There are numerous activities to discover. Cats, a dog, miniature dwarf goats, horses and a natural garden where exquisite ingredients are grown for the farm’s own jams, schnapps and juices complete a perfect farm vacation. Due to its proud 500 years, the traditional farm today conveys an unmistakably rustic and rustic charm, which has been skillfully complemented with modern elements.
Familiy Buiness
1745
Gutental, Alland, Austria
The original farm name “Spelbauer” is a reminder of the now long-forgotten “Spelhöfe”, which were intended to block the crossing in the Gutental valley between Schwechattal and Triestingtal. Presumably destroyed by the Turks in 1529, it was officially named Neupauhof after being rebuilt.It has been the family farm of the Grasel family since 1754. Today, the traditional farmhouse conveys a rustic and quaint charm due to its historic past. Between lush green meadows and vast forests, which were loved and appreciated by Beethoven and other important philosophers and artists, there are numerous activities to discover. In such a familiar atmosphere, a pleasant end to an exciting outdoor day on the terrace or a picnic in the countryside is of course a must.
Erika lovingly looks after the guests, their wishes and concerns. She also conjures up delicious delicacies, fine jams and juices using the finest ingredients from the natural garden and is responsible for keeping the farm in tip-top shape. Rudi is a passionate farmer. He looks after the farm, the numerous cows, meadows and forests and makes sure that everything runs smoothly. Michael will take over the rustic farm in a few years’ time. Until then, he works on his own business, spends a lot of time in the forest and diligently supports his parents with the farming and forestry. Shereen diligently supports her boyfriend Michael and the Grasel family with the new riding stables and lovingly makes sure that all the horses feel at home at the Waldhof. Old farmer Rudi is the former master of the house. He diligently supports the younger generations wherever he can or enjoys the peace and quiet at Waldhof Grasel. What would the farm be without animal support? The young dog Emma curiously watches over the farm, always up for a game. Run by the Grasel family since 1754, Waldhof Grasel is a place where time seems to have stood still. Between lush green meadows and vast forests, which were already loved and appreciated by Beethoven and other important philosophers and artists, the Gutental is an El Dorado for sports enthusiasts. After an outdoor day with beautiful hiking trails, direct cycle paths, fantastic rock formations or a relaxing day at the spa, the Waldhof Grasel awaits you with a cozy room and a stress-free atmosphere. If you take a look out of the window, you will immediately see miniature dwarf goats looking forward to being stroked and horses standing in the paddock. All this against a backdrop of lush green meadows and forests as far as the eye can see. Just 15 minutes away, in the famous spa town of Baden, thermal springs, numerous shopping opportunities and an exciting evening program await you.
Multifunctional agriculture involves qualitative improvements in production and sales. This includes finding product gaps and utilising the farm for non-agricultural activities. When implementing innovations, the focus is not only on the financial aspect. Rather, it is about a philosophy of life and realising a fulfilled life on the farm. The expansion of sales channels and the creation of several mainstays are important strategies for increasing stability. By utilising several distribution channels, a company spreads the risk. If one channel is struggling (e.g. due to market changes or external factors), other channels can compensate. Different sales channels reach different customer segments. Retail shops, online shops, wholesalers and marketplaces appeal to different types of customers. By expanding its sales channels, a company can address a broader target group. Multiple pillars mean more opportunities to sell products or services. This can lead to an increase in sales, especially if the various channels are utilised effectively. Companies with multiple pillars are more flexible and can adapt more quickly to market changes. If one sales channel is no longer effective, the company can switch to another. Overall, expanding sales channels and creating multiple pillars is a smart strategy to strengthen a company’s resilience and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Renovating a farmhouse and investing in guest rooms offers both benefits and challenges. Farmhouses often have a unique charm and a rich history. By renovating, you can preserve this character while adding modern comforts. Farms often offer a lot of space that can be used for guest rooms. You can convert the old pigsty or other outbuildings into cosy accommodation. Funding opportunities: In some cases, you can get funding to renovate historic buildings. This can reduce costs and support the process. Renovating a farmhouse takes time, money and patience. Old building fabric can pose unexpected problems that can cause additional costs. Proper insulation and moisture exchange are critical to keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer. This requires careful planning and implementation. Overall, renovating a farmhouse can be a worthwhile investment if you want to preserve the historic charm while providing modern amenities. Furnishing a guest room can be an exciting challenge, especially if the available space is limited. If you want to create a guest room in a room that is already in use, such as the living room, a room divider can be a practical solution. A simple drywall can divide the room and create a separate sleeping area. The construction of guest rooms on a farm requires careful planning and consideration of various aspects. When designing the guest rooms, it is important to consider the external appearance of the farm. The new accommodation should be harmoniously integrated into the existing farmstead. Utilisation of the existing building fabric for the guest rooms. The guest rooms should be comfortable and cosy. Consider what equipment is necessary to offer guests a pleasant stay. Make sure the furnishings are functional, the sanitary facilities are clean and the beds are comfortable.
The rooms should meet the needs of the guests. It is essential to obtain information about the legal requirements for letting guest rooms on a farm. This may vary depending on the region and country. Guest rooms on a farm offer the opportunity to experience everyday life on a farm. Friendliness and hospitality are therefore particularly important. You have to think about what you want to emphasise. Overall, setting up guest rooms on a farm is a worthwhile investment that should be approached with careful planning and attention to detail.
Planning investments in a guest room requires careful consideration and budgeting. Before starting, it’s crucial to set a clear budget to control spending. An investment plan should list all initial and start-up phase costs, including renovation, furnishing, and advertising. Ongoing expenses like cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and taxes should also be factored in. Exploring subsidies available in certain regions is advisable. Developing a unique concept and considering long-term payoff in line with your business plan is essential.
A guest room is a vital part of any home, providing guests with a comfortable space to rest. High-quality mattresses and comfortable furnishings are essential. Ample storage space, such as a wardrobe or chest of drawers, bedside table with a reading lamp, and a comfortable seating area, contribute to a welcoming environment. Personal touches like pictures or accessories add warmth and make guests feel at home. Additionally, curtains or blinds for regulating daylight and ensuring privacy, as well as darkening options for a restful sleep, enhance the guest experience.
When considering the design and layout of the guest room, functionality and convenience should be prioritized. A clutter-free space with easy access to necessities ensures guest comfort. Avoiding walk-through rooms or layouts that require constant movement to access items is important. Curtains or blinds not only regulate daylight but also provide privacy and contribute to a cozy atmosphere.
To further personalize the guest room, hosts can add small touches that reflect their hospitality and attention to detail. This could include providing reading materials, toiletries, or refreshments, tailored to the preferences and needs of guests. Creating a welcoming atmosphere through thoughtful design and amenities can leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat visits or positive recommendations to others.
The Farms’ Charm project aims to develop learning materials to educate small and medium-sized farmers in possible ways of starting their agritourism activities which will help them not only diversify their incomes but also promote their farm products directly to consumers. All that while reviving the rural areas and local communities and promoting a sustainable way of tourism which is in line with the tendencies of slowing down and staying longer at one area.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The content of this website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
