Julianhof in Straden: Where you can meet zebras in the middle of the vineyards

2023-10-14 12:06:00

The volcanic country is good for a lot of surprises. The Julianhof in Straden is one of them. Not only is it the only premium district in the wider area, there is also the zebra head in the logo, which you immediately place in Africa. But what connects this distant region with southeast Styria, apart from wine perhaps? Why are people renting a “farmhouse” or “beachhouse” there recently? Questions that arise, even if the two wooden buildings made of local spruce are visually the exact opposite because they fit into the landscape as if they had always been here.

There was once a farmhouse on the property of the Julianhof, which opened at the end of August.
Image: rofi

The story behind it is as interesting as the Julianhof is luxurious. It was written by Nicole and Bernd Rathgeb, two people from Rauris who have fulfilled the much-stressed epitome of a lifelong dream here. The 49-year-old markets tourist properties – those of others. Normally. The 59-year-old is an entrepreneur, craftsman, roofer and “Africa freak,” as he says. The Rathgebs own a house in South Africa, at 1,800 meters above sea level. They have also been regularly holidaying in the Styrian volcanic region for 25 years. The couple agree that they have really fallen in love with the region in recent years – and for many reasons, as they say: “We love the rolling hills, like the culinary diversity, and are always surprised by what’s on offer here “The region has great potential without being overcrowded.” And then there are the people who are friendlier and more relaxed here than elsewhere. Both of their dreams of owning their own tourist property were supposed to come true in South Africa, but because Corona came, they instead bought a dilapidated farm in Straden in a “cloak and dagger campaign”.

I think a zebra is kicking me — The farmhouse is now located on the foundations of the former residential wing.
Image: rofi

Kudu horns and Simba mirrors

“We tried to bring the (South) African style and charm here without it seeming unreal,” says Nicole Rathgeb. And so you find handicrafts from Mozambique, touch kudu horns as you enter the walk-in closet, look into lion-maned samba mirrors, sit on a covered, sunken outdoor lounge while an inflatable zebra swims in the infinity pool. The typical striped pattern can also be found discreetly in the interior. The wine fridge, on the other hand, is stocked with local wines: Sauvignon Blanc from Dunkl, Chardonnay from Scharl, Rosé and Granat from Pock, all winemakers from Straden.

Luxury is manifested here not only in the heated infinity pool, the sauna house, the jacuzzi, the outdoor kitchen with barbecue area and flat screen, but also in the privacy. Breakfast with local specialties is discreetly left in front of the door. You can have the Brettljause from the nearby Buschenschank delivered, have it picked up for the five-course gourmet menu, book a wine tasting indoors, or book a massage or yoga session next to the pool.

The view also guarantees privacy because it does not allow others to see into it. As a guest, you look out over forests, meadows, neat rows of vines and Straden, which has 3,800 inhabitants, a pilgrimage site with 5,000 years of history, which bears its three church towers in its coat of arms and sits – in true Tuscan style – on a hill. Instead of cypresses, vineyards dominate the picture. In Straden’s four districts you will find countless rustic Kellerstöckl, basket weavers, a local poet, Mangalitza pigs, a healing spring and, opposite the Julianhof, the painter Helmut Hable. The native Tyrolean is also in love with the area and has been for 30 years. Back then, he bought a 200-year-old cellar and converted it into a studio. He is currently working on a “huge piece of work” – a ten by four meter work on the theme of “Chaos to Light”, which will roll down from the gallery at Easter in Straden’s Floriani Church to Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation”.

If you’re in the mood for activism here, set off – hiking (600 kilometers on the trail of the volcanoes), cycling (1,700 kilometers on 14 pleasure bike tours) or on your own Vespa through the vineyards.

Only one question remains – why Nicole and Bernd named their refuge Julianhof. “Because my son is called Julian, as is my grandson, my father is a Julius, my mom is a Juliana, my husband’s middle name is Julius and his father was also called that,” says Nicole.

Where to go in Straden and the surrounding area

Der Julianhof is open all year round. The farmhouse (170 m2) offers space for 2 to 5 people (1190 euros/day for 2 people, each additional person 99 euros/day), the beach house (280 m2) for up to 7 people (1390 euros/day for 2 people) (julianhof.at)
This is ideal for a Brettljause Buschenschank Dark Not far from Julianhof, you can sit idyllically in the garden or on the terrace surrounded by vines.
At the Bulldog-Wirt you come to enjoy and look. Among thousands of rarities from the past, you can enjoy lovage soup, roasted liver with polenta and fruit dumplings.
Die Maitz coffee roasting company in St. Anna am Aigen is not only worth a visit because of its roasting. You can have an excellent breakfast here, and the homemade pastries are amazing.