All Things Considered
Online journal by St. Jude's – British printmaking and textiles designed by printmaker Angie Lewin, painter printmaker Mark Hearld, British workwear designers Old Town and others.
Pension Briol
Posted by Simon Lewin
Whilst Angie & I share Kate's enthusiasm for a night under canvas, this is based on fond memories rather than active participation. Visiting Kate & Stuart at their idyllic campsite on the North Norfolk coast last year, we were inspired enough to buy a new tent. Though I'm embarrassed to say it's still in its box.
It will come out some time this year, but until then I think we'll still keep an eye out for accommodation with four walls and a roof.
On a recent stumble round the web I came across a link to Pension Briol which has previously been featured in World of Interiors. It's now near the top of our list of must visit destinations.
Situated high in the Dolomites, the building was designed in 1928 by artist Hubert Lanzinger and is a rare example of Bauhaus design in the Alps.
The current owner's great-grandmother, Johanna, had decided that she would like to own a piece of mountain to celebrate the birth of her children - 15 in all. Briol was built with family members each owning a piece of the surrounding land. Johanna also imposed three rules - no fences, no selling to anyone other than family members and that nature must be respected. Briol is still managed on the basis of these rules.
The building was created from stone and wood and the 13 rooms are spartanly furnished - with spruce floors that are still washed with water and Marsiglia soap.
With the final approach to the pension by foot, I can't think of a better place to get away from it all.
Posted by Simon Lewin on March 15th, 2007