This two-story villa near Graz, dating back to at least the early 17th century, has profound historical ties to Stift Rein, the world's oldest active Cistercian monastery. Originally constructed as a residence for the monastery's secular administrators, the villa’s floor plans have remained remarkably intact, providing a rare window into the spatial organization of the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras. Around 1900, two Viennese families transformed the property into a summer cottage, adding most of the current architectural features. During this time, caretakers began living in two western ground-floor rooms. The recent renovation focused on modernizing heating, electrical, and sanitary systems, while meticulously restoring the original vaulted and timber ceilings, historical plasterwork, stucco, doors, and locks.

The poorly executed 20th-century modifications—such as windows, balconies, partition walls, and toilet booths—were removed due to their dilapidated state and lack of respect for the villa’s historic character. A new extension to the west, replacing the former caretaker’s entrance and staircase, now houses a guest apartment with a bedroom and bathroom. Elevated about one meter above the other ground floors due to an underlying vaulted cellar, the timber-framed extension features a triangular porch that bridges the height difference and site slope. Clad in grey larch, the extension contrasts with the villa’s whitewashed stone and brick walls. The triangular porches provide sheltered outdoor spaces while preserving the shading provided by nearby plum trees.