- Noémi Vizi
- Photos: RECHungary
- Reading time: 3 minutes
Petit Bois – A Villa in Balatonfüred Designed Around the Spirit of Lake Balaton
Imagine spending hours in the wellness area, then enjoying a drink while admiring the sunset over Lake Balaton. Soft music plays in the background as you prepare for an elegant dinner with your partner in Balatonfüred. A stylish boutique hotel, breathtaking surroundings, and a spectacular view of the lake. This is Petit Bois, which was awarded the Michelin Key in 2025.
We present one of Balatonfüred’s iconic villa buildings, constructed in 1908 beside Kiserdő (Little Forest) on the commission of Béla Töttösy de Egyházasfalu, a royal court judge. The inspiration for the villa came from Prince Francis II Rákóczi’s villa in Rodostó (Tekirdağ), and the holiday home’s original name was also derived from this connection1. In 1917, ownership passed to János Iklódy Szabó, a Member of Parliament, and later, in 1927, to Alice Grüner and the Bánó family through his children. At that time, the villa underwent a major transformation and expansion, taking on a Mediterranean character. It enjoyed an uninterrupted panoramic view of Lake Balaton; the salon and bedrooms were oriented towards the lake, while the service areas faced the forest2. According to a book about Balatonfüred published in the 1930s, it was considered one of the town’s iconic buildings. This is also confirmed by the fact that Janek Mattyasovszky, winner of the 1925 Lake Balaton swimming competition, used the villa as a landmark for orientation3. Returning to its history, the villa’s later residents were deported in May 1944, and as the property was officially left without an owner, it became state property. Emergency apartments and smaller residential units were created inside, but their condition gradually deteriorated. The municipality eventually decided to sell the building and announced a tender in 2020, after which it returned to private ownership. In 2021, the modern chapter of the former Rodostó Villa, today known as Petit Bois, began.
Petit Bois means “little forest” in French. The name is a symbolic choice, as the property is located directly beside Kiserdő in Balatonfüred. Numerous tree species can be found here, but one has a particularly special connection to the site: the Scots pine. Interestingly, this species did not spread to any neighbouring plots, only this one. The Petit Bois logo features the very same pine tree standing beside the entrance, which has become a defining element of the building’s façade. During the renovation, the contractors suggested removing the tree, but the owner refused. As a result, the plans had to be redesigned several times to ensure that the roots of the pine would not be damaged. It appears that the tree has successfully been preserved, and we hope that it will remain an emblematic symbol of this five-star boutique hotel for decades to come. According to the owner’s and his wife’s original plans, the building was intended to become only a small hotel operated by a couple. However, once reconstruction began, they discovered that the villa was far more special than they had initially imagined, with much greater potential.
The owner works in architectural sculpture and restoration; among other projects, their company participated in the reconstruction of the Esterházy Palace in Fertőd, the Festetics Palace in Keszthely, the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, and the Liszt Academy of Music. Therefore, the municipality was confident that the building would be reborn in harmony with the townscape and traditional heritage values, in cooperation with the heritage protection authorities. The restoration was based on the eclectic-style façade known from postcards dating after 1927. The villa was expanded with an additional roof level, creating a truly unique feature while introducing a new function. This is where the Rooftop was created, a bistro operating as a sky bar. Its special attraction is an infinity pool, available exclusively to hotel guests. From here, visitors enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Balaton and the Tihany Abbey. The main building contains 10 suites. The central suite located on the first and second floors is kept open whenever it is not occupied by guests. It creates a feeling of home and functions almost as a communal space. Guests can step out onto the terrace, or use the room for conversations and reading. A piano on the first floor further enhances the elegance and intimate atmosphere of Petit Bois. Small, private weddings for 10–15 guests have already been held in this suite and on its adjoining terrace.
The interior design of the villa follows the original layout, with five suites on each floor. Their terraces offer a breathtaking view of Lake Balaton at any time of the day. Enjoying a glass of wine here, slowing down, and simply taking in the view is a truly special experience. The main building has been masterfully connected with the wing on Sirály Street, which can be accessed by elevator. Here, guests can find an additional three suites inspired by the atmosphere of Bauhaus architecture, each connected to a terrace and garden. The wing also houses the fitness area, as well as a meeting and conference room. During our visit, the owner shared many fascinating details with us. For example, the wall colour was specially created to evoke the waters of Lake Balaton – depending on the angle at which the light falls on it, it appears in different shades. The stucco decorations surrounding the chandeliers were created using existing templates based on ornamental patterns found in other historic buildings. The suspended ceiling evokes the ripples created by a pebble dropped into the Balaton. Almost all flooring throughout the building is made of Hungarian oak, allowing guests walking barefoot to feel the natural texture of the wood grain. The unique scent of the house was created by the Tihany Lavender Manufactory. The harmony of understated colours, carefully selected furniture, and refined accessories creates the captivating atmosphere of Petit Bois. Hotel guests also have the opportunity to visit fashion designer Kati Zoób’s Fashion Museum, located nearby. Elegance, harmony, and comfort flow from every corner of Petit Bois. Anyone who visits once is certain to fall in love with it – just as we did.
The wellness area is available to hotel guests 24 hours a day. The spa includes a jacuzzi, a swimming pool with counter-current system, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, infrared sauna, steam cabin, relaxation room, and an outdoor relaxation terrace. Complete relaxation is ensured by massage treatments, with two nationally recognised massage therapists welcoming guests in the Petit Bois massage area.
A small walking path was designed throughout the garden. Numerous intimate spaces have been created, evoking the atmosphere of little islands hidden among the reeds. Guests can also find hanging swings and several garden seating areas. It is an ideal place for a morning or afternoon conversation, but also for quiet moments of personal relaxation. The peaceful atmosphere is further supported by the adults-only concept: guests under the age of 14 are not accommodated.
We have saved one of the most extraordinary Petit Bois experiences for the end: the Rooftop bistro, the outdoor terrace area, and the cigar lounge. As soon as you enter the Rooftop, the captivating surroundings immediately draw your attention. Then your eyes stop at a brass binocular telescope. At first, we thought it was merely a decorative object – but it is not. It is fully functional and available for guests to use at any time, offering views across the lake towards Siófok on the opposite shore, the beaches, or the boats sailing near Tihany. The idea came from one of the owner and his wife’s trips to the United States, where they encountered a similar solution in a bar. It makes the restaurant atmosphere truly unique, unconventional, and memorable. Dining here requires prior reservation. The menu features seasonal dishes, with a strong focus on using as many local ingredients and regional products as possible. The concept encourages slow dining – allowing guests to truly experience the moment of eating and disconnect from their otherwise fast-paced lifestyles. The menu includes the house bread, the house apple pie – which is highly recommended – as well as a reinvented breakfast selection, specialty coffees, and dinner dishes. The owner’s wife is a dietitian, so healthy and balanced cuisine receives special attention. On the terrace, guests can enjoy special cocktails, wines, or champagnes while sitting at small tables in comfortable armchairs. A cigar lounge has also been created above the bistro; guests may visit it even without smoking a cigar and admire the breathtaking view, either during the day or after dinner.
Petit Bois opened its doors on 27 December 2024 and has welcomed guests ever since. Its uniqueness was recognised in 2025 with a Michelin Key, an award introduced in Hungary that year. Only three countryside accommodations in Hungary received this globally prestigious, highest-level recognition, and Petit Bois was one of them.
Thanks to its exceptional atmosphere, the hotel already has returning guests who request the same suite every time. Several private corporate events have been organised here with the entire hotel reserved exclusively for the company. The venue has also hosted intimate wedding ceremonies. We wholeheartedly recommend Petit Bois to anyone wishing to recharge, relax, and experience unforgettable moments in Balatonfüred.
Watch Csorba Dániel’s film presenting Petit Bois:
