Once the residence of a distinguished family of politicians and officers, the Upper Scarpatetti House is still one of the most important architectural monuments in the Rhaeto-Romanic Val Surses in Graubünden. The patrician house was built in 1793 by the federal governor Remigius Zacharias Scarpatetti in the late Baroque style and, with its stately appearance and striking staircase risalit, still contributes to the typical regional appearance of Cunter — a tranquil village on the edge of Parc Ela, the largest nature park in Switzerland.
In recent years, the building has been renovated in collaboration with the cantonal monument preservation authorities and a wooden extension has been added. Today, the ground floor flat offers up to six guests a retreat in the midst of the impressive mountain world. Whether after a long hike or a snowy day on the ski slopes of Savognin.
Wherever possible, the original structures of the house have been retained, so that typical vaults, unusual niches and angled windows characterise the rooms. Like the spacious hallway, which welcomes guests with a cross vault and imposing stone tiles and invites them to stop off or enjoy an aperitif with a small table and chairs. From the façade structure to the old floorboards and stone floors to the stucco and the partly panelled ceilings and walls, altered or lost historical substance has been restored with great attention to detail, restored and harmonised with all contemporary innovations. Today, the centrepiece is the living room with its mint green tiled stove. A minimalist sofa and a long dining table ensure convivial moments, the well-equipped kitchen makes cooking fun and the three bedrooms with two bathrooms provide a high level of comfort. The flat ends with a louvre-clad wooden extension on the north side, which is based on the original latrine tower and forms a conservatory with a small seating area. A further retreat in the centre of the spacious flat.
The colour concept of the interior picks up on the exterior façade and combines off-white and dark grey with light wood and occasional colour accents. The simple furnishings also create an uncomplicated balancing act between antique individual pieces and timeless design. On summer days, an entrance leads directly from the kitchen to a seating area in the garden — whether for breakfast before or a well-earned snack after your activities.
What to do
In summer, hikes to the surrounding peaks, small mountain lakes, alpine pastures and viewpoints (from easy to challenging tours), gravel and mountain biking, climbing and bouldering or swimming in the Heidsee lake. In winter, the ski area of the neighbouring village of Savognin between Piz Cartas and Piz Martegnas offers all kinds of fun on the slopes, cross-country skiing (e.g. in the valley floor of the Oberhalbstein or on the Radons high-altitude trail), snowshoeing, tobogganing, excursions to the former Roman camp of Colm la Runga and the Julier Pass, St. Moritz, Sils Maria or the Morteratsch glacier near Pontresina
Why we like this house
Stylish understatement in historical structures - every room here tells its own story.
This house is great for
Families, couples and groups of friends up to six people - whether for hiking or winter sports
Sustainability
Public transport: with the SBB to Chur, with the Rhaetian Railway to Tiefencastel and then by bus to Cunter
Details
| Region |
CH – Switzerland, Val Surses in Grisons, Cunter Grisons |
| Name | Oberes Haus Scarpatetti |
| Scenery | In a small village on the edge of Parc Ela |
| Number of guests | Max. 6 |
| Completed | 1793 / Renovation: 2024 |
| Design | Lukas Stutz, Cunter |
| Architecture | Listed building - old, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment |
| Criteria | 1-6 (house/apartment), Family, Garden, Hiking, Lake/river, Mountains, Skiing, No car needed |
Availability calendar
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One Comment
From the hill, we look down on the village. We can easily spot our holiday destination. It has the proportions and appearance of a late medieval church. A bit mysterious. The first floor is entirely ours. Of the six beds, we leave four unoccupied. The route from the living room to the kitchen feels like a stroll, a jaunt under beautiful vaulted ceilings. I say to my partner: see you later! The living room is the most comfortable place in the house, with a remarkable amount of light coming through the seemingly modest windows. With the renovation and repurposing of the Scarpatetti house, the initiators have shown vision and courage.