Ottmanngut
Ottmanngut is a charming small boutique hotel that lies nestled in an enchanting Mediterranean garden with beautiful views of the Alpine mountain tops.
How would you describe 1477 Reichhalter in a nutshell?
It’s an authentic, historic building in the centre of Lana that served as a hub of social life for centuries. Its name references the year it was built and the restaurant that once existed here, with the current guesthouse reflecting the traditions of the region.
What was the inspiration and story behind 1477 Reichhalter?
Lana is over 1,000 years old but it wasn’t until around 500 years ago that its historical centre began to develop, including the construction of several guesthouses. They required a mill, a bakery and a butchery to serve the needs of their customers and the Reichhalter did all of this for many years.
It was transformed into a guesthouse and restaurant around 100 years ago and became a social hub in the town, run by an elderly lady who lived upstairs. When she passed away, the building closed its doors and was left that way for the next 10 years. That was until a man who’d grown up in Lana and understood the building’s importance in the cultural life of the town decided that it needed to be brought back to life and purchased the property.
During the renovations, they tried to keep everything as original and authentic as possible while ensuring the guesthouse met the standards of the 21st century. After 500 years of history, it’s again become a meeting point for locals and visitors alike in the town.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design at 1477 Reichhalter?
1477 Reichhalter is a place where you feel at home. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, with locals congregating here for their morning coffee. Even if you walk in alone, there’s an opportunity to meet someone and share in the experience — this is the guesthouse culture. You can hear lots of chatter in both German and Italian, as well as other languages as it’s popular with guests from the surrounding properties.
We’ve tried to keep things as original as possible in the interior decorations, with furniture from the 1950s and crockery from earlier times. It’s like going to your grandma’s place! But there’s also a modern touch, with a simple but warm style in each of the individually decorated rooms. Many of the pieces we found at flea markets or they were gifted by locals doing home renovations.
To you personally, what is so special about the guesthouse?
I think 1477 Reichhalter exemplifies the English pub concept but in a much more luxurious way. Our focus is on allowing guests to savour what the region has to offer while experiencing the history and traditions of this part of German-speaking Italy. South Tyrol is a combination of two cultures, with a unique architectural style and cuisine. We pride ourselves on serving local and seasonal produce, accompanied by homemade drinks and sweets.
Is 1477 Reichhalter suitable for families with children?
Most of our rooms are double and designed for two adults but we do have some that are slightly bigger with sofa beds that can accommodate young children. We usually suggest that families with children up to 14 years of age opt for a large room with a sofa bed (or a baby bed) while those with older kids can book two separate rooms.
Who do you recommend each of your properties — 1477 Reichhalter and Villa Arnica — for?
I think they appeal to the same clientele but it depends on what you’re looking for at that moment. Villa Arnica is a retreat where you can enjoy a few quiet days relaxing poolside while 1477 Reichhalter is more suited for those who want to be out and about hiking and exploring the surrounds.
Historically speaking, 1477 Reichhalter is 500 years old and quite traditional while Villa Arnica is just 100 years old, much more luxurious and spacious. It doesn’t have a restaurant but it does have huge vegetable and fruit gardens that provide a source for our farm-to-table cuisine. Guests staying at Villa Arnica can easily access the restaurant at 1477 Reichhalter as the properties are just three minutes’ walk from one another.
Both properties attract design-focused people who appreciate the small details, as well as good food. There are similarities in the concepts behind both - they’re unique to Lana and aren’t replicable elsewhere - but the feel is quite different. That being said, we want people to experience the history at both of the properties while feeling completely at home.
