Alpine retreat, Aschau

Teo van den Broeke

Nestled in the tranquillity of the mountainous Austro-German boarder, Berge Guesthouse in Aschau is the newest development from design company Nils Holger Moormann.

Located in a converted bakery that dates back to 1671, Moorman has painstakingly transformed the building into 13 neat alpine apartments.

see more images of the lodge

All but one – a ‘sleep cell’ designed purely for backpackers – are self-catering and all are blissfully void of any communication device including computers, phones or even televisions. Instead guests are offered a well-stocked library and a communal ‘Gute Stube’ – a space to cook, socialise and work together around an open fire - for entertainment.

The design is in keeping with Moormann’s signature style - natural, simple and warm. Wood and stone are the predominant materials while key design pieces from the collection stand out against the simplicity of the environment.

The project is due to be completed by the end of the year with a sauna and garden still to come.

20 November 2008 | Travel