Once a doctor’s residence for the neighboring sanatorium, now carefully restored into splendid accommodation for ten guests

Originally built by the Austrian monarchy in the early 20th century, a recently renovated villa at Forestis reflects the tradition of Alpine architecture influenced by the European Art Nouveau movement. Quaint loggias on three sides meet distinctive box-style windows and a pinewood façade meticulously taken down, restored and reassembled plank by plank. Every detail of the restoration has been painstakingly executed to preserve the original character of this historic building. Leading the transformation is architect Armin Sader, who collaborated with Forestis owners Teresa and Stefan Hinteregger to reimagine a simple, minimal and sustainable hideaway for travelers.

The villa’s structural elements from the beams, floors, windows, doors and the staircase have all been faithfully restored to match their 1912 design. Meanwhile, the furniture has been recreated by hand, following the minimal, linear aesthetics of the Forestis brand. Sofas, bedding and curtains are made from quality linens while the accessories, mostly vases, are ceramic. All the while, it maintains a calming neutral palette in line with the hotel. 

As you enter the property, the ground floor hosts a spacious, fully equipped kitchen supplied every morning with fresh food from local farms. The centerpiece is a magnificent block of grey-tinted Dolomite stone with an integrated stove, sink and large working surface; but of course, if cooking isn’t your thing, then a chef is readily available to dish up exceptional meals. 

Adjacent to the kitchen is the dining room, featuring a long wooden table for shared meals and a pinewood cabinet stocked with fine chinaware. From here, you walk through to reach the living room, a space that inspires utter tranquility with a cosy, linen L-shaped sofa facing the fireplace and television. A nearby door leads to a loggia, an intimate spot to sip tea or wine while watching the sun set over the Dolomites.

All five double bedrooms are set upstairs, each with an ensuite bathroom, some of which feature both beautiful stone bathtubs and showers. But the most outstanding feature is the home theater on the first floor, with a cinema screen. The entertainment doesn’t stop here; on the lower ground floor is an adventure park for adults seeking to fully recharge their batteries. There is a large private spa with a fully equipped fitness room, a sauna area with a cold plunge, steam room, sauna, as well as a 14-meter heated swimming pool connecting the indoors and outdoors. Treatments are available upon request in the private massage room, and for the ultimate downtime, retreat to the relaxation room with floor-to-ceiling windows, loungers and a warm crackling fire for the winter season. 

The outdoor spaces invite guests to embrace all four seasons—from the fireplace for warm gatherings in the colder months to the large outdoor dining table for alfresco meals in the warmer days. There is also a fully stocked outdoor kitchen with a neighboring herb garden for dishing up farm-to-table meals. An underground stone wine cellar completes the villa; rows of national and international wine labels are stocked for guests’ use for a sunset glass enjoyed on the loggia or paired with a dinner amongst delightful food and chatter. 

Whether it’s a family outing or a group of friends seeking the ultimate, quiet luxury amid the UNESCO World Heritage Site region, this private villa is the answer to a homestay with all the comforts of a hotel.