Today’s story of the gentle renovation of an old Swiss chalet is a bit of a fairy tale so let me start by saying:
In a land far, far away…

Mirko Beetschen and Stéphane Houlmann of Berdorf Agency discovered the old house in Interlaken and sensed that this was the beginning of a wonderful liaison. With their trained and sensitive eye the two interior experts immediately saw the treasures which came to light during the sensitive renovation process.

Though modestly looking from the outside the house oozes with original features from the 19th century like the wooden panelling in the parlours, the parquet floors, the old staircase or the fabulous fireplace in the library. It took a while to find the right team of experts who had the skills, knowledge and vision for this renovation project but one by one the craftsmen came together each giving their best to bring the vision to life.

Interestingly, the team found English newspapers from 1895 under the old linoleum flooring and a dog-eared copy of a Charles Dickens novel in one of the closets which points to previous British or American owners during the time when the Alpine tourism in Interlaken really took off.

As with all old buildings one of the major problems was insulation. Each room, from the cellar to the attic, had to be looked at individually for the best possible energy efficiency. The building still had to be able to ‘breathe’ and the solution was to stuff the roof with soft sheep wool creating a natural warmth that gives an exceedingly comfortable atmosphere. As a visitor you feel like taking a good book and a mug of something hot snuggling into the nearest corner straight away.

I love the fact the owners used forty different, finely tuned hues of paint which perfectly harmonise with the antique features of the house and add to their beauty, as if it has always been like this.

The chalet, that can sleep no less than 13 people, is a rare success of contemporary living coupled with historic charm which Mirko and Stéphane now share with friends and family.

Their talent for gentle but creative renovations has since attracted owners of similar properties in the area who have instructed them to work their magic on their own historic chalets.

…and they lived happily ever after. The End.

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

More information | Bergdorf Agency for Concepts and Communication
Photography | Martin Guggisberg