A military origin in the mountains
The first military presence was not the current building, but an earlier Baraque alpine de Bretaye, built in 1921 and named in 1922. It was created at the initiative of Colonel Vuilleumier, commander of Mountain Brigade 3, to develop ski training among troops.
By 1930–1931, that first hut was considered too small and unsuitable for mountain troop instruction. The project for a larger building was then pushed forward by the command of the 1st Division, with Colonel divisionnaire Henri Guisantaking charge in 1931, alongside his chief of staff Colonel Édouard Petitpierre.
The first stone was laid on 15 June 1932. The building was constructed by the Association de la cabane militaire de la Ière Division. The plans were by Captain Bauman, architect in Lausanne. The earthworks and stone extraction were done by sapper companies, masonry by M. Manzini, entrepreneur in Villars, and carpentry/interior cladding by military engineers.
1932: the military house is built
The original purpose was practical and strategic: to house troops using the Bretaye firing/training areas, especially for recruit schools, repeat courses and ski instruction. The wider idea was also symbolic: Guisan wanted a place where military and civilian mountain culture could meet.
The Municipality of Ollon supported the project partly because it would reduce the burden of housing troops in nearby villages and could bring economic activity to Villars during a difficult period for hotels.
From military use to public access
After WWII, use declined and sale options were discussed. A new Association de la Maison militaire de Bretaye was created in 1951. Then, on 20 January 1956, the Fondation de la Maison militaire de montagne was created by the State of Vaud and the association; the first foundation president was Vaud State Councillor Louis Guisan.
The public-facing exploitation under the foundation began on 1 January 1956. The mission evolved from military accommodation toward schools, youth groups, sports groups, families and private guests, while keeping an affordable/social vocation.
Today: a vibrant mountain destination
By 2013–2014, the Maison had been renovated and repositioned as a mountain hotel/restaurant with dormitories, rooms, apartment, restaurant, veranda and bar. The Canton of Vaud described it in 2014 as a former military house now welcoming groups, schools, families and individuals, with newly renovated dining/veranda/kitchen areas.
Today it is presented as a high-altitude hospitality venue at around 1,700–1,750 m, accessible by the Bex–Villars–Bretaye mountain train, with accommodation, restaurant, chalet bar, panoramic terrace, school offers, seminars and private/company events.
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