hintershelter

What is the story behind hintershelter?

At hinter, we are trying to navigate this line between a short-term rental business and a hotel. It’s a new branch in hospitality that has been around for less than 10 years. How do you create a brand that has the consistency of a hotel chain but is a short-term rental property?

To achieve brand consistency, every space has to be curated by us. Some of the properties we own and others have been suggested to us by owners.

Over the last few years, we have started to work collaboratively with different partners, so guests can expect the same designers and the same experience but at a different location. It hasn’t been a fast growth because we are making conscious decisions about what to add to the brand.

hintershelter and hinterhideout-x are both designed by Saucier Perrotte, the architect who was involved with creating hinterhouse. We have been waiting around two years for their completion as we like his style.

Both houses are a bit bigger than our previous properties as we wanted to expand the hinter concept to host families and retreats while retaining the zen vibe. The idea is for them to become nature retreats where people can stay for a week or so but with the amenities of a spa, such as hot tubs and saunas. 

How would you describe the atmosphere and the interior design of hintershelter?

We went with a lot of Scandinavian design from the 70s and 80s, which is not only a homage to older designers but also in line with our sustainability initiatives. The houses are super modern and minimal but incorporate older furniture and design pieces that have been recycled and revived. We partner with a curator who specialises in furnishings and every season, we switch in and out pieces to make it a dynamic space - it’s like a collection.

There are lots of windows and simple lines - less is more. This is not just about following a minimalist trend but creating spaces that give you more space. If there is less clutter, your brain feels less busy and you have more space to think. With architecture and design, you can do things with light to make the human brain appreciate certain things and patterns or see something in a very specific way. 

We have tried to curate as many moments like this as possible. Sometimes with fewer things around you, with a sense of simplicity, you appreciate time more. The idea is that guests feel that things are simple and there is not a lot to do, in a good way.

To you personally, what is so special about hintershelter?

It’s the contrast between the extremely modern architecture and the natural surroundings - it’s a sanctuary where you can come together with family or friends.