about 400 meters (1,300 feet) high. The aristocratic spa village of Bad Ischl was a favored retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph, whose summer residence is open to the public. Much of the region, however, is wild and remote, a land of soaring summits, steep trails, plus glinting Alpine lakes and ponds ideal for quiet fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking.