As always, let’s start with a bit of geography: This hidden gem is located in the far south of Austria, in the deepest part of Styria near the Slovenian border. The small village of Großwalz stands out for its rolling hills, numerous vineyards, and charming little roads. A true jewel with just 129 residents and – brand new – a Pretty Hotel.
Welcome to The Old School Guesthouse.
THE HOSTS
Petra (from Styria) and Oliver (from England) first met at the Four Seasons Hotel in London. These two hotel enthusiasts went on to gain experience at various stops before moving to Vienna. Fun fact: In the Austrian capital, Oliver had the chance to refine his culinary skills at the renowned gourmet hotspot Steirereck.
But their dream of combining excellent cuisine with a small, personal guesthouse only came to life with the opening of The Old School Guesthouse. Over the past few years, they have almost entirely transformed the former school into a secluded retreat with their own hands. It now features a pool, sauna, a spacious show kitchen (where food retreats are also hosted), and six cozy rooms.
The Kitchen
At the heart of the house lies the open kitchen studio, a space designed by Oliver himself. It’s his creative workshop and greatest pride. At The Old School Guesthouse, dinner isn’t just a meal – it’s an integral part of the experience.
Before your arrival, you’ll be asked about any dietary preferences or restrictions. Dinners, served on Mondays and Saturdays, are carefully planned in advance and stand out as a true highlight of your stay. Oliver sources all ingredients from local producers in the surrounding area, letting the seasons dictate the menu. Whatever is fresh and available is transformed into a culinary masterpiece.
The garden, thoughtfully planted, not only provides seasonal fruits and vegetables but also features mostly edible plants, inviting endless opportunities for creative experimentation in the kitchen.
Breakfast at The Old School Guesthouse is a multi-course journey – with a distinctly British touch. P.S.: Every dish is served on bespoke, handcrafted ceramics designed by Sascha, a former colleague from the hospitality industry, now a close friend and talented ceramic artist.
The Rooms
Each of the six double rooms offers a unique feature, making them equal in quality yet delightfully distinct. Whether it’s a balcony, a cozy window seat, or a sofa nook that can double as an extra bed, every room has its own charm. The bathrooms are as spacious as the rooms themselves, with natural light streaming into every corner.
What we love most: The personal touches everywhere. From herbal soaps made with plants from the guesthouse garden in collaboration with a local pharmacy, to watercolor paintings by an old university friend adorning the walls, every detail tells a story.
Special 1
You can also rent the entire house exclusively. It accommodates up to 14 overnight guests and up to 40 people for dining.
Special 2
During the off-season, Petra and Oliver host themed cooking class weekends – a highly recommended experience. The open-concept kitchen is designed to be the centerpiece of the space, allowing guests at the large table to watch every step of the culinary process up close.
Location
The Old School Guesthouse is nestled in an idyllic, remote location. To explore the South Styrian region independently, having a car is highly recommended. For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, Graz – a UNESCO World Heritage City renowned for its vibrant creative scene – is just an hour’s drive to the north.
For guests arriving by train, Petra is happy to arrange a transfer from the nearest station.
Best time to arrive
It’s hard to pick the best time to visit. In spring, the vineyards are in full bloom, while autumn is alive with festivals celebrating the grape harvest. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the pool. In winter, the guesthouse transforms into a cozy retreat, ideal for quiet getaways with cooking weekends and rejuvenating sauna sessions.
Price
Doubles from 300 euros per night including breakfast.
CONTACTS & BOOKING
The Old School Guesthouse
Großwalz 1
8463 Schloßberg
Austria
+43 677 634 155 66
