The Stalla d’Immez has been a recognizable silhouette in the Alpine village of Santa Maria Val Müstair since the 1600s. After centuries of agricultural use, the owners launched a restoration project in 2020, working hand-in-hand with the Grisons Heritage Office to ensure every alteration respected the structure’s historic fabric. The result is a seamless blend of old and new: original stone walls, lime plaster, and faint traces of Gothic ornamentation remain visible, while a spruce-and-larch roof still crowns the former hayloft at a soaring eight metres.
Preserving the exterior envelope
The building’s envelope stays true to its agrarian roots. Stone masonry, left largely untouched, supports the hefty timber roof, which continues to shelter the space exactly as it did for livestock centuries ago. The lime-based plaster, a traditional Alpine finish, has been carefully repaired rather than replaced, allowing the façade to breathe while retaining its authentic patina. Even the remnants of medieval-style decorative carving have been conserved, offering a subtle reminder of the barn’s once-functional artistry.
Interior transformation and spatial choreography
Inside, the 151 sqm volume has been re-imagined as an open-plan residence. Reclaimed floorboards from the original structure have been raised to create a central platform, while sections of the lower tier are finished with polished concrete, delivering a modern contrast that highlights the historic materiality. The former hay track, still suspended overhead, serves as a striking architectural feature, echoing the building’s original purpose.
The heart of the home gathers around a freestanding stove nestled beneath the timber ribs, providing both warmth and a visual anchor. Adjacent to the stove, the kitchen, dining, and living zones flow fluidly, encouraging convivial gatherings. Two sleeping quarters occupy separate levels, linked by a sleek steel staircase that adds a contemporary touch without detracting from the barn’s rustic character. From the upper loft, floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic vistas of Piz Lad and Piz Terza, allowing the Alpine landscape to become an ever-present backdrop.
Potential for future expansion
Beneath the main living area lies the former stable, largely preserved in its original layout. Listed in the sales dossier as “potential expansion space,” this lower volume offers the possibility of adding guest rooms, a workshop, or additional storage while still respecting the heritage constraints imposed by the Grisons authorities.
Market positioning and sale details
The property is marketed through Poetic Walls at a price of CHF 990,000. Its unique combination of historic authenticity, high-quality materials, and contemporary Alpine living standards positions it as a rare opportunity for buyers seeking a residence that is both a cultural artifact and a comfortable home. The listing emphasizes the careful collaboration with heritage officials, the preserved structural elements, and the expansive mountain outlook, all of which contribute to its premium valuation.
The conversion of Stalla d’Immez exemplifies how thoughtful restoration can breathe new life into centuries-old agricultural buildings, offering modern comfort without erasing the narrative etched into stone, timber, and plaster.
