When children cautiously befriend each other within minutes of arrival – and by the end of the stay can’t quite imagine leaving – you know something special has happened. Days here go beyond a simple getaway. They’re shaped by warm encounters with the hosts, the quiet magic of new friendships and those wonderfully simple, nature-filled moments that linger long after you’ve returned home.

What Veronika and Martin have created on their farm, right in the heart of Mühlbach, is difficult to pin down – because it’s less a concept and more a feeling. One that settles in almost instantly: a sense of being welcome, at ease, able to exhale. All of this unfolds within the refined setting of a beautifully renovated farmhouse with over 500 years of history. Here, holiday life and farm life blend seamlessly, with shared family experiences taking centre stage. Whether it’s feeding the cows, collecting fresh eggs or simply playing outside, everyday moments quickly turn into small adventures – especially for the youngest guests.

With just seven rooms tucked beneath its roof, O’Mama family time keeps things deliberately small – and all the more special for it. The aesthetic is clean and understated, yet deeply inviting. Much of that comes down to the materials: wood sourced from the family’s own forest, handwoven linen passed down from a great-grandmother, and original 500-year-old wooden structures thoughtfully woven into the design.

The layout, however, is what truly sets it apart. These are spaces designed not only with parents in mind, but with children just as thoughtfully considered. A cosy nook beneath a panoramic skylight, a snug sleeping alcove with soft linens and gentle night lights, even a swing right in the living area – every detail feels intuitive, never overdone.

At the heart of the house is the living room – a space that lives up to its name. This is where days unfold: eating, playing, reading, unwinding. Perhaps by the crackling fireplace, tucked into one of the inviting seating corners, or by the large panoramic window. Children gravitate towards the indoor play area with its climbing tower and slide, while parents might browse the library, help themselves at the honesty bar or gather everyone for a board game or two.

After a day spent in the mountains, the private spa offers a slower kind of pleasure. Located on the rooftop of the newer building and available by prior booking, it’s designed for families to unwind together. Think Finnish sauna with sweeping views over Mühlbach and the surrounding peaks, an invigorating cold tub, and a soothing hot tub to sink into afterwards. The perfect finish: stretching out on the sun terrace or retreating to the quiet relaxation room, wrapped in that lingering sense of calm.

Mornings begin the way they should on a farm: a visit to the chickens, a peek into the barn and a quick “hello” to the goats and the rabbit – all before breakfast. It’s simple, hands-on and exactly what children love.

But it’s not just the animals that keep little ones happily busy. Outside, a generous sand and mud play area invites digging, building and getting gloriously messy. Inside, a well-equipped creative studio encourages painting and crafting, while the indoor play area is all about climbing, sliding and letting imaginations run free.

For quieter moments, the library offers a thoughtful selection of children’s books, puzzles and games – perfect for winding down. And even in the rooms, younger guests are gently considered, with soft toys, books and cosy corners that make it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Mornings at O’Mama family time start with a generous breakfast rooted in the farm itself: hay milk, fresh eggs and homemade jams, complemented by regional cheeses, juices and, of course, coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

But the real luxury? Once the children are happily fed, they can dash straight into the adjacent play area – while parents linger just a little longer over breakfast, perhaps with a second cup of coffee. Unhurried, easy, just as it should be.

In the evening, the restaurants of Mühlbach are only a short stroll away. And yet, more often than not, guests choose to stay in. There’s something wonderfully relaxed about gathering in the living room with a simple spread, a takeaway pizza or local delicacies picked up during the day. The kitchen area – used for breakfast in the morning – is open to guests throughout the day, fully stocked with dishes, cutlery and glassware. Add a glass of wine or a refreshing lemonade from the honesty bar, and dinner becomes less of an occasion and more of a moment to enjoy together.

Set right at the gateway to the Puster Valley, O’Mama family time makes exploring South Tyrol wonderfully easy. Within just a few minutes’ drive, you’ll find yourself in the Gitschberg Jochtal ski and hiking area; half an hour takes you to the wide-open alpine pastures of Rodeneck and Lüsen; and in just 15 minutes by bus, you’re in the charming town of Brixen. Thanks to excellent public transport connections – and the complimentary South Tyrol GuestPass – getting around without a car is just as effortless.

One of the region’s highlights, year-round, is the Lüsen plateau. Whether covered in snow or bathed in summer light, it’s a place of vast panoramas and gentle trails – with plenty of mountain huts along the way, each inviting you to pause for something delicious. The nearby Gitschberg offers its own seasonal charm: skiing and tobogganing in winter, or leisurely alpine hikes with culinary stops in the warmer months.

For a change of pace, Brixen is always worth the short journey. Wander its historic streets, browse the weekly market, dip into small boutiques or simply sit back with a cappuccino or aperitif and watch the world go by. Compact yet full of character, it’s the perfect counterpoint to days spent in the mountains – and not just when the weather turns.

CIN: IT021074B5VECPP96L

True to the Mountain Hideaways philosophy, every image in this story was captured during our personal stay.

All images © Mela Hipp, 2025

Published: 2025 | Last Updated: 27.03.2026