This 16th century building is the product of the ‘plastic hands of time’ and sits opposite a facade classed as a historical monument in the middle of the town square of Barr, in Alsace. Originally the town hall, the building has been beset by a series of remarkable events over its history: two fires, a 7-year refurbishment process, a sale at auction and a buyer that transformed it into a restaurant.
It has now taken on its umpteenth guise thanks to the farsightedness of new owner Jean-Daniel Seltz, who has chosen to transform it into a luxury hotel. 5 Terres Hôtel & Spa draws much of its inspiration from its roots. The famous Alsace Wine Route passes through Barr, Wine Capital of Bas-Rhin, attracting and winning over connoisseurs with its increasingly organic production. The entire architectural redevelopment operation, carried out by SELTZ Constructions, owned by Seltz, was also based on a detailed conservative restoration project, combined however with a contemporary vision.
Beams and reticulated structures made of fir, sandstone from the Vosges and walls of brick and old tiles are harmoniously combined with contemporary elements, like the large glass window that covers the lobby, to exalt their original simplicity.
The integration of the ‘old and the new’ continues in the choice of materials and furnishings, many of which designed by Seltz himself. Oak, leather, stone, marble and velvet are paired with designer elements like the elegant and timeless pieces by Flexform and Mood. The natural colours of the Groundpiece and Guscio sofas, of the Thomas and Feel Good armchairs, together with the warm shades of the Tris side tables and the Isabel chairs with the Sun lamps, furnish the luxury 5 Terres Hôtel & Spa in an authentic and modern way.
