Perched atop the quiet hillside village of Villandro, Italy, the Ansitz Steinbock overlooks the breathtaking surroundings of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Dating back to the 15th century, this Dolomites castle is where history and architecture combine with luxury and exclusivity to cultivate an experience that feels impossibly personal.
Ansitz Steinbock: It’s All in the Name
The name Ansitz Steinbock reveals everything you need to know about what to expect at this boutique accommodation. Ansitz is the South Tyrolean term for noble residence, and more specifically a style of home that is prestigious and impressive yet practical and comfortable. Steinbock refers to the alpine ibex, a handsome, graceful, and rare caprid, which is branded smartly and tastefully throughout the property.
The architecture alone speaks for itself at the Ansitz Steinbock. The original manor house dates back to the 1400s and adjoins a lovingly restored barn, providing space for just 12 gorgeous suites. The exterior of the manor remains much as it was hundreds of years ago, transporting guests to another time and place before they’ve even set foot inside. Once across the threshold, loam-plastered walls, exposed beams, and original door frames with decorative iron fittings invite the imagination to wander the winding halls and staircases with the same playful flicker as the candlelight that illuminates them.
A Dolomites Castle Fit for Modern Royalty
The Ansitz Steinbock experience is simple yet exquisite. Here, the idea of living like royalty isn’t gaudy or garish, it’s refined and romantic. After all, even kings and queens need to kick their shoes off. And what’s more luxurious in these bustling modern times than enjoying life’s simple pleasures? Rather than busying guests with endless amenities, this property focuses on perfecting the small but important details.
Food That Tells The Story of South Tyrol
One of those important details, which is too often overlooked, is the food. Many accommodations treat dining as an afterthought. But the modern story of the Ansitz Steinbock actually begins as a restaurant. Several decades ago, the location was home to a locally-loved tavern serving South Tyrolean food with rudimentary rooms for rent upstairs. The current owner, however, quickly saw the growth potential of the entire property. In time, the upstairs was restored to its better-than-ever glory, as the dining space downstairs was also transformed into a high-end regional dining experience.
Today, the culinary legacy lives on. As morning light streams through the upstairs stube, (a traditional wood-paneled alpine dining room), so too the scents of fresh breads, seasonal fruits, and made-to-order eggs waft through the Steinbock. In the afternoon, aperitivo is observed with religious devotion on the terrace, and a lucky few embark on a private tasting in the wine cellar. For dinner, the a la carte restaurant Stain, occupying the second ground floor stube, serves elevated South Tyrolean classics in an alluring, ambient setting.
For an even more intimate experience, snag a table at La Lumosa, the Steinbock’s fine dining experience. A multi-course menu awaits, where South Tyrolean flavors and influence lend themselves to contemporary works of art created by head chef, René Tschager. Take the advice of your sommelier, and definitely do the wine pairing. Even non-guests vie for highly-sought-after reservations in both restaurants.
Rooms with Living History
There’s never been a more atmospheric entrance to a suite in a Dolomites castle than the weight of a cast iron skeleton key in your hand as the latch turns in an original fitting with a deeply satisfying “click.” Inside, your private corner of the castle is neither pretentious nor performative. Elegance is understated in each of the 12 unique suites at the Steinbock.
Traditional touches including simple handwoven curtains and spruce flooring blend seamlessly with contemporary nods like a waterfall shower and a rotary phone. If a sauna signals luxury, then a private in-room Swedish-style sauna is the new standard to beat, which you’ll find in every room. Despite the appeal of all the wonderful activities in the surrounding area of the Dolomites, you’ll quickly realize some of the most peaceful and memorable moments of your trip will occur within these four walls.
Where Staff Are Stewards of South Tyrol
The most striking feature of the Ansitz Steinbock is the staff, all of whom are remarkably young and incredibly talented. Amongst all the beauty and history, the Ansitz Steinbock must also be the secret training ground for hospitality proteges. Sophia sets the tone with an inviting smile over your morning coffee, Sonja ushers you through dinner with balletic grace, and the house sommelier Bastian generously shares knowledge without condescension, while switching effortlessly between German, Italian, and English. Behind the scenes, the head chef, 25-years-young René Tschager, is quickly accumulating awards and accolades for his artful plates. If dining with Chef René is a lesson in South Tyrolean cuisine, each course is a chapter that moves from ancestral tradition through the present moment towards the possibilities that lie ahead, all told in flavors and presentations that evoke the senses.
At the Ansitz Steinbock helm sits owner Elisabeth, one of the savviest hospitality leaders in the industry. Born and raised in Villandro, Italy, Elisabeth has deep roots in the area and covets her role as ambassador to the Dolomites. Flanked by her impressive staff, Elisabeth sees opportunities where others can’t and has a clear vision that is executed flawlessly. With the guidance of a mentor and the warmth of an old friend, she curates experiences for guests that showcase the region from a local’s perspective with just a flair of glamour.
Villandro, Italy | Gateway to the Dolomites
When (and if!) you’re ready to explore beyond the sanctuary of the Steinbock, a world of wonder awaits. Local wine producers, fabulous hiking trails, and the charming villages of Villandro and Chiusa-Klausen are all at your doorstep.
Venture further up the mountain to Alpe di Villandro, a stunning alpine meadow with sweeping views of the Dolomites’ most prominent peaks. Cover more ground on an e-biking adventure, and when you’re ready for a bit of lunch, you can enjoy a private cooking experience at Elisabeth’s family mountain hut. Try your hand at rolling traditional South Tyrolean dumplings as cows graze in the surrounding pastures–the same herd that also serves Stain and La Lumosa’s locally-sourced menus.
For adventures further afield, Bolzano and Brixen are an easy train connection away. Plus, many of the most popular places in the Dolomites are reachable by car in less than an hour.
The Ansitz Steinbock has become the kind of destination where a three or four-night stay feels less like a vacation and more like a temporary claim to a life you didn’t know you were missing. Most Dolomites accommodations provide a comfortable base for outdoor adventures. This Dolomites castle offers a true retreat–a place of withdrawal and exceptional intimacy. Where other properties focus on ensuring you rest well between activities, this historic residence invites you to slow down enough to embrace the luxury of existing without an agenda and simply enjoy being here.
