PEACEFUL • NATURAL • RUSTIC • HOMEY • BOLD • TIMBER • SOULFUL • HEARTY • NURTURING • NONCHALANT EASY • LOCAL • 1.650 M ASL • LOWER ENGADINE • PIZ ARINA

 
At just over 1.600m above sea level in the little hamlet of VNÀ (f’naar) lies this little private gem. Old, warped + twisted by time and weathered for centuries – a restoration story of local knowledge, dreamers, ambition, lots and lots of love and the sheer determination.  Much is new, but pleasingly the deep lines and marks that lend the character are wonderfully evident – the hotel is mature whilst it firmly cherishes the past – a natural beauty.

The original chunky stonewalls dimensionally cut the tone, setting the dramatic canvasses of sweeping interiors with stripped aged timber frames, slanting floors and tactile furnishings. Wonderfully curvaceous, aged nooks ‘n crannies host orchestrated pieces of the modern, which softly complement rather than dominate, the strong agricultural heritage and soul.

As the original oracle of village life, this building commands a respect; it is today as much the pinnacle point - a house of culture, social relevance and is a hive of local involvement.

Yeah, falling asleep on top of the computer with a cup of coffee in hand is a classic, and sleeping babies and pets can be pretty cute, but we think you're more creative than that, and just to prove it, we have a new contest for you!

Edit 2: The House Mix Hidden amongst the lush valleys, rolling humps, bumps and peaks of Europe are our rural gems that echo unmistakable village vogue created by local heroes. Villas, quaint houses and rustic boltholes bring a mature, sophisticated bunch into the second of our series, Green & Tonic – The House Mix.

MEET the former globetrotter, Urezza Famos, who favours a combo of art, commerce and clean modernist lines in her beloved Engadine village of Vnà in Switzerland.

With the prerequisite powdery virginal snow, breathtaking mountainous landscapes and crisp Alpine air, we've carefully curated an insider's guide to independent Alpine hotels, ski chalets, retreats and lodges that exude soul.