Cowbell Chime

Skiing, snowboarding, golf, swimming, hiking, canoeing – we could go on. Austria’s Hopfgarten im Brixental region is an all-year-round destination for outdoor adventurers. The centre of the market town of Hopfgarten is just a seven-minute drive from this hillside home, making it suitably distant from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to all the action.

Its grand appearance feels like a supersized chalet, with traditional architectural features to the tune of wooden, wraparound balconies and timber rafters. Your home sits on the ground floor of this mountain throne, where you’ll pass your private courtyard as you head to the front door. With wicker furniture and a little pine bench, you can choose either spot for sipping Grüner in the springtime, or glugging Glühwein near Christmas.

Inside, the decor veers away from rustic tradition and into the 21st century. Minimalist, modern, and understated, the lounge offers a zen-like space for relaxing post-ski or after a hot day of hiking. Colour schemes of white, cream, and wood echo the winter surroundings of the forest, while blue highlights in the bedroom are a nod to the bright skies and clear waters of summer.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide discount vouchers for ski rentals and ski lessons
*At full capacity, two guests will sleep on a sofa bed in the living space
*There's no dedicated workspace, but there are some laptop-friendly spots
*Your host can provide a cot – just ask in advance
*The entrance is private to your home
*You have your own outdoor seating areas, but they're not secluded or fenced off
*This home features plenty of storage
*Private, on-site parking is available for two cars, plus there's a ski bus 200 metres away for taking you to certain slopes during winter