Villa Flor

In a bucolic landscape filled with farmhouses, Villa Flor stands out both in architecture and character. This Art Nouveau-style villa, near the Swiss village of S-chanf and overlooking the Engadin Valley, was built at the turn of the century, not long before the nearby wilderness area became the country’s first national park. It remained a family residence until 2009 when the building was renovated and turned into a chic guesthouse. The owner is a former gallerist, and it shows — the villa’s original features, from the old spiral staircase to hand-painted frescoes, have been carefully restored, the charming interiors have been enhanced by family heirlooms and antiques discovered at local flea markets, and rotating exhibits feature the work of Swiss and international artists.

Villa Flor has seven uniquely decorated suites. All feature pine flooring and original wood paneling — or in the case of the upper-level rooms, original vaulted wood beams. A few have a Scottish feel, with tartan patterns and mountain views, while others are lighter and loft-like, with artisan-made wallpaper and Nordic-inspired furnishings. All include a gourmet homemade breakfast served in the elegant dining room, and afternoon tea or cocktails are served in the hotel’s cozy living room and library.