Hotel Chesa Salis

Six years later, Rudolf von Salis had the prominent Engadine architect Nicolaus Hartmann Sr (1838-1903) remodel the farm house into a splendid residence. Hartmann succeeded in combining the two buildings, aptly joining characteristic Engadine architecture with the Historicism then in fashion. He subdivided the façade by framing the windows and doors with house sayings and sgraffiti, creating an effect akin to ashlar masonry. He made skillful use of wrought iron and added wooden balconies with 'Swiss chalet' style decorations to the south elevation. Inside he created rooms and apartments with painted or fine Arolla pine paneling and stucco ceilings; each room had its own distinct design. In 1982, the house was converted into a comfortable hotel with 18 guest rooms. The former living rooms on the main floor (the Von Salis Stube and the Arven Stüvetta) became lounges, the restaurant and kitchen were set up in the former barn. Since 2003, the new owners have continued to renovate the hotel based on a carefully thought-out concept in line with a traditional Engadine style. The old floors, walls and ceilings and the historic furniture have been skillfully combined with new furnishings made of local Arolla pine. The Chesa Salis in Bever has been a member of Swiss Historic Hotels since 2006.