Verena's Boutique Villa au Lac Part I
In a small village, 30minutes away from Luzern, there's Sachseln, part of the canton of Obwalden, where Verena's Boutique Villa au Lac is located. A Guesthouse with six comfortable rooms (three single and three double rooms) divided into two floors facing the beautiful Sarnersee.
The village's name is derived from Saxula, the Latin name for Little Rock. Why this specific name has been granted to the village is unclear, but it explains why in the breakfast buffet of the Guesthouse, you will find Little Rocks holding the signs. In turn, the naming of the House has a more concise explanation - it is called by the owner's name - Vreni (officially Verena) Eisele-Willmann.
In 2019 Vreni overtook what used to be a villa to transform it into a Hampton-like Guesthouse. All the rooms, details and arrangements were ready shortly before the pandemic hit at the beginning of 2020. It has been two difficult years for the newly started entrepreneur.
Now that the pandemic seems to be easing, it is time to uplift the business a bit more and spread the word. to give it all a fresh look and start, I stayed here for a while (I ended up staying more than initially intended, simply because it felt good to feel at home 🖤).
Upon arrival, you can see and feel that Vreni does what she loves most. With "Herz & Blut", as the German saying goes. Hospitality at heart.
The rooms and the entire atmosphere of the House is one of cosiness, a "home outside of home". The view of the lake and the surrounding mountains makes it feel as if nature invades the spaces. As if you were in the swiss kind of Hampton's.
There is also the option of renting the entire house and booking served dinners or apéros when in bigger groups.
In the morning, a rich buffet awaits for you, with cheese from the region, different types of bread, yoghurt, muesli, fruit salad and all the other musts for a rich breakfast. All carefully prepared by Vreni herself, who, by the way, runs a one-woman show - she's the owner, the hostess, the cook, the housekeeping, bookkeeper and every other (wo)manpower needed in the hospitality sector.
During the day, you can discover the region or relax with a good book or walk by the lake. If you're up for exploring, various options await you. Sachseln is strategically located, with easy access to Luzern and Interlaken and different known peaks such as Melchsee-Frutt and Hasliberg, less than an hour away with the car. If you're travelling with public transportation, everything is also super accessible, with the peaks being approx. 1hour away. The Guesthouse is right next to the station, so you're well connected in whichever method of transportation you choose to travel.
For those who wish to relax, the lake is simply stunning. And the little village is cute, with the centre being a street with a pharmacy, a flower shop, a supermarket and a bakery/coffee shop all aligned with the church at the end. There's not much more, but all super cutely done, surrounded by mountains with seagulls and falcons flying in the blue sky. One has the impression of being in one of those movies portraying a small village's life.
If you walk 10minutes away from the centre, you will come to the Bio-Familia factory and factory store. Bio-Familia is the producer of the well-known Swiss Müeslis (used by the Swiss citizens to make their daily Birchermüesli - a local dish with yoghurt, fruits, milk and cereals). In the factory store, you will find not only their products though, but they have also put together a selection of products made by locals - from seasoned salt to sweet nuts, from creams to bags—the perfect spot to guarantee a souvenir gift for the ones back home.
While staying here, I had the opportunity to experience the famous "Lozärner Fasnacht", aka Lucerne's carnival festivities. Starting on the so-called "Dirty Thursday" (Schmutziger Dunstig), at 5 am in Lucerne and going until the following Tuesday, with a lot of Guggenmusik (the typical carnival music) and people of all ages dressed up and partying in the streets. There's a story behind the tradition that I advise you to ask Vreni if you're interested in knowing more. She'll explain to you all the details related to the cultural event, where it stems from, and why the people wear scary masks while drumming in the streets ;)
All in all, I have to say, this place is worth visiting (and it is also worth taking the time for it, aka slow travelling). Vreni, a true local, will be more than happy to give you tips and share with you interesting stories. The Guesthouse will be a place you will be happy to go back to at the end of the day.
I can't wait to be back here to explore it further during summertime!
