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.

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.

Newsletter Sign Up

Get the latest design news!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest design news.

Thanks for subscribing! Expect a newsletter with the latest out-of-the ordinary designs and innovation soon.

Sign Up

I agree to receive emails from the site. I can withdraw my consent at any time by unsubscribing. Dornob's privacy policy.

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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

The post Underground Passage Connects Barn to Hidden Home first appeared on Dornob.