There are people who, when you see them in the morning, are able to brighten up your day with their sunny disposition. Frau Mair, who instantly asked me to call her 'Manuela', is one such person. She is one of those women who even keep a smile on her face when telling you of the stress that accompanied starting up her 'private rooms' venture. “It was really busy at first and there were a few clouds on the horizon“. There are none now though, and now her house is full of sunshine, too.

So, 'Haus Sonnschein' has two holiday flats – when were they made?

“The flats are spacious and bright“ reports Manuela, justifiably proud. “In a rural style, as goes with us and our surroundings. Our house is in Mölten, after all. Most of all, I wanted our guests to feel at home in the flats. However, I think that depends more on what type of reception they get and how they are welcomed than on the furnishings of their temporary accommodation.“



How do you receive your guests?

“Well, I just think about what I would wish for if I were a guest here.“ She laughs. “It is important to feel welcome. When you decide to stay in private rooms, you also want to have contact with the owners. You would like to be a genuine part of things for a certain length of time and not be on the receiving end of some contrived hospitality. I would like to show our guests that we enjoy having them here, and share the nice things around us with them.“ Manuela has a quick think. “Actually, guests make me aware of lots of things.We have got so used to our wonderful views and spectacular countryside. But the spot where our house 'Sonnschein' is standing is really special, and this is something that our guests remind us of.“

What was it like having guests in your house for the first time?

“The first time naturally you are very nervous; you simply hope that the guests will like it here. But when they give you positive feedback on departure, then you know that you're doing it right and that they are taking a little bit of happiness back with them.“

Do you have any wishes for the future?

“We would like to specialise in families with children. Our spacious holiday flats with two separate bedrooms and bathroom with washing machine are particularly suitable for even large families. Our house and large garden with its pets (guinea pig, dwarf rabbits and Moritz the tomcat) are perfect for the little ones! The surrounding area, and countryside around Mölten too. And as we have three little rascals of our own we know what children and also parents and grandparents need to feel at home.

3 children, 2 holiday flats, 1 house with garden. A real superwoman with a sunny disposition. Dear Manuela – thanks for this talk.

PS: Manuela and her husband Reimund's efforts have paid off. Haus Sonnschein has now been awarded 4 gleaming suns...