17 December 2024
 Fashion.at looked through the latest release of Willhaben, Austria's largest online marketplace, to see the current offering of a variety of alpine chalets, lodges, huts for both rent and purchase. Located in the mountainous regions of Austria's federal states, these properties cater to a variety of needs, from cozy weekend retreats to luxurious second homes. Prices range from €700 per week for rentals to over €1.45 million for exclusive high-end estates. The German words 'Lodge', 'Chalet', and 'Hütte' for mountain houses are often used interchangeably, but they have different origins and connotations that influence their meanings. Lodge is derived from the Old French word 'loge' (meaning 'shelter'), which was later adapted into English, and typically refers to more modern or upscale vacation homes with amenities such as fireplaces, large windows, and easy access to ski slopes or hiking trails. It's a term that appeals to international tourists and is often associated with high-end tourism. The Willhaben offer 'Alpine Lodge Ski-In & Ski-Out*' for the price of €1,453,595 is such an example. This premium property in Hinterstoder, Upper Austria, is part of the Triforêt alpin.resort. It combines modern architecture with direct access to ski slopes. The lodge is designed for luxurious year-round living at the middle station of a cable car. It's being offered at Willhaben as an ideal investment for those seeking a vacation property with a buy-to-let option. The word 'Chalet' comes from the Latin word 'cala' (shelter), via Old French. Historically, a chalet referred to the seasonal homes of shepherds in the Swiss Alps. In contemporary usage, the word "chalet" is often associated with a mix of tradition and comfort, often retaining historic elements such as exposed beams or rustic interiors, but with a touch of luxury. The chalet is close in meaning to the hut, except that the hut stands for more functional and rustic accommodations. The word is derived from the Old High German 'Hütte', which also means a small shelter or cabin. It's commonly associated with mountain refuges or shelters used by hikers and climbers. The history of alpine lodges, chalets and huts is fascinating and reflects a significant transformation over time. Originally, chalets, for example, were simple wooden structures used by herders and farmers in alpine regions. These buildings served as seasonal homes where shepherds could live during the summer months while tending to their cattle in the high mountain pastures. Milk was processed into butter and cheese that could be preserved and transported back to the lowlands. During the harsh winters, these huts were abandoned and left unused. With the rise of alpine tourism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these practical structures were reimagined as comfortable vacation homes. Today, the term 'chalet' encompasses a range of properties, from traditional wooden huts to modern luxury lodges, often combining rustic charm with modern amenities. The Wildererhütte, translated from German, the word Wilderer means poacher, someone who hunts or fishes illegally, typically on private land or protected areas without permission, is one of these romantic alpine huts for an affordable price of €700 per week. The Wildererhütte is located in Lahnsattel, Lower Austria. It's a 240-year-old gem with three bedrooms, a living room with a traditional tiled stove and, according to the Willhaben, a fully equipped kitchen.The secluded hut is described as ideal for snow walking and tobogganing. Its charm lies in its isolation, offering a serene winter retreat with no nearby neighbors. Fashion.at has fast checked the information on Willhaben today. But the marketplace is dynamic and offers can change quickly. Image: The picture shows the 'Beerenhütte' in Hochrindl-Alpl in the Austrian state of Carinthia. For rent (900 euros/week), the 40-square-meter, two-story hut offers four single beds, a bunk bed, a living and dining area, and a kitchen for recharging after a long day on the slopes. Photo: © willhaben. |
|
|