Current offer
FREE ski tickets and ski lessons for children aged 3-6 years
The Islen holiday home in the Bregenzerwald is a house where you quickly realize that someone truly understands their craft. It's situated in a quiet location on a private road, yet only a two-minute walk from the village center. In the other direction, the outdoor swimming pool is just as quick to reach.
"I always love it when I meet my guests there in their bathrobes," says the hostess. For those who prefer privacy, each unit has its own sauna. Behind the house lies a large meadow and the Mellenbach stream, while the Kanisfluh mountain rises outside the windows. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can simply relax in the shed, the covered veranda that is a common feature of many houses in the Bregenzerwald.
The semi-detached house was built in 2014 by the hostess's parents in their own carpentry and joinery workshop in Reuthe. Her uncle, Johannes Kaufmann, designed it. The four modules of each unit were completely prefabricated in the workshop and then assembled on-site in just two days. One half of the house was even on display for three months at the Bregenzerwald Crafts Fair in Bezau. The family has been rooted in craftsmanship for generations. Accordingly, it was clear from the outset that the house could be modern, but still fit in with the Bregenzerwald region. It was built exclusively with natural, foil-free materials. Wood is omnipresent, and you can smell it too. In addition, there are rice husks in the kitchen and bathroom, corn fibers in the mattresses, and sheep's wool in the carpets and curtains. Inside, everything is clean and understated, but not cold. Islen is also a great base for exploring the Bregenzerwald: on foot or by bike, on skis in winter, to the Werkraum Bregenzerwald (Bregenzerwald Workshop), to Lake Constance, or to cultural events such as the Bregenz Festival and the Schubertiade.
Rooms + Rates
per night| House 1.1 | from215 € |
| House 1.2 | from255 € |
Characteristics
- Semi-detached house made of solid wood, crafted by the host family's own workshop
- Located in Mellau in the Bregenzerwald, directly on the riverbank
- Large meadow and covered shed for outdoor seating in any weather
- Hiking trails, cycling routes and mountain tours directly in the surrounding area
- Cross-country ski trail on the opposite side of the street and toboggan run around the corner (with night lighting)
- Numerous opportunities for winter sports and skiing in the Bregenzerwald
- Bregenz Festival and Schubertiade for culture enthusiasts
- Lake Constance is easily accessible for excursions and day trips.
- Just a 2-minute walk to the village center with shops and restaurants.
- Perfect for families, sports and nature enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation.
Sustainable
The construction consistently used natural materials. The house and furniture are largely made of wood, supplemented by materials such as rice husks, corn fibers, and sheep's wool. The construction method is also unique: the house is essentially a modular building. Each living unit consists of four prefabricated boxes, which were connected on-site via the stairwell. The building then received its exterior wooden cladding and the gable roof typical of the Bregenzerwald region. Only local craft businesses were involved in the construction and furnishing.
The hostess handles the rentals largely on her own, with support from her husband. He seems to be helping without any major complaints so far, even though he's not officially part of the house's team. Privately, their connection to the Bregenzerwald region is already strong: her husband is president of the Lions Club Bregenzerwald and actively involved there in a voluntary capacity.
The house is also run with a focus on using resources responsibly. This includes an air-source heat pump, energy-saving appliances, and energy-efficient light bulbs, as well as wood wool insulation. Electricity is supplied through participation in an energy cooperative, where renewable energy from hydropower, photovoltaics, and biogas is shared among the participating houses. Additional measures include waste separation, environmentally friendly cleaning products, and a wallbox for electric vehicles. Guests are asked to use water and energy sparingly. From May to October, guests staying at least three nights receive a guest card, which grants free use of public transportation throughout Vorarlberg, as well as access to outdoor swimming pools and mountain lifts in the Bregenzerwald region.
Features
- Two residential units of different sizes in a semi-detached house
- House 1.1 can accommodate up to 6 people.
- House 1.2 can accommodate up to 8 people.
- Well-equipped kitchens in both houses
- Both houses have a covered veranda.
- Private sauna in both houses
- Garden with barbecue area (fireplate) and 4-meter-high swing
- Bicycle storage room or ski storage room with ski boot dryer
- Bregenzerwaldcard valid for stays of 3 nights or more (May to Oct)
Fotos: Adolf Bereuter, Angela Lamprecht
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