A 17th-century house in the Swiss Alps gets a traditional makeover

The building was nicknamed Halbhaus (or “Half House”) since the other side of the house was destroyed to create a parking lot decades ago. The house is 969-square feet over three storeys, with the top floor attic confined by a sloped ceiling.

Due to village regulations that prevent increasing the height of historical buildings, Tuckey had to work within the constraints of the low ceilings. He moved the bedrooms down to the main floor and brought the living room, dining room and kitchen up to the second floor, where he removed part of the attic to allow for higher ceilings. In the kitchen, the whitened wood panels only go partially up the wall to showcase the airiness of the space.

Off the dining room is this nook complete with a wood-burning fireplace. The space features cushioned benches and plenty of throw pillows. These built-in benches can double as extra beds. 


We love the pressed-flower art that hangs behind the staircase. The old wooden chest, which stores extra blankets, was original to the house and was found in the attic. All of the flooring throughout was also original.

Located in the attic, this top-floor bedroom has dramatic sloped ceilings made even more bold thanks to grey paint. While Tuckey designed the wooden bed frame, the cut-out heart chair is a relic form the previous owner.

The daughters’ room on the bottom floor has two twin beds, a wall of double windows and chalet-like wood-panelled walls. Cute girly touches range from the candy-stripe bedspread to the set of stacking dolls on the bedside table.