Styria, the green heart of Austria. Who doesn't first think of high peaks, tranquil mountain lakes, idyllic alpine pastures, vast forests or deep gorges? However, the alpine and forest regions are by no means the only attractions of this province, which is so richly blessed with its diverse landscapes. For example, lovers of fine cuisine associate it above all with the "green gold", the wonderfully nutty pumpkin seed oil, whose origin and home lies in the "other", southern Styria. A wildly romantic region that is reminiscent of Tuscan landscapes with its constant "ups and downs" of rolling hills, the poplars on its "vineyards" and the omnipresent vineyards. There are few places in Europe where natural beauty, enchanting accommodation, fine wine and other culinary delights come together in such a perfect symbiosis as in the southern Styrian vineyards and the south-eastern Styrian volcanic and thermal region.
And in the middle of it all: PURESLeben
Dietmar and Gerald Silly grew up in an agricultural business with livestock farming and so it was actually obvious that they should continue in the tradition of their parents. "Actually", because things turned out differently. The change began more than 10 years ago when Dietmar, the older of the brothers, came up with the seemingly fixed idea of converting an old, rather run-down wine barn into a vacation home.
He renovated it with great care, preserving as much of the usable original structure of wooden beams and masonry as possible and combining it with modern materials.
At the end of the painstaking process, which was driven forward together with friends who were skilled craftsmen, an oasis of well-being with a unique character was created, characterized by clear design, warm colors, glass and living wood. Dietmar Silly now accommodates his guests in twelve high-quality, finely furnished vacation homes in the same style. Yet each one has its own individual design and special charm - in a secluded location surrounded by vineyards, orchards and elderberry gardens. Rooms to pause and take a deep breath.
At the heart of the Silly concept is the basic idea of enjoying the simple things without sacrificing comfort.
Houses surrounded by gardens and lush nature
The main feature of one category of vacation home, which can accommodate between two and six people, is its own spa with panoramic sauna and private pool. Here, guests can swim, sauna and relax in complete privacy.
The special feature of a second type of cottage is its special location in the midst of orchards and lush nature. Two people can find a temporary home here. Some of the houses are still old barns or farmhouses which, like the "Erstlingswerk", have been carefully renovated, restored and in some cases supplemented with modern extensions. Others were built from scratch, using mainly local materials such as solid wood and stone. Large glass fronts bring the gentle landscape inside, as it were. Terraces, cozy hammocks and comfortable loungers also create an ideal place to relax outside.
A harmony of stone, glass and wood prevails everywhere in the interiors, albeit to varying degrees according to the individual characteristics of the different destinations. Sometimes dark beams and floors create a rustic atmosphere, while in other places light woods and large glass surfaces dominate.
Culinary delights
Parallel to Dietmar's constant endeavors to create new unique vacation homes in the wine country, Gerald turned his passion to viticulture. An ideal addition, as it turned out, as guests can enjoy the estate's own wines. The vineyard, where the winemaker cultivates Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Morillon and Zweigelt, among others, is located in Plac, formerly Zieregg, Slovenia, right on the border with Styria.
However, it is not just wine that is offered to holidaymakers, but all kinds of other Styrian delicacies. The PURESLeben team puts together a breakfast basket with fresh products every morning. These are exclusively products from the hotel's own farm or from regional partners. Those who would like to enjoy additional culinary pampering can book a "Genusspension". Depending on your preference, a Styrian menu, a roasting fire with ingredients, Silly's Weckglasl with home-cooked delicacies or a traditional winegrower's snack in your own vacation home await you in the evening. Additional services and culinary activities can be purchased for an extra charge.
Dietmar and Gerald Silly have been welcoming guests to the "Kuchl" since November 2020. In this authentic kitchen, they serve traditional dishes and their own wines.
Within the high walls of the former wine barn, the brothers prepare Styrian menus using seasonal ingredients from their own farm in a wood-fired oven. The homemade products such as wines, oils and spreads are also offered for sale to give guests the opportunity to experience the luxury of simplicity at home. Sillys Kuchl is open exclusively for house guests three days a week.
If you wish, you can also have Silly wines, juices, oils, vinegars and other Styrian delicacies from selected regional producers delivered to your home via the PURESLeben online store.
Text: Peter Grett
Images: PuresLeben