Surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Kaunergrat, the Buchhammerhof Martinsbach is situated on a south-facing slope at 1,100 metres. Nestled between meadows, forests and fields, it offers a fantastic view of the deep green Kaunertal valley. The region is one of the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’, recognised for the preservation of its natural and cultural values and its focus on gentle tourism. An attitude that the historic farmstead shares, too.
Built in 1890 for two families, the farmhouse with its arrangement of two mirror-image units still tells the story of how functional farms were built using simple, local materials. As a typical building form of the Tyrolean Upper Inn Valley at the end of the 19th century, it is now unique both regionally and nationally. The fact that the courtyard has remained unchanged in its original form is also a special feature. In order to preserve the architectural heritage, the building was renovated in close cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office, modern comforts were added without any loss of substance and the building envelope was insulated.
Today, three holiday apartments are available: Josefa, David and Peppi, named after the last inhabitants of the farm. Josefa is the largest unit, occupying the middle floor and offering space for up to eight people in four double bedrooms. In addition to the originally preserved, wood-panelled parlour, the individual bedrooms also have wood panelling, some of which are decorated with scenic paintings. The two smaller, mirror-like apartments David and Peppi are suitable for two to three people and are located on the ground floor. Here too, two parlours with historic panelling, field ceilings, tiled stoves and sleeping canapés create an original alpine ambience that combines tradition and zeitgeist with sleek old and new furniture.
All three apartments have access to the terrace and the communal room in the basement, which can be used as a lounge or seminar room. Whether for families, groups or smaller workshops. There is also a bread oven and a panoramic sauna in front of the house. Modern elements, such as the bathrooms or additional windows, find a timeless language that blends harmoniously into the old structures and yet provides a breath of fresh air. Just like the steel staircase between exposed concrete walls, which leads to the quarrystone cellars and the in-house distillery.
What to do
The Buchhammerhof is an ideal starting point for hikes, mountain and bike tours as well as cross-country skiing, tobogganing, skiing or ski tours - the Kaunergrat Nature Park and the ski areas of Fendels, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and the Kaunertal Glacier are in the immediate vicinity, Swimming in the ‘Ried im Oberinntal’ bathing lake or in the outdoor pool, excursions to the Kaltenbrunn pilgrimage church or to Berneck Castle in Kauns and the freshly caught fish from ‘Willis Fischerranch’, the owner, is also highly recommended
Why we like this house
The last of its kind: a historic farmstead that has strikingly transferred its rustic alpine character into the present day.
This house is great for
Families, couples and groups of up to 12 people looking for peace and quiet and gentle tourism
Sustainability
Restoration and preservation of a historic Tyrolean cultural asset in close cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office, ecological insulation of the building envelope; E-charging station for cars and e-bikes; public transport: by train to Landeck/Zams, then continue by regional bus and the last kilometre on foot
Details
Region | AT – Austria, Tyrol, Kaunerberg |
Name | Buchhammerhof Martinsbach |
Scenery | At 1100 metres above sea level in the Kaunergrat Nature Park, at the beginning of the Kaunertal valley |
Number of guests | Max. 12 in 3 holiday apartements (2 x for 2-3 guests and 1 x for 4-8 guests); |
Completed | around 1890 / 2023 |
Design | Harald Kröpfl & Peter Nagelschmiedt, Landeck |
Published | 29.5.2023: TV report ORF 2, ‘Österreich Bild’ about restored Tyrolean farms; 2023: 2 TV reports ORF Tirol; ‘wiederhergestellt’ - brochure Federal Monuments Office; ‘Denkmal heute’ - magazine for monument preservation in Austria (1/2023): Buchhammerhof as ‘Monument of the month’ |
Awards | 2024: Recognition award at the Tiroler Sanierungspreis for the exemplary renovation and conversion of the listed farmstead |
Architecture | Listed building - old, Old & new |
Accomodation | Apartment, Holiday home |
Criteria | 1-8 (house/apartment), 8+ (house/apartment), Family, Garden, Hiking, Lake/river, Mountains, Sauna, Skiing, EV-charging station, No car needed, Own agriculture |
0 Comments