Those who want to sleep, sit, or lie down well need one thing above all: a high-quality base. At Wittmann in the Kamptal, this secret has been well understood for almost 130 years. In Toni Mörwald’s new Gutshof, where Wittmann upholstered furniture is placed throughout the house, gastronomy and comfort come together in perfect harmony.
There are many good reasons to make the journey to the Kamptal. One is the picturesque landscape, with its gently rolling vineyards and winding river loops – not to mention the region’s signature Grüner Veltliner. Another is the classical concerts held in the architecturally striking Wolkenturm in Grafenegg. And amid breathtaking vistas, the warm sounds of violins, and the scent of ripe grapes, there is yet another delightful reason to visit.
Here at Wittmann in the tranquil town of Etsdorf, beautifully designed upholstered furniture has been handcrafted for nearly 130 years, from classics like Josef Hoffmann’s Alleegasse sofa to newcomers such as Jaime Hayon’s Tuya armchair. Not far from there, guests can relax in Toni Mörwald’s newly opened Gutshof, enjoying the comfort of Wittmann beds and chairs throughout the house.
Some gifts never lose their value. Just like my first press goodie: a simple leather keychain embossed with eight letters: W I T T M A N N. Since then—around 15 years ago—it has held various keys. Some are added, some are lost, yet the leather strap has withstood every job and home change.
A companion for life, just as enduring as the furniture it represents.
Even the company’s façade, a grid of square windows with metallic details in Otto Wagner green, hints at timelessness. But what isn’t visible from the outside is the network of workshops inside, where armchairs, sofas, and beds are crafted entirely under one roof: from the metal frame to the mattress. For nearly 130 years, Wittmann has represented craftsmanship as a total work of art. It carries history, yet without being historic.
Recently, the Austrian furniture manufacturer has been led by a Dane with extensive industry experience and a special passion and expertise for furniture. And as CEO Bo Thuesen guided me through the expansive site during my visit, explaining each stage of production, there was a sense of childlike wonder, something reminiscent of the curiosity sparked by The Show with the Mouse.
In the metal workshop, the production process begins with custom-made metal frames. From there, the journey continues through the warehouse of prefabricated wooden structures, on to the strapping stage, and then into the preliminary upholstery workshop. The first thing that catches the eye here is the color—foam in yellow, blue, and pink. Not for design purposes, but simply because each color represents a different density. Layer by layer, they are glued together like a sandwich, sometimes even combined on the same level, to create precisely the subtle qualities that will later be invisible.
Hidden inside, invisible in the finished product, yet the element that makes all the difference. Seating and reclining comfort is Wittmann’s core expertise, which is why Bo Thuesen has removed many items from the range that do not directly serve comfort, such as lamps or tables. In the sewing workshop, a wide variety of fabric and leather panels take shape before being draped and pulled tight over the frame. Finally, each finished piece is inspected, fitted with a plaque, packaged, and sent out into the world: or simply to the nearby village of Feuersbrunn am Wagram.
Here, where top chef Toni Mörwald breathes new life into his home village, revitalizing abandoned inns, guesthouses, and wine cellars into places of enjoyment and hospitality. The new Gutshof is a perfect example, where the comfort of Wittmann furniture is immediately noticeable. Take, for instance, the Leslie chairs and bar stools by Soda Designers, with their mix of leather and wood. Or the colorful Vuelta sofas and armchairs by Jaime Hayon, whose backs and sides flow in a single, seamless line, almost tenderly embracing those who take a seat.
Toni Mörwald’s kitchen adds its own touch to the sense of comfort. At his Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, Toni M., guests enjoy Austrian cuisine with a cosmopolitan outlook, often accompanied by a glass or two of fine wine, before heading to the bar or back to their room.
Bathed in the warm glow of Occhio lights, a Wittmann piece patiently awaits its turn to gift the guest the rest it promises: a handcrafted bed with a mattress that alone requires 115 steps to create. Do I need to mention how well I slept? Probably not. Or perhaps I should, since the next morning my husband greeted me with, “You look so relaxed.” And that, perhaps, is the best reason to visit the Kamptal.
photos: CWN; Wittmann
