RESPLENDENT WITH A BEAUTY ACQUIRED FROM THE PASSAGE OF TIME, ANTOINETTE EAGERLY AWAITS HER GUESTS AMIDST THE IDYLLIC SETTING OF THIS OLD-WORLD COUNTRY ESTATE.
IN THE HEADY DAYS OF EARLY 20TH CENTURY AUSTRIA, A SUMMER RETREAT IN THE MOUNTAINS WAS VERY MUCH EN VOGUE FOR VIENNA’S WELL-TO-DO. IT WAS A CHANCE TO LEAVE BEHIND THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY AND TAKE AIR IN PICTURESQUE SEMMERING.
The tradition is now revived with this jewel of art nouveau imbued with the chic and charm of yesteryear. Voilà—(y)our Villa Antoinette!
This picturesque estate near the health resort town of Semmering is perfectly suited to meet a variety of pleasures. In principle, we will be happy to accommodate our guests with (almost) any request.
The only thing you will definitely find “set in stone” is the local historic railroad route. A little nostalgia that, in a certain way, is an indispensable part of the summer health spas.
*Let me kiss your hand. Delighted to be at your service!
To transform a humble mountain lodge from 1912 into a jewel of the modern era, it takes three things: a keen sense of style, old-school manners and kid gloves. Being the gentlemen we are, we spent months brooding over paint samples and fabric swatches while pondering the finer points of each wall covering. Antoinette was enchanted.
Since autumn 2015, our Grande Dame is open for a select group of vacationers who will instantly appreciate her nonchalance. Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring, the villa is fitted with every conceivable comfort.
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A HOSTESS OF WORLDLY SOPHISTICATION, ANTOINETTE INSISTED ON RESTFUL MATTRESSES, FLUFFY DOWN-FILLED DUVETS, AND OF COURSE NOW HOT & COLD WATER. WE HAVE TAKEN ALL EFFORTS TO EXPAND HER DEFINITION OF COMFORT.
So in the process, it comes as no surprise that our retro approach must sometimes meet modern realities. For indeed, what would a modern-day traveller be without the indispensable comforts of heated flooring and comprehensive telecommunications facilities? A lot less relaxed—that much is certain!
Your eyes will go on a journey through time. It begins with the view from the window—one that, miraculously, has remained unchanged since 1912. And of course, the interior décor remains also true to that era. Each piece of furniture, each objet, has a story of its own to tell. Indeed, even our water closets have their own enchanting atmosphere—one that may raise a delicate blush on our lady’s cheeks.
Villa Antoinette’s six guest rooms will delight seekers of relaxation with significant features of the past and modern eras. In addition to the master suite and the other bed chambers, the reading room may be re-arranged for overnight stays. The private balconies are also perfect for early morning exercise. Then again, the crystal-clean air of the Villa’s 900-meter elevation, even if only taken through an open window, can also prove to be remarkably invigorating.
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IN THE MIDDLE OF A MANICURED GARDEN IS A THERMAL BATH HOUSE DEDICATED TO YOUR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. PRETTY AND FRIVOLOUS—JUST AS THE LADY LIKES IT.
As a health resort, Semmering was once known for its strengthening cold water therapies. We preserve this practice through our plunge pool, located in the wellness area. Otherwise, we also recommend heat-based applications in both the Finnish and Turkish traditions.
At Villa Antoinette, one can also bask amidst the tranquil nature of the surrounding Semmering hills unburdened by clothing. The immense panoramic windows allow your gaze to wander and your spirit to soar. And if your soul needs to drift even further afield, then the Bath House converts into your own private cinema. From the comfort of the chaises longues, the whole world can open up to you.
In former times, the renowned creator of thermal spa therapies, Herr Doktor Franz Hansy, worked and influenced the Semmering area. We are yet to establish if Antoinette would have had a particular weakness for him and his cures.
However, we were able to gain her consent to create a complete luxurious and pampering sanatorium—despite its trim size. In this respect, we intentionally chose to let the zeitgeist of the time guide our architectural way. For indeed, Herr Dr. Hansy is also rumoured to have been a man of foresight and innovation.
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MANY OF THE VISITORS TO SEMMERING WHILE AWAY THE HOURS WITH SCINTILLATING CONVERSATION, UPLIFTING LITERATURE OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. WITH RESPECT TO THE LATTER, ANTOINETTE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:
Some guests may begin their hike right from the front door step. Others enjoy an unhurried stroll through the neighbouring resort town. While indeed others prefer to take a drive to an attractive destination in the immediate vicinity. Whatever your preference, Villa Antoinette is an ideal point of departure for leisurely activities.
In summer you could take a bicycle tour through the Breitensteiner Valley or hit some balls on Austria’s oldest golf course. Winter is the time for tobogganers, downhill and cross-country skiers to enjoy the deep snow on the Zauberberg hillside. Unless of course, you have been prescribed rest.
In the past, children needing to “put a bit of meat back on their bones” were sent to Semmering. Today travellers flock to the region for its culinary delights. For instance at Looshaus or Am Pogusch. The hunger for culture can be satisfied with the Reichenauer Theatre Festival and of course other diversions found in the neighbouring cities of Vienna and Graz.
There are moments in life when you have to lay it on thick. When getting married, for example. Or celebrating at all. But also at a meeting that should be memorably out of the ordinary. So if you exclude half-measures, lazy compromises and headless nails, only the one true perspective remains.
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