Header: Elias Hassos
Located on the edge of Lake Chiemsee, the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat is a fresh take on German hospitality. Designed by the famous Milanese architect Matteo Thun, the hotel sits on a historic piece of land but looks firmly toward the future. Instead of the usual heavy alpine styles found around the lake, Thun created three separate buildings that take their cues from traditional wooden barns.
Built with local larch and spruce, and finished with stone and marble, the buildings reflect the materials found in the surrounding landscape. Wide glass walls open the interiors to the lake, bringing in shifting light throughout the day and keeping the mountains constantly in sight. The result is a place where the character of the Chiemgau region is present in both the views and the design, shaped through clear lines and a modern approach.
Interior details and Japanese influence
Inside, the 28 suites offer a calm and carefully designed space. Each room faces the water and features a mix of local textures and international flair. You will find hand-decorated textiles and traditional tiled stoves sitting alongside minimalist furniture.
The bathrooms are lined with dark stone, and many suites include open-air Japanese bathtubs and private saunas. These quiet, uncluttered spaces are designed for relaxation, featuring well-stocked bar carts, futuristic fireplaces, and private garden terraces that serve as outdoor living rooms. Whether you are at the sleek sushi bar or the yoga studio, every corner of the hotel reflects a commitment to high-quality, natural materials.
A foundation of artisanal wood
The grounding element of these interiors is the timber underfoot. For the flooring, Matteo Thun turned to his long-time partners at Schotten & Hansen. As a leader in premium wood surfaces, the Bavarian-based company provided their signature Long Board flooring to the project’s most important areas.
In the restaurant, lounge, and yoga spaces, they installed oak boards in a Smoke Light finish. For the lakeside bar, they went a step further by developing a custom colour specifically for this hotel. Because these floors are treated with natural resins, waxes, and oils, they are tough enough for high-traffic areas and wet environments like the boathouse while remaining easy to repair and maintain. This collaboration between Thun’s Munich office and Schotten & Hansen ensures that the floors will age as gracefully as the building itself.
The Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat is a celebration of Bavarian heritage, reimagined for a modern audience who values craftsmanship and a genuine connection to the outdoors.
