Where nostalgia,
deep-rooted traditions,
and modern ideas meet
Estate Gurtenhof in Tesimo is a listed building whose history dates back to the 14th century. Over the centuries, the estate has been home to influential farming families and even counts.
Careful, professional restoration has preserved the frescoes, vaulted or coffered ceilings and historic structure. The flair of days gone by has been combined with modern comforts.
This has created space for individual, exclusive apartments where past and present come together in a special way.
We invite you to experience the history of Gurtenhof on a tour of the estate led by the owner.
Gurtenhof –
a lifework
The hosts – Sabine and Erich Knoll
For Sabine and Erich Knoll, Gurtenhof is a buidling steeped in history, which they continue to run with finesse and respect. Here, they combine the old with their own personal touch: attentive and focused on the essentials, with a keen sense for the extraordinary.
They are both dynamic South Tyroleans who have found their calling in a mix of educational work, hospitality, organic farming, and nature. As secondary school teachers, certified organic farmers, and nature lovers, they want to give their guests a taste of the real South Tyrol.
Sabine - a host with a warm heart
She has a great eye for aesthetics, and her signature style is evident throughout the property. Sabine is passionate about creating a ‘home away from home’ feeling that guests can sense immediately – everything, from the way she talks to her small, thoughtful details.
Erich - passionate host and farmer
On his farm tours, he opens not only doors, but entire worlds: little anecdotes, grand stories with fine details that you would rarely discover on your own. He takes his time, personally guiding each guest through this historic estate.
Little tree,
shake yourself!
Organic apricots from the Venosta Valley
Man of the house - Erich, affectionately known as ‘the apricot doctor’ in Venosta, devotes himself to his apricot orchard in Naturno in Val Venosta all year round. In South Tyrol, apricots are called Marillen.
What began over 20 years ago as a somewhat ‘crazy’ idea later earned him the title ‘doctor pruni honoris causa’. When he planted apricot trees in the old apple orchard, people laughed at him. Today, he is one of the first organic apricot growers in the Venosta valley.
From the first blossoms in spring to pruning in autumn, Erich sees through each phase with care and patience. His greatest joy is the harvest at the beginning of July. Guests staying at Gurtenhof are warmly invited to help with the harvest and experience farm life up close.
Sabine turns the sun-ripened fruit into homemade organic apricot jam – a little luxury for a breakfast either in the garden or in your own apartment. In addition, guests are treated to apples, apple juice and wine from organic farms, making for enjoyable evenings in the garden or during Törggelen events in the farm's cellar together with the host in autumn.
"We stayed at Estate Gurtenhof in June 2025. The entire property is unique, from the thick walls of the building dating back centuries to the beautifully landscaped garden.
The holiday apartment had everything our hearts desired. Delicious Tesimo spring water directly from the tap rounded off the overall picture. Our dog was also allowed to come along and felt very much at home there.
The owners, the Knoll family, are friendly and helpful. We will remember this stay for a long time to come.
The village of Tesimo is a little off the beaten track in South Tyrol, which makes the stay even more enjoyable... We highly recommend a stay in Tesimo and in particular at Estate Gurtenhof."
