Villa Vals at night

You might remember the last time we covered this gorgeous subterranean inside out abode high up in the Swiss Alps, but before it was available for rent … and fully revealed with an ingenious secret entrance passage.

Villa Vals terrace

No one would suspect this old neighboring stone-and-wood barn structure  would provide the concealed entry such a cool and contemporary home set back from the road, half-hidden in a hollowed-out crater on the hill.

Plans, sections and 3D diagrams from the designers show how the core structure is tucked into the hillside, while an earth-carved tunnel connects to the main understated entryway.

Villa Vals view from terrace

Meanwhile, fresh photographs show off its performance in various seasons and lighting conditions – a warm recessed little retreat tucked cozily under the snow and glowing bright at night.

The Villa Vals is a part-time rental, too, so if you are shooting to stay far away from the rest of the world, you could do worse than a quiet town in the remote mountains of southern Europe.

Villa Vals kitchen
Villa Vals living room

“The villa is reached via an old, Graubünder-stable, which offers room for bikes on the top floor, a ping-pong table, skis, gardening tools and terrace furniture. An underground tunnel with skylights connects the ground floor of the shed with the actual villa.”

Villa Vals bedroom

“The house, which is situated six meters above the stables and is approximately 160 m2 in size, is completely dug out of the mountainside. It is located directly next to the famous Therme Vals, designed by Peter Zumthor. It offers room for ten people (with a maximum of 12, in case at least 4 of which are children). A big glass façade opens out onto the terrace (60 m2) and offers spectacular views on green alp meadows, snow-coverd hillsides and mountaintops.”

Villa Vals rent home Switzerland
Villa Vals at night

“A spring of crystal-clear ‘Valserwasser’ originates on the terrace. The house consists of six rooms and a plot of 1.300 m2 of private land. The living room, open kitchen and library annex bedroom with private bathroom are all situated overlooking the terrace. On the first floor there are three spacious bedrooms.”