Holiday home schlicht & ergreifend: das Birdy

Yep, this is a real insider tip in the middle of Germany: some locals affectionately call their region – the Altmark – ‘in the middle of nowhere’. And that fits, because here, halfway between Hamburg and Berlin, there really isn’t much going on. Or at least not much that loudly and colourfully panders to travellers. Because there is plenty to see, explore and experience – but it wants to be discovered.

At the northern tip of the Altmark, the Aland flows into the Elbe, and nearby is Haus Birdy. It was built to replace the residential building of a former three-sided farmstead and corresponds to its predecessor in terms of cubature and height. And yet it does not copy, but sets new accents: with a pre-greyed wooden façade and generous openings through which one can see through the house and which capture the landscape.

Spaciousness is the defining theme inside as well: the living-dining room with kitchen almost has the character of a loft and extends up to the roof. This makes the room a full 6.50 metres high. Like the region itself, the house is equipped with everything you need, but nothing superfluous. A consistent focus on minimalism is a key feature – partly so as not to compete with the natural surroundings. The house celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Appropriately, the floor plan is clear and unpretentious.

From the house, you can look out over a natural perennial garden towards the Aland dyke across the adjacent pastures. It is like being a spectator in front of a natural stage where deer, storks, eagles, cranes and foxes make their appearance. The house is located on the edge of the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve and in the former border region between East and West, known as the Green Belt.

The surroundings change with the seasons. In summer, the light of the sunsets is as warm as it usually is in the south. In autumn, the morning mist lies over the meadows, making it impossible to stop taking photos. In winter, the cold sometimes bites and the air is crystal clear. Then, when the sky is cloudless, you can marvel at familiar and lesser-known constellations, as the area is largely spared from light pollution.

What else? Here you can enjoy peaceful yet special days. But be warned: the Altmark region wants to be conquered. Need a few ideas? You can explore some of the fieldstone churches – after all, this is the region with the most churches in Europe. Provided you’re not afraid to call the number on the door when the church is closed, you’ll be welcomed in and shown the medieval baptismal angel. Or you can eat your fill at the village festival from the lavish cake buffet provided by the country women – in return for a donation to the fire brigade. Or watch a nature painter at work. And just laugh heartily when the locals say once again: ‘The Altmark? There’s nothing here…’

Pictures: Frîa Hagen

What to do

Cycling: The network of paths is virtually endless and the tours are flat, the routes are well signposted and you rarely meet anyone else on your bike, even on normal roads. Hiking is also possible, but more on ‘trails’ than at altitude. Along the way, you can observe many animals, photograph rare plants and discover historical North German architecture. In summer, canoeing is also possible on the Aland. There are several lakes for swimming. Fishing is also possible. There are several worthwhile historical towns in the region, e.g. Tangermünde and Werben. The Altmark borders on other regions that are worth exploring, such as the Wendland and Prignitz.

Why we like this house

Minimalist, but with plenty of light and transparency. Simply put: a perfect nest amidst the Altmark.

This house is great for

For anyone who has had enough of ‘more’ – whether in interior design or the number of tourist attractions. Small groups of friends or families who want to spend time in nature, for example on long walks or bike rides.

Sustainability

Public transport: difficult – let's be honest. For the very brave, the house can be reached by bike from the ICE train station – it's 20 km to Wittenberge. The nearest shopping facilities are 10 km away, so a car is recommended.

Details

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