I’m writing to you from Krakau, a remote spot in western Steiermark (‘Styria’ in English). Steiermark is referred to as the ‘green heart of Austria.’ All of Austria is mind-bendingly gorgeous, but Krakau holds a special place in our family’s heart because my husband’s family has been vacationing here for five generations. We usually come in the summer months and spend our days hiking and picking girolle and cep mushrooms, wild blueberries, and wild strawberries (here is a previous post showing the spectacular summer scenery). In summer, I’ve always longed to see Krakau nestled under a glittering, thick, blanket of snow in winter. I’m not a hot weather and beaches girl, as I’ve mentioned before. Give me mountains, give me snow, give me layers of cosy clothing, and give me a reason to build a fire! There isn’t as much snow this year as usual, but the scenery still doesn’t disappoint.
The rustic Krakau house with a new wood-shingled roof
The other side of the house, the best spot for a coffee in the morning
On a side note, one of the things I am most grateful about when we visit here is the amazing sleep I get. Maybe it is the altitude, maybe it is the clean mountain air, or maybe it is the tranquility of the house and the absolute silence of the nights… I wake up feeling fresh and well-rested. My son also sleeps beautifully here, which helps tremendously. This week, I’ve particularly enjoyed the daily routine of getting my son ready for morning ski lessons, tending to all of the fires in the house (the house is only heated by wood) (did I mention I LOVE making fires!) and exploring this sunlit winter wonderland. Every morning when I wake up and open the bedroom window shutters, this is my spectacular view.
Walking down this road and into the valley, the mountains rise like enormous strong shoulders on either side of you.
I always think the top of the snow covered Preber mountain on the left looks like a dragon’s back. In the closeup photo below, you can almost see the dragon’s ribs!
So, what to wear in a winter wonderland. The locals are all about practical performance wear. I can do that for a couple of days, and then I start to itch for some style. The temperatures have varied from -12 degrees to 10 degrees (10 to 50 degrees Farenheit) in the week we’ve been here, so layering is vital!
Today, I put on a few layers (tank top, long sleeved thermal, tights, socks) and cleverly disguised them with a beautiful wool knit coat. My friend Nikki from Midlife Chic has this coat; I’ve always been very envious of it and have threatened to steal hers! Now I have one of my own, so Nikki’s is safe. I don’t own a single item of clothing in burgundy, except for this faux fur stole (below), so I’m glad to have something quite different to my usual bright colours.
This Roger Vivier handbag provides a blast of colour
If you think getting your heels stuck in the ground at a garden party or outdoor wedding is a pain, just try snow. I had a few moments of feeling like Edina in Ab Fab, sliding around in my completely inappropriate footwear while all the cross country skiers around me gawped in amusement. I also wore the coat with wellies, which were infinitely more practical.
If you are ever in need of a holiday where you go somewhere completely remote, almost off the grid, then this part of Austria is for you! After a few days here, I feel completely recharged. It has been soul-restoring to go on long snowy walks with my son, making up songs, discovering animal tracks (mostly huge rabbits/hares) and letting nature remind me that there ARE still such pristine places in this world. It has been good for my soul to escape the fast lane of London for a week…a holiday in this enchanting snow globe was exactly what I needed.
Coat: Winser London Merino Wrap Coat
Trousers: Winser London Woven Leggings
Bag: Roger Vivier Prismick Marquetry(old) (similar)
Faux Fur Stole: Etsy
Boots: Kurt Geiger (old) (similar)
Linking to: notdressedaslamb, visiblemonday, turningsheadstuesday
31 Comments
Samantha
February 19, 2017 at 2:21 PMOh gosh….it looks SO beautiful there!
The light for your photos is a dream.
I’m not at all envious though….Nope! Not a bit!!! :oP
XXX
Sam
Lisa
February 19, 2017 at 6:31 PMIt really is unbelievably gorgeous here. We have been lucky with the light all week, but it is hard not to squint in photos! You’ll have to come here one day, Sam! xx
mithra ballesteros (@findernotkeeper)
February 19, 2017 at 4:30 PMI too take great pleasure in building fires and make them almost every night. When I was a kid, I played with Lincoln logs, building high towers that were begging to be set aflame. Anyway, I adore the faux fur stole and am considering the international shipping just to own a silver version. Wonderful post!!
Lisa
February 19, 2017 at 6:29 PMI’m glad we didn’t know this about each other when you were in London; I can just see us setting something ablaze! Lincoln logs would be perfect. I have three faux fur stoles and wear them all; they’re such a great way to update any coat, cardigan, or sweater. Let me know what you get! xx
Gail
February 19, 2017 at 4:57 PMIt looks a beautiful place! Your coat looks so dramatic against the snow.
Gail
http://www.isthismutton.com
Lisa
February 19, 2017 at 6:27 PMIt is such a stunning hidden corner of the world. Thank you, Gail! xx
Nancy
February 19, 2017 at 5:25 PMIt s also very beautiful in Summer!
Lisa
February 19, 2017 at 6:25 PMIndeed! xx
Susan B
February 19, 2017 at 6:02 PMGorgeous scenery and love that coat! I’m with you…another Mountain Girl here!
Lisa
February 19, 2017 at 6:25 PMThank you Susan! I had you figured for a beach girl, being in California and all. xx
No Fear of Fashion
February 19, 2017 at 9:10 PMI am getting back to this post to properly read it. Have to go to bed now to be up at 5.30 (normal time alas).
Greetje
notdressedaslamb
February 19, 2017 at 9:54 PMGood lord Lisa – these photos and that scenery are nothing short of absolutely spectacular… It looked so beautiful in the summer, in the winter it’s just magical. I love how you’ve enjoyed the escape and the tranquility (and the sleep), I can imagine just how wonderfully refreshing it is there! Your outfit is stunning against the white snow: That red fur stole with the red coat (I love how the sun makes it look so bright) are gorgeous, but then =squeal!!!!= you add that fave bag of mine. In fact, next time I’m at yours I might distract you while I raid your wardrobe and steal it 😉
hehe =she rubs her hands with glee=
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:27 PMOh I’m SOOOO pleased to hear someone with your photographic skills is loving the photos! It really is a magical place, thank you Catherine. And I’m thrilled with the coat. I”m going off to find a secret hiding place for my bag now 🙂 xx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
February 19, 2017 at 10:01 PMAbsolutely gorgeous! The Lady in red and the breathtaking views:) I have to agree with Samantha, I’m not jealous at all, ha! Lots of love to you… xx Abby
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:25 PMThank you, my love! The views never disappoint there… Hope to see you in April xx
Suzy Turner
February 20, 2017 at 3:40 PMOh WOW it looks absolutely GORGEOUS there!! I’m super envious lol. And I love your burgundy coat. It’s a beautiful colour on you.
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:24 PMThank you, Suzy, it isn’t a colour I wear, so I was a little unsure of it. In sunlight, everything looks pretty fabulous though! xx
Rina
February 21, 2017 at 5:26 AMI loved seeing your photos of this trip on Instagram! The cabin looks so homey nestled in the snow and forest like that and I love that fur collar on your jacket!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:23 PMThanks, Rina! I’m glad you liked all the photos on Instagram.. Austria is like one huge Instagram moment 🙂 xx
Ada
February 21, 2017 at 2:40 PMThese views are breath-taking. Nature at its best in Winter time with all the stunning snow. I love how fresh, sophisticated and modern you look. I love, love your burgundy coat and faux fur stole. =)
Welcome by on Thursdays and linkup with me this week and every Thursday, dear Liz. Thanks and have a lovely week. Ada. =)
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:21 PMThanks so much, Ada. I’m so pleased with the coat! xx
emmawriblog
February 21, 2017 at 2:51 PMWhat a beautiful house in fantastic scenery! There’s nothing like some mountain air to recharge the batteries. I love the fact you took your heels AND wore them! X
Lisa
February 22, 2017 at 2:20 PMThanks so much, Emma… After only a few days back, I feel like I could use some mountain air AGAIN! xx
Stella Asteria
February 25, 2017 at 9:42 PMSuch an amazing place my dear Lisa! I would love to visit it next time we go to Austria! I don’t know how you manage to look so glam and gorgeous even at snow, but you are absolutely nailing it dear! Love this red coat and fur lining, it is so you! <3
Have an amazing weekend my dear!
Love,
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Lisa
February 27, 2017 at 9:24 AMThank you, lovely Stella! I can highly recommend Krakau as a place to escape the world and be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Every little corner is breathtaking. Love to you xx
RetroChicMama
February 26, 2017 at 6:06 PMBreathtaking images Lisa, kudos to the photographer! I couldn’t agree more with your theory that simplifying our lives is a necessity now & then, particularly living in such close quarters to other humans. It’s getting back to nature & clean air that properly recharge our batteries & you have such an enormous amount of space around you there – ahhh paradise.
The contrast of red against the white is spectacular, this post is outstanding my friend – One of, if not THE best ever, brava Bella xxx
Lisa
February 27, 2017 at 9:23 AMThank you so much, Michelle! I’m so pleased you liked it. I am certainly recharged now, and ready for action. xx
No Fear of Fashion
February 26, 2017 at 8:16 PMRight…. read it now. Well I can understand, it is picture perfect. Myself.. nehh not a snow person. The house looks beautiful, what a mansion, but I always start thinking about spiders when I see anything of wood and not white plastered walls…Spiders and me… not a good match.
So you see, although you look lovely in your burgundy coat and fur (killer bag too), I read it with mixed feelings. I bet the locals were indeed amused to see you in those impratical boots haha.
I am glad you are recharged.
Greetje
Lisa
February 27, 2017 at 9:22 AMI didn’t see any spiders, but what I DID see where annoying flies! They come inside to escape the cold air outside. I NEVER see flies in winter, WTF?!
Thank you Greetje, I am indeed fully recharged. I’m gonna need that energy because this week is absolutely crazy. xx
Kerry LifeandLoveskerry
January 17, 2020 at 1:56 PMOh My Goodness Lisa! This is literally the getaway of my dreams. What a spectacular place. No wonder you sleep well. It looks so clean and fresh. Perfect air for good sleep!
Not. Jealous. At. All
Kerry
Lisa
January 20, 2020 at 2:07 PMThanks so much, Kerry! Yes, it is a pretty special place… it makes up for all the pollution I soak up the rest of the year 🙂 xx