The traditional houses of the Engadin are instantly recognisable, and for centuries have lent such villages as Zuoz, Guarda and La Punt their unmistakable character.In bygone days, the broad saddle roof of the houses would shelter the entire property of an Engadin farming family – living accommodation, cowshed, hayloft, cellar, store and a covered forecourt. The entrance to the house was an elaborately decorated main doorway that led into the Sulèr or hallway. This would serve as a storeroom and working room – as well as, in summer, a dining room. Up a few steps was the Stüva – a parlour, usually decked out with Swiss stone pine panelling, and the showpiece of every Engadin house.Another striking characteristic is the highly imaginative sgraffito decoration on the façades. These elaborate ornamentations are scratched out of the plaster while it is still damp, and show up beautifully thanks to the contrast between the dark and light tones of the two plaster colours.