Mystery of world’s loneliest house stuck on side of remote mountain range

You can barely see it embedded in the rock face of a remote mountain range, let alone trying to access the front door.

The world’s loneliest house stuck on the side of a remote mountain range has lain empty for 100 years — and its mystery remains.

Situated nearly 3000m above sea level in the midst of Italy’s sprawling Dolomite Mountains, the extraordinary home is embedded in the side of the rock face, The Sun reports.

The bizarre location of the abode known as Buffa di Perrero has puzzled people for decades who have speculated how earth removal men could ever make it up there.

Remarkably, the impressive property is believed to have been constructed over 100 years ago during World War I.

Savvy Italian soldiers are said to have built the shelter as a place to rest while battling the Austro-Hungarians across the rugged terrain.

They would have used the concealed pad to store supplies and take shelter from the enemy as well as the elements.

The unbelievable architecture would have only been accessible by rope ladders and makeshift cable carts – or the treacherous mountain trail that only those brave enough would dare ascend.

Explorers are warned the path, part of the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona, requires a “high level of fitness” to climb.

The Buffa di Perrero refuge in Monte Cristallo. Picture: Alamy

We hope there’s a back door. Picture: Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Veneto

The Via Ferrata – Italian for ‘iron path’ – is kitted out with steel ladders, rungs and cables built into the mountain for ramblers to use to navigate difficult sections.

Those who make it to the secluded spot can take a peek inside the mysterious pad.

But apart from admiring the structure and panoramic views from a stomach-churning height, there is little to see.

The narrow wood cladded room is strangely packed with several white wooden chairs, suggesting the soldiers or modern adventurers simply take the opportunity to put their feet up.

Which makes sense, as some of the trails on the Dolomites can take around a week to walk.

The house is run down. Picture: Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Veneto

Parts of the roof have opened. Picture: Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Veneto

The Auronzo section of Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) – a group that oversee hiking trails in the area – seem to have been inspired by the unusual pad, as they built a contemporary shelter to rival this historical one.

They commissioned a modern new hiking haven for tired travellers which sits by the Forcella Marmarole pass and can fit up to 12 people.

Its shell was spectacularly put into place by a helicopter while its positioning provides the illusion it is actually falling down the vast mountain range.

Explorers can take a ski lift so far before embarking on a gruelling five-hour trek to the stunning shelter.

This article was originally published by The Sun and reproduced with permission