Engadine-style houses have a distinct architectural giveaway – their decorated exteriors.
In addition to the playful scrolling – known as sgraffito – the homes are also distinguished by their massive walls, deep set funnel-shaped windows and gabled rooflines.
This two-home property in the village of Bergun/Bravuogn in eastern Switzerland dates to 1603. Updated for contemporary living during extensive renovations about a decade ago, the traditional Engadine main house offers all the modern amenities while maintaining and preserving its authentic character.
The decorative details on the main house depict faux columns and window dressing. A thick band akin to crown molding follows the roofline directly under the deep eaves.
Modern kitchen appliances are paired with wide wood flooring and vintage ceiling beams. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
Because the windows are inset, the shutters point out at an angle rather than lying flush with the walls.
The main house was enlarged to 297 square meters, or nearly 3,200 square feet, by transforming the old stables into a loft space.
A tiled stove and wooden doors are among authentic period features on the ground floor, which includes a raised living room and an open-concept kitchen and dining room.
Wood is used extensively in the interiors on the walls, ceilings, built-ins and floors – even in modernized rooms such as the bathroom, which has a heated towel rack.
A corner of the main house was decorated to resemble a column. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
A wide arched door opens to the roomy basement, which contains another 190 square meters, or more than 2,000 square feet, of space.
The wedding of old and new continues in the guest house, which adds another 100 square meters, or nearly 1,100 square feet, of living space. The guest quarters can house up to 4 visitors.
Between both homes there are a total of eight bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Aurore Lucido of FGP Swiss & Alps is the listing agent for the property, which is offered at CHF 3.4 million or about US $3.728 million.
Additional living space was created by repurposing the stables. (FGP Swiss & Alps)
Hiking and cycling are popular activities in the Bergun/Bravuogn area, known for its scenic beauty. The 1952 film “Heidi” was shot in the vicinity.
There’s a local museum documenting the history of the railway line that serves the village. A sledding run that draws visitors in the winter.
