Haus Nothweiler is a charming half-timbered building in the small village of Nothweiler, just 300 metres from the border with Alsace. The village is located in the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by the impressive natural landscape of the Palatinate Forest with the bizarre red sandstone formations of the Dahner Felsenland.
Built between 1720 and 1740, the historic building was actually slated for demolition – but the owners were so convinced of its value that they spent many years passionately and personally renovating the monument. The result is an ‘eco-house’ in the best sense of the word: with half-timbered architecture at its finest, sustainable building materials and contemporary technology.
The house is located in the centre of the village, right next to the church, and is a typical cross-wing house, which is common in the Palatinate: a combined residential-stable-barn unit, where the uses are combined under one roof – transversely to the ridge direction, i.e. side by side, not one above the other. Despite heritage preservation requirements, the desire for brightness, light and spaciousness could be realized when renovating the interior.
The living area was originally located on the left side of the building – today it is a spacious, light-filled holiday apartment with an open-plan ground floor featuring a kitchen with dining area and living area, as well as access to the terrace. A narrow staircase leads to the bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor. The formerly cramped and dark stables and barn have been converted into another holiday apartment. A steel spiral staircase not only connects three floors, but is also a striking design feature. The airy space extends up to the roof ridge, with light coming in from all sides. The rooms are modern, cosy and individually furnished.
Both apartments are suitable for four people and have a large garden area. The house also has the former bakery as a little extra.
What to do
The Palatinate Forest-Vosges Biosphere Reserve was recognised by UNESCO in 1998 as the first cross-border biosphere reserve. 75 percent of the area is forested – Haus Nothweiler is located right in the middle of it. It is perfect for hiking right from the front door, cycling, mountain biking, relaxing, forest bathing and enjoying the peace and quiet. Swimming lakes are about 10 km away, and culinary connoisseurs will also find something to their liking.
Why we like this house
Successful renovation of a 300-year-old half-timbered house
This house is great for
Holidays for families and friends: The house has two separate living areas – the main house and the barn – each offering plenty of space for four people.
Sustainability
Geothermal heating with hot water Public transport: Bus connection to the front door, Dahn–Wissembourg line, several connections per day
Owner
Haus Nothweiler is Hermann Fahlenbrach und Kerstin Habersang's third project after Vulkaneifelhaus and Kleines Vulkaneifelhaus. When deciding on a property, the architecture-loving couple carefully scrutinises the locations, focusing on a special atmosphere, tranquillity and natural surroundings. The hosts themselves enjoy travelling extensively and want to offer their guests something of high quality: rural and modern, peaceful and comfortable at the same time.
Details
| Region | DE – Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate, Southern Palatinate, Nothweiler |
| Name | Haus Nothweiler |
| Scenery | In the village centre next to the church |
| Number of guests | Max. 8; 4 guests per apartment |
| Completed | between 1720 and 1740 / renovation in 2025 |
| Design | Meckler + Partner, Kaiserslautern |
| Architecture | Listed building - old, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment, Holiday home |
| Criteria | 1-4 (house/apartment), Family, Garden, Hiking, Lake/river, Wine, No car needed |
| Same Partners | Kleines Vulkaneifelhaus, Vulkaneifelhaus |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.
One Comment
Wir waren 1 Woche zu Gast im Haus Nothweiler in der Südpfalz.
Das 300 jährige Bauernhaus ist sehr aufwendig saniert und ausgerüstet worden. Es gibt viel Platz für wenigstens 4 Leute, allerdings nicht unbedingt für Getrennt-Schläfer. Da es eine steile und enge Treppe gibt und auch etliche Stufen, ist das Haus für Gehbehinderte eher nicht zu empfehlen.
Hochwertige Möbel laden zum Relaxen und eine gut ausgerüstete Küche zum Kochen und Speisen ein. Ganz in der Nähe gibt es ein vorzügliches Restaurant, für das man am besten einen Tisch reserviert.
Zahlreiche Wanderwege direkt vom Haus aus führen in die Pfälzer Felsen-und Burgenlandschaft. Natürlicherweise muss man mit zum Teil steilen Wegen rechnen, der Wald und die Umgebung lohnen aber die Anstrengung.
Um einzukaufen oder die z.T. lohnenden Städtchen und Dörfer zu erkunden, ist ein Auto empfehlenswert.
Der Vermieter des Hauses und seine sehr netten und hilfsbereiten Mitarbeiter kümmern sich jederzeit um evtl. anfallende Probleme.
Die Unterkunft ist, auch bei schlechtem Wetter, zur Erholung bestens geeignet.