The Salzkammergut, a region not only renowned for its current cultural capital but also for its breathtaking landscapes and historical heritage. One should consider a stay at the “Villa Alma” in St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee for a complete experience of this region. This Art Nouveau villa hails from the 19th century and remained unused for a considerable time. It underwent a complete renovation in 2021, with a special focus on maintaining the original essence and character of the house. Martina Toifl, the operator, sheds light on the renovation process, “We relied on the local archives, examined old photographs, and reversed some modifications that had been made over the years. This included restructuring the roof and dismantling the beautiful veranda.”
Toifl leveraged the skills of many local crafts businesses for this enormous task. “Just like our previous projects, we collaborated with some fantastic local businesses and brought together an ensemble of talent. A young architect designed the balcony parapets while the timber construction was carried out by Appesbacher. The wooden shingle roof stands as a testament to the local tradition,” she explains.
As for the interior, Martina Toifl and her interior designer Pia Clodi took inspiration from the northern region. “The previous owner of the house was born in the Netherlands. We decided to honor this origin by incorporating Dutch textiles into the house. Therefore, the colorful patterned fabrics in the house are the creation of designer Ottoline De Vries, even including tulip prints that reflect the cliché without being tacky,” says Toifl. The lakeside location of the villa is mirrored in the rooms’ design. “We made sure to offer an equally captivating indoor view that would compete with the naturally beautiful lake view,” adds the hotel operator humorously.
They have boldly used colors like blue, pink, or saffron to provide a vibrant contrast to the classic oak furniture. The “Villa Alma” also boasts of exclusive designs, “The wardrobes were custom-made for us. They are green and feature Viennese braid elements. This is a nod to the many Viennese people who have always summered in the Salzkammergut. The headboards of the beds are designed to resemble shells, signifying a connection to the lake,” Toifl explains.
With walls adorned with works of local artists, Toifl has successfully created a tranquil space with the “Villa Alma”. This harmonious blend recently impressed the jury of the German Design Award, which described it as, “The colorful mix of shapes, structures, and loving details creates a friendly and lively atmosphere that exudes lightness and casualness.”
