Apartment Herz­kammer

In the Mark­gräf­lerland, where the Black Forest gives way to the Rhine Valley and the first hills of the Vosges beckon, lies the Herz­kammer 1719 – an old farm­house where art and life­style come tog­ether, along with two distinct holiday apart­ments. Despite its origins dating back to 1719, the house on the edge of the forest in Kandern is not a place of folklore, but of clean lines and deli­berate res­traint. It bears the strong imprint of its former owner, Konrad Winzer, a sculptor and award-winning restau­rateur who has left his mark on the entire pro­perty. Right at the ent­rance, visitors are greeted by two imposing stone sculp­tures that set the tone for what follows: spaces that make an impression without needing to explain them­selves. Inside, wood, stone, light and open spaces dominate. Every detail speaks of craft­smanship and dedi­cation, such as Konrad Winzer’s per­sonal sel­ection and pro­cessing of the Mark­gräfler woods.

Both holiday flats have been deli­berately designed to be dif­ferent: you reach the Herz­kammer 1 on the first floor via the artist’s studio – a large room beneath the his­toric roof truss that houses the kitchen, dining room and library. Cooking is done on an old Italian cast-iron stove (there are also two gas burners), washing up takes place in a stone trough from Alsace, and meals are enjoyed at the long walnut table whilst the fire crackles in the fire­place. A steep staircase leads to the open-plan bedroom and the roof terrace with views over the Rhine valley. The mate­rials are archaic, the idea behind them modern: a place where time plays no part.

Herz­kammer 2, in the new building com­pleted in 2025, com­bines his­to­rical traces with con­tem­porary lightness. The former roof truss and barn have been trans­formed into an open, light-filled living space on several levels, with large windows opening onto the land­scape. Com­bined with warm oak floors, they create a clean, con­tem­porary aes­thetic. The kitchen is func­tional, with deli­berate colour accents. A place where cooking, eating, and con­ver­sation flow seam­lessly into one another. Here, too, a staircase leads up to the sleeping gallery.

The garden at the rear of the house con­tinues this fusion of art and land­scape. Accom­panied by larger-than-life sculp­tures, you can stroll through the coun­tryside, perhaps sit down for an apé­ritif and let your gaze wander as far as Basel. Here, amidst vineyards, woods and small vil­lages, life seems a little more peaceful, a little more natural. Art and enjoyment are not just an occasion, but part of everyday life. A won­derful place to call home.

What to do

Walks and bike rides through the vineyards (two mountain bikes are available for guests’ use), trips to France and Switzerland (Basel and the French border are just 20 minutes away), a varied cultural programme ranging from museums (the Vitra Design Museum or the Fondation Beyeler) to exhibitions and concerts, and culinary discoveries in the local restaurants.

Why we like this house

A unique property that reflects the former owner's passion for art and cuisine. The quiet location directly on the edge of the forest is perfect for relaxing, but also for working.

This house is great for

A place for bon vivants and those seeking peace and quiet.

Details

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