High above the Inn Valley, on a sun-drenched plateau at 1,440 metres, lies Sent – a Romansh village in the Lower Engadine that is closely interwoven with the tradition of the ‘Randulins’. These emigrants, who returned to their homeland every summer like swallows, brought not only prosperity but also architectural and cultural influences with them. Casa Defilla, built in 1829 by a family of confectioners who had emigrated to Italy, stands in the middle of the historic village centre and still tells the story of this eventful history today.
Over the centuries, the classicist building with its striking tent roof and clearly structured façade has been extended several times – from a modest dwelling with an attached stable to a stately residence. After the Defilla family sold it, the ageing palazzino was modernised by its new owners and the young Engadin architect Riet Fanzun.
The architectural interventions are subtle but effective: on the outside, the renovated façade with restored paintings is striking, which are also reflected in the interior of the house. Inside, purposeful openings and adjustments have created a sequence of rooms that combines the traditional Engadin house with today’s living requirements and improves the lighting. The kitchen in the original piano nobile gave way to a bathroom with bright green tiles, while the new kitchen with an open fireplace was moved to the ground floor.
The upper floors each house a wood-panelled stüva (Romansh for living room), a bedroom and a bathroom with dressing room – almost like two small apartments. They are connected by a staircase that combines historical elements with contemporary art. On the upper floors, the hallway is paved with original round stones – a floor design that is otherwise only found in the government building in Chur.
On the second floor, in addition to the bedroom, there is a study with a pull-out sofa, a library and a newly designed loggia with a view of the church tower.
A highlight awaits in the wood-panelled, Japanese-inspired attic room: an adventurous bedroom for children and teenagers – with tatami mats, ox-eye windows and large wooden beams.
Those who want to store provisions or sports equipment in their ‘nest’ will find a pantry and cantina on the ground floor, as well as a small terrace in front of the house with a colourful striped parasol, from where they can observe village life.
What to do
Hiking and gravel biking in the adjacent national park, e.g. in God da Tamangur, the highest contiguous Swiss stone pine forest in Europe, or along the Via Engiadina high-altitude trail to the charming villages of Guarda, Ardez and Lavin, skiing and snowboarding in the Motta Naluns ski area in Scuol, cross-country skiing, horse riding, art and culture in Tarasp Castle with its art collection by Sentner artist Not Vital, in the Muzeum Susch or the Fundazion Nairs, as well as a trip to Scuol (on foot or by car) with its numerous mineral springs, e.g. in Bogn Egiadina.
Why we like this house
A stylish retreat that combines architectural culture, tradition and modern living standards, telling a story not only of its history but also of its attention to detail and love for the region.
This house is great for
Families, couples or groups of friends with a passion for nature, architecture and history. Casa Defilla is a non-smoking house.
Sustainability
Ground probe, two tiled stoves and an open fireplace for additional heating
Details
| Region |
CH – Switzerland, Lower Engadine, Sent Engadine |
| Name | Casa Defilla |
| Scenery | In the old village centre |
| Number of guests | Max. 8 |
| Completed | 2025 |
| Design | Riet Fanzun, arc-ana , Tarasp (CH) |
| Architecture | Historical, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Holiday home |
| Criteria | 1-8 (house/apartment), Family, Hiking, Mountains, Skiing, Workation |
Availability calendar
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One Comment
Was geht hier? Ergänzung : Für Kunstliebhaber :in der Pension Aldier in Sent kann man nicht nur gut essen, sondern auch gleichzeitig die grösste (?) Sammlung von Zeichnungen, Skizzen und Drucken von Alberto Giacometti besichtigen, ein Schatz, der in solcher Konzentration nirgendwo sonst zu sehen ist.
Übrigens , der Name der Pension ALDIER ist zusammengesetzt aus Alberto — Diego — Ernst (Scheidegger, der Fotograf, der die phantastischen Aufnahmen von Alberto giacometti gemacht)