The Andermatt Chalet in the historic center of the Swiss mountain village goes by the name of “Half House”. Its other half was destroyed decades ago by a fire and then replaced by a parking lot. The London architect Jonathan Tuckey converted this traditional stone and wood house dating to 1780 into a home for his family. Since moving his main residence back to London, he has also rented it out as a holiday chalet.
The house is arranged over four levels, which are connected via the originally preserved ladder-like wooden staircase. Its centerpiece is the combined kitchen, dining and living area on the second floor. By removing parts of the ceiling to the attic, a light-flooded double-height space has been created. Whitewashed panels and light wooden planks, gray wall plastering, a black kitchen and a pared-down interior: the resulting ambience is brilliantly airy and arguably more Nordic than Alpine. One floor up you’ll find a bedroom with a work space on the gallery which can be separated from the living room by a folding door. Two additional bedrooms and a Stube (snug) are located on the first floor. With their low ceilings and the old wood paneling, these rooms have a more traditional feel.
What to do
In Winter the house is 2 mins walk from the Cable car station of Gemstock with the best skiing in central Switzerland and there are plenty of days when you ski back to the house.
In summer you can set off from the front door direct into the mountains by bicycle, hiking boots, climbing gear - or even paragliding equipment. 10 mins walk from the house there is Switzerland’s best Alpine 18 hole golf course. When you want to relax the house has been furnished as a home from home, including a library of books on Swiss mountain life and architecture. There is also a sauna.
Why we like this house
The revival of this historic house with its beautiful symbiosis of old and new is a pleasant counterpoint to the "mundane" holiday resorts which are currently under construction in Andermatt.
This house is great for
Skiers, hikers and families.
Sustainability
Getting there without a car: Trains from Basel, Lucerne, Zurich, Zug or Bellinzona, Milan stop every hour in Göschenen. There is a direct connection to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (10mins to Andermatt).
Owner
Jonathan renovated the Halbhaus for his family in 2013 and the property is now run by his wife Annabel. His architectural office based in London and Andermatt has since renovated many building in the Alps in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and France. Their wish is for all their guests to feel the magic of mountain life and experience what it has to offer in a building that is both old and new.
Details
Region | CH – Switzerland, Uri, Andermatt |
Name | Andermatt Chalet |
Scenery | Mountain village in the Swiss Alps |
Number of guests | 2 to 6 people |
Completed | 2015 |
Design | Tuckey Design Studio, London |
Published | ELLE Deco UK, 3/2017, Dwell, House and Garden, AD, Umbauen + Renovieren, Das Ideale Heim |
Architecture | Historical, Old & new |
Accomodation | Holiday home |
Criteria | 1-6 (house/apartment), Family, Golf, Hiking, Lake/river, Mountains, Sauna, Skiing, Workation, No car needed |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.
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[…] Deco UK presents Swiss Halbhaus from London based architect Jonathan Tuckey in edition March […]