Tucked above the Etschtal valley in Dorf Tirol, Farnhaus is more than a place to stay — it’s a home shaped by care, creativity, and a deep sense of welcome. Run by Franziska and Stefan, the space brings together two beautifully complementary worlds: Franziska’s eye as a freelance photographer and Stefan’s background in gastronomy. Together, they have created a place where guests from around the world are invited not just to visit, but to revive and blossom. In this interview, they share the story behind Farnhaus, the spirit that defines it, and the simple joys that make their work so meaningful.

heiter: The two of you run "Farnhaus", a beautiful holiday home housing two stylish individual apartments for guests. Overlooking "Adige Valley" in Northern Italy, you're close to nature and only a stone's throw away from picturesque Merano – which is an unbeatable combination. What else awaits your guests at Farnhaus, and what makes their stay unique and unforgettable?

F&S: At Farnhaus, our guests find a place to breathe, arrive, and truly feel at ease. Here, tranquility, nature, and a breathtaking view over the Etschtal valley come together with a modern, stylish atmosphere. We are far enough removed from everyday life to fully let go — yet close enough to reach everything with ease. This balance is something we cherish deeply.

heiter: You opened up "Farnhaus" back in 2022 but the building has existed and been part of your family way longer than that. Can you tell us a little bit more about its history and what led you to turning it into what it is today?

F&S: Where Farnhaus stands today, there used to be a large meadow filled with ferns. On this very spot, Stefan’s parents built a guesthouse that always remained in family hands and, for many years, was a place of gathering and connection. In 2021, we decided to rethink this place — without losing its history. This is how Farnhaus came to be: a place that still preserves our roots while continuing to bring people together.

heiter: Let's talk about the apartments. How many people can stay there and what do they offer? Also, what was important to you when choosing the interiors for them?

F&S: Farnhaus is home to two individual apartments, each accommodating two to three guests. In designing the spaces, we placed great emphasis on natural materials, clean lines, and timeless elegance. It was important to us that the rooms feel light and open, while still offering a sense of comfort and warmth. For us, design should feel inviting, convey warmth, and never feel distant. A particular highlight are the spacious terraces with stunning views across the entire valley. We have consciously chosen not to include a television — our view is the most beautiful cinema.

heiter: Why do you love what you do or in other words, what's the best part of running "Farnhaus"?

F&S: The most beautiful part of our work is witnessing how people find calm here, regain their energy, and enjoy this place just as much as we do. Every stay brings its own little story — and being allowed to be part of that fills us with joy.

heiter: Alto Adige is renowned for its stunning landscapes, traditions and cuisine. What are your top tips for anyone visiting the area?

F&S: South Tyrol is incredibly diverse. We especially recommend a hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail — the views there are incomparable. For food lovers, a visit to a traditional mountain hut to enjoy regional dishes is well worth it. And for those drawn to culture, a stroll through the old town of Merano, with its wide selection of museums and exhibitions, is an absolute highlight.

heiter: Last but not least, what are the things that make you feel heiter (joyful)?

F&S: There are many things that make us feel joyful. We feel happiest when spending time with family and friends, outdoors in nature or at home, sharing meals and celebrations together. And the many encounters with our guests are also what bring us great joy.

Discover more information on “Farnhaus” and how you can visit Franziska and Stefan here.

Interview: Katharina Geissler-Evans, heiter

There are places so magical that they can engage in a conversation with you. The beautiful Ottmanngut is one of those places. Ottmanngut is located in the spa town of Merano, in the region of Northern Italy called Südtirol, and its history dates back to 1290. We had the pleasure of speaking with its owner, Martin Kirchlechner, whose family has owned the house for generations.

Why did you decide to open a bed and breakfast?

I did not actually decide to open it. We simply decided to renovate the family house. At the time, my grandmother was 82 years old and could not manage the house by herself anymore. Our original plan was to renovate the house and then hire someone to take care of it. However, the renovations took almost two years instead of the planned six months, during which we became intimately acquainted with every inch of the house. After putting in so much effort, I couldn’t just hand it over to someone else. This is how my dream of having a bed and breakfast came true.

What was the most challenging element of the renovation?

The house had not been touched since the 1950s or 1960s, and like many other houses from this era, there had been work done that wasn’t particularly good. Our main focus was on revitalizing the house and restoring some of the original features. We discovered the old wooden floors beneath the linoleum and opened the entrance from the breakfast room to the orangery. At the same time, we wanted to modernize the house a little bit, as before our renovation there was only one bathroom per floor and no heating. Right from the beginning, my father knew exactly where he wanted to place the family furniture and hang paintings, so we didn’t really cooperate with any designers or architects.

What sets Ottmanngut apart?

I believe, one of the significant differences is that Ottmanngut is our family house – it always has been and still is. As a result, the interior features antique family furniture. Our family is constantly somewhere nearby, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring everything is to our liking and that we feel comfortable and at home here. Many of our guests share that they sense this atmosphere, feeling as though they are entering a welcoming family house.

If you had to choose, what is your favorite aspect of the house?

Without a doubt: our breakfast. Since 2014, we have taken a unique approach to our breakfast offerings. We create a three-course breakfast menu that changes daily, and we bring it directly to your table. This approach gives us the opportunity to stay true to ourselves, using almost only seasonal ingredients, sourced from mostly organic farmers in the area. It also allows us to reduce food waste to a minimum. Moreover, it provides us with the freedom to experiment and be creative.

Can happiness be found in a weekend getaway that feels like home?

Absolutely! We often emphasize the feeling of being at home. However, it shouldn’t replicate one’s own home, where the laundry basket is full and the dishwasher is waiting to be put in order. But it should have a warm and inviting ambience of a home.

How would you characterise your guests?

For the most part, our guests understand what it means to run a house in the manner we do. They treat everything and everyone with respect. Yet, the most delightful moments occur when guests arrive, and an immediate connection is established. It's like being on the same page right from the start.

When choosing a place for your own travels, what matters most to you?

Several things need to align for that overall feeling. I consider the sourcing of food, how it is produced and where it comes from. I check if the place seems to have cozy spots to read and relax. As well as getting to know, who my hosts are. Also, I am interested in how they treat the environment.

What is the one thing that you want your guests to leave with?

I hope that they leave with this ultimate feeling – the one you have after spending a great evening with interesting people, sharing delicious food and good drinks. When you’ve had great conversations, and it leaves you with a blend of happiness, tranquility, and newfound knowledge.

Ottmanngut is… an authentic place that allowed us to be ourselves, we don’t change for our guests. We embrace ourselves.

Upon entering, what is the most likely sight or scent you will see or smell…

You are likely to spot one of our three turtles and catch the aroma of lemon blossoms.

When in Merano, you can’t miss… the panoramic Tappeinerweg walking path above the town, slow strolls along the river promenades and a dining experience at restaurant Meteo. Exploring the Steinachviertel, the old historic town center, is also a must.

Andrea Juckem is a writer and co-creator of the bi-lingual online magazine NIKA (which means niche in English). She has always been attracted to people's stories and communication but it was not until recently that she decided to put it all in words that have an impact: Andrea now uses her (Czech and English) writing to express emotions and share meaningful thoughts and stories.

A heiter getaway: meet the founders of "Farnhaus" in Northern Italy

HEITER SPOT: Ottmanngut – a place so beautiful that it will carry a conversation with you