Archerhof

1350 metres up in the Stubai Alps, deep in the Ratschings Valley where the slopes grow steeper, Marion and Christian Eisendle have built three new vacation apartments. They are called Steffl’s Cow Barn, Rudi’s Chicken Coop, and Waschtl’s Pigsty—each 45 square metres with a double bed, a sofa bed, and a balcony. But they have about as much in common with a real barn as an Eames chair has with a milking stool. There is an actual barn too, just a few meters away—on a farm run by the hosts, complete with dairy cows, Duroc pigs, and chickens. The new guesthouse is clad in light, natural wood and blends into the surroundings as if it had always been there. Inside, light and dark tones meet: floors and walls of untreated wood, paired with custom-made kitchens in anthracite. Bare bulbs on fabric cords hang above the narrow dining table, a sheepskin lies on the floor, and through the panoramic window you look directly out onto the mountains. The only decorations are a Bialetti and a Japanese cast-iron teapot—perhaps that's exactly why it's so easy to find peace here. From the farm, hiking trails lead to alpine pastures. Streams wind through the valley, and waterfalls roar in the gorges. In winter, the cross-country trail practically starts right outside the door; the Ratschings-Jaufen ski area is a good kilometer away, as is the toboggan run. In summer, head to the Gilfenklamm, the only marble gorge in the world where the water actually looks emerald green. And at the alpine huts up above, bacon dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen, and alpine cheese await—best to try all three. The way back is downhill, after all.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How the minimalist design, natural materials, and alpine elements blend comfort with tradition.
• The view from the apartments and balconies—meadows, forests, slopes, and mountains in every direction.
• The custom-made anthracite kitchens set against untreated wood—a beautiful contrast.
• The custom-made anthracite kitchens set against untreated wood—a beautiful contrast.
• The understated decor, slightly reminiscent of Japan (mixed with Alpine Tradition).
• That it’s a real farm: Those who wish can take a farm tour, help out in the barn, join in the hay harvest, or simply watch the animals.
• That guests can pick fresh produce from the farm garden.
• In the morning, a breakfast basket is delivered to the door upon request: packed with products from the farm such as milk, free-range eggs, fruit spreads, herbal teas, and fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The vacation apartments Steffls Kuestoll, Rudis Hennenstoll, and Waschtls Focknstoll each offer 45 square metres of space for 2–4 people. They feature a bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed, and a balcony.
• Upon arrival, all guests receive cozy wool socks to protect the untreated wooden floors (and, of course, because they’re cozy!)
• Bath and body products from the South Tyrolean natural cosmetics brand Trehs, made from alpine plants, are provided.
• For families, cribs, high chairs, toys, books, and a playroom are available.
• The hosts offer hiking backpacks, hiking poles, and bicycles for rent; there is also ski storage and an electric charging station for e-bikes. 
• The Ratschings-Jaufen ski area, the cross-country ski trail, and the toboggan run are all only about a kilometer away.
• Cultural highlights include Wolfsthurn Castle in Mareit (home to the South Tyrolean Provincial Museum of Hunting and Fishing) and the Schneeberg Mine, once the highest mine in Europe.
• Nearest airports: Innsbruck (70 km) and Bolzano (85 km)