Bright and modern retreat: A family’s renovated holiday home
A touch of alpine magic: The second home at the lake
Hannah, a passionate interior designer and the head of a third-generation crafts business, together with her husband Matthias and their son, have found a second home in the mountains. Although the trio, along with their furry friend Willi, live in a wonderful maisonette city apartment, they are repeatedly drawn to the picturesque Strobl on the shimmering Wolfgangsee.
Their connection to this place is deeply rooted: Matthias, a true Tyrolean, spent his childhood here and learned to ski on the surrounding mountains. Hannah, who discovered the beauty of this area through her husband and many visits, recalls:
“Matthias always had the desire for us to create a home where he comes from. That ultimately happened here.”
This vacation home, a gem from the 1950s, is an oasis of tranquility for them, where they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feel a deep connection with nature.
Nostalgic charm in a modern guise
The couple has managed to preserve the distinctive 1950s charm of the vacation home while simultaneously setting modern accents. The renovation, which was completed in just four months, skillfully combines traditional architecture with contemporary elements.
A highlight is the original preserved plank flooring – a lovingly restored and newly varnished ship's floor from the 1950s that carries the charm of bygone times. The formerly gloomy attic, which once served as a storage room, has been transformed into the radiant heart of the house. New roof windows flood the rooms with daylight and create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
A dark and enclosed bathroom transforms into a bright, naturally lit space with the addition of VELUX roof windows, bringing in daylight and creating a fresh atmosphere.
A home between sky and lake
Hannah, with her sense for aesthetics and harmonious design, had a clear vision of how she wants to live, which runs like a common thread throughout the entire house.
"The fundamental concept we have followed here is the motto of the cottage between sky and lake," reveals the passionate interior designer.
On the ground floor, the blue of the lake is reflected through walls and decoration, complemented by neutral tones that mimic the sandy bottom of the lake.
On the first floor, various shades of green dominate, capturing the color play of the surrounding forest. At the very top, under the roof, Hannah was inspired by the sky and light. Here, the many window fronts provide a direct connection to the firmament, while delicate light blue tones immerse the rooms in a refreshing atmosphere.
The bathroom with a view of the sky
In the attic of the holiday home, Hannah and Matthias have created a unique place of relaxation: the bathroom with the VELUX TWIN Light Solution above the stylish rain shower.
"Showering and looking out, what could be better?" Hannah says with a smile. While showering, the view of the surrounding treetops is an experience that makes the family forget about daily life and conveys a sense of freedom. "It's so incredibly peaceful here. You see the forests and behind them a bit of the mountains, and then you see the spire of the church in front. It feels like the world is simply beautiful, the world is good," raves the interior designer.
Abundant daylight, fresh air and mountain panorama
Hannah chose large roof windows not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for their functionality. The natural brightness in the bathroom creates a spacious living atmosphere. The abundant daylight streaming through the glass fronts lifts the mood and makes the bathroom a place where the Seelhorst-Berchtold family feels completely at ease.
The roof windows also offer a wonderful ventilation option.
With the window open, fresh mountain air flows in, giving the bathroom a pleasant indoor climate. The scent of the forests and the cool mountain air combine to create an incomparable experience. Wonderful!
Falling asleep under the starry sky
The adjoining bedroom in the attic impresses with its bright plank flooring and minimalist furnishings. Exposed wooden beams on the ceiling give the room a rustic charm and remind of the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Two VELUX roof windows with raised frames offer a breathtaking view of the night sky and contribute to an enlargement of the usable space. Hannah and Matthias have positioned their cozy bed right under the windows, so they can watch the twinkling stars before falling asleep.
"You see endless stars, and if you're really lucky, even shooting stars. I actually never close the shutters at night. I lie there and feel so close to the sky. It's a feeling I never knew before," reveals Hannah.
Creativity rekindled
The bedroom is not only a retreat but also a creative workspace for Hannah.
“I actually also really enjoy working up there. You look out the window and let your thoughts wander. There I have a space where I can work on new concepts and focus well,” she reveals.
Away from the hectic everyday life, she finds the peace to develop new ideas and concentrate on her projects. The interplay of light and shadow that falls through the windows inspires her anew time and time again.
A dark, enclosed bedroom is transformed into a bright, serene space with VELUX roof windows, filling the room with natural light and warmth.
Living in harmony with nature
The family's holiday cottage is a place that enchants with its loving design. Hannah's clever color story creates a connection between the interior and the outside world, bringing nature to life in every corner of the house. Each room of her 1950s gem becomes a unique experience.
Here, between sky and lake, the small family has not only found a new home but also a sanctuary where they can recharge. Hannah is overjoyed:
"This proximity to the water, then the mountains in the background, it has an indescribably peaceful effect on me. For me, this is an absolute place of tranquility."