Skiing

In the flow by the river: take the Tyrolean Isar Valley, a timber house spanning 38 square metres of meticulously crafted detail, a starry sky above the bed and your feet in the water – that’s all you need for a day of retreat in the Flussbett.

Like two rocks, the two residential towers rise from the green landscape into the South Tyrolean sky. Val Mira on the Ritten is a statement of minimalism. On the outside, it appears clean, archaic and raw. Inside, it is warm, bright and offers stunning views.

One hotel, ten rooms. This historic townhouse in the centre of Dornbirn, once a patisserie, café and residential property, is now the BAR10ZIMMER and blends impressions from numerous travels with the architecture and building heritage of Vorarlberg.

Living history with fresh perspectives: anyone staying at the listed Richterhaus on the edge of the Bavarian Forest can sense the patina of the past, the spirit of the present and the calm of rural life.

Stone, art and alpine vistas: the Vergalderie is a guesthouse built from stones gathered by hand at an altitude of 1,530 metres, combining the rugged beauty of the Montafon with contemporary architecture and an art gallery.

In the village centre of Sent in the Lower Engadine, Casa Defilla, built by confectioners, overlooks an impressive Alpine backdrop and rich history. Of swallows, Swiss stone pine parlours and the great art of subtle modernisation.

The historic farmstead on a sunny plateau in Laion is now a cleverly renovated retreat with breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

Mountains in sight: the Stelzenhaus (stilt house) at the foot of the Chiemgau Alps is a ‘tree house’ for anyone looking to get away from it all. The result is relaxation for the senses surrounded by greenery.

Between mountains and eras: the Cons 148 holiday home in Graubünden combines the charm of a traditional Walser house with the demands of modern living. Quite simply: with wood.

A visionary place at the end of the world: how two pairs of brothers transformed an old factory in Lofoten into a vibrant hotel and cultural centre where people and nature connect in a truly special way.

345 years of family tradition: at first glance, the farmhouse in the Bavarian Forest looks as if time has stood still. Inside, however, there is an exciting concept that carefully combines history and new uses.

A tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright - in the middle of the Dolomites. In 1949, young architect Bruno Morassutti travelled to the USA to take part in the renowned Taliesin Fellowship. Deeply impressed by Wright's ‘Organic Architecture’, he transferred its principles to traditional Alpine architecture.

Two houses, one focus: capturing the Zugspitze backdrop in all its splendour. Therefore, Spielleite Acht near Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes a stylish step back and lets the mountains take centre stage.

Once the residence of a distinguished family of politicians and officers, the Scarpatetti Upper House is still one of the most important architectural monuments in the Rhaeto-Romanic Val Surses in Graubünden. Today it offers a retreat for up to six guests in the midst of the impressive mountain scenery.

Surrounded by the landscape of the Vogelsberg, Europe's largest extinct volcano, on the outskirts of Freiensteinau, sits a holiday home with a compact cubature in monolithic construction, which follows the ‘Einfach Bauen’ concept.

A blend of contrasts: the 250-year-old Bavarian farmstead has been translated into the present day with fresh ideas, cheerful colours and proven courage.

Anyone expecting contemporary timber architecture behind the wooden façade with sliding shutters in the Bregenzerwald will be surprised. Actually, the Mellauer Haus has been looking to the future for over 50 years.

Located right by the River Isarco and the Eagle Bridge, the hotel in Bressanone has become an architectural statement. bergmeisterwolf has restored the 500-year-old building with the cadastral number 1 in close collaboration with the monument protection authorities and placed it in the present with timeless elegance.

Vila Slatina, set amidst the sun-drenched hills of the Slovenian wine region of Štajerska, is another project by owners Igor and Vanja, who are revitalising old rural structures and transforming them into sophisticated accommodation with a contemporary look and comfort.

Gentle transition to the next generation: the renovation of the former farmhouse d'Kammer in the Lower Allgäu is a tribute to the past, a celebration of minimalism and a labour of love that shines through in every detail.

Artistic sgraffiti adorns the massive walls of the Chasa Noth, a 300-year-old Engadine house on the village square in Scuol, framed by the peaks of the Silvretta and the Engadine Dolomites.

On the sunny side of the Kaunerberg, the listed farmhouse is enthroned above the elements in a secluded location. A historic building type that has been restored and modernised to create an atmospheric narrative of alpine life.

Slow down in an industrial monument: Schleiferei Zwei in Siebertal is an atmospheric lost place with authentic charm, airy loft character and a warm, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere.

Exposed concrete, colourful Moroccan textiles and warm wood: the Artbau Hotel in Waldkirch near Freiburg is a play of contrasts in an unusual urban location set against the deep green backdrop of the Black Forest.